Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1882 04 12)

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Entered according to Act of Comgress, in the year 1882, by FRANK TOUSEY, in the office of tne Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Matter. 2 FRANK TOUSEY, Pusiisuer, 34 & 36 NortH Moore Street, N. Y. { PRICE Wo. 44. {| COMPLETE. } New York, April 12, 1682. - IssuzD EvERY WEDNESDAY, (5 CENTS. Vol. I TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr, A Chip of the Old Block. —_. “By PETER PAD. other in the most perfect Dewilderment, “ Pile on the coal and brimstone!” shouted Bil Gunn, in a deep, sepulchral voice. Ph SB FF ES i ae Re eRe. PAF eRe Tk See Sete Te aie, Daey OP 9 6 uum tie i * ‘+ Thay glared at each

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~ , — Tommy TOMMY BOUNCE, ir. OR, unce, Jr; A CHIP OF THE OL.D BLOCK. By PETER PAD, Author of ‘* Bob Rollick; or, What Was He Born For?” ‘‘ Ebenezer Crow,” ‘‘ Stump; or, Little, but Oh, My!” ‘' Chips and Chin Chin,” “* Tons Dick, and the ——,” ‘‘ Tumbling Tim,” “Tommy Bounce,” ‘‘ Tommy Bounce at Colleg Good Luck,” ‘‘ Tommy Dodd,” ‘ Shorty in Search of His Dad,” ‘* The Vs CHAPTER I. , FRrEnps of Peter Pad! Do you. remember the adventures of Tommy Bounce? Of course yeu do. Many a Jaugh have you had over Tommy and his capers. ¢ The record of his career with the first num- bers of THE Boys OF NEW YORK, and in spite ofthe * many inte you have seen in it since then, : in spite of the many laughs you have enjoyed, you re- member Tommy Bounce. All right. Well, Tommy got married, and settled down to a sober, ere business man, and 3 solid member of society. e forgot or put away all boyish capers, became @ solid man, with a solid bank account, having succeeded his uncle in posness, and in due course of time found himself the father of a <onerines bouncing boy, and he at once had him ¢ Thomas aioe = in d the fathe e young one grew in years, an e r grew more and more mature, until a person would hardl have suspected that he had ever a the wag the read. * er knows him to have been. But as the child grew in strength and stature, —_ ation, of the old block, which caused the proud father to smile, but to think seriously within himself sometimes whether the kid would up so full of the “old white horse’’-as he had or not. native country town. And his attention was called to him at first by a com- plaint ofa colored servant who had the charge of him (or was supposed to have), 8 man by the name of Eb- enezer Crow, who, besides being the family coachman was required to look after little Tommy, and see that he did not get into mischiet This Ebenezer Crow is not al r unknown to the readers of THE Boys OF New York, but after get- the father of a kid, about to his Tegular duties and afer young Tommy Bounce, as well as his own little ee tie amusement sey. a) to have was ting with little George n Abraham Lincoin,Eben- ezer’s first-born and only one. And it was Ebenezer who first called his father’s attention to the deviltry of little Tommy, “and the im ty of ‘his doing anything with “ Massa Bounce, I don’ can’t do nuffin wid dat boy,” said he, with a sigh, ome day. ** What is that say, Evenezer, you can’t do any- _. ,@d Mr. Bounce, A » ay Wing Keo cat Say Bom ean at bo Wat 4 a m'cream as iv +. refs Bap a I don’t want ter hurt your feelinks, sah, fo’ I's a farder myseif, but dat mo’ mischief and square deviltry in him “Why, what does he do?” “Massa Bounce, I don’t want fo’ ter harm your @eelinks, fo’ I’s a farder myself, but if you will tell 2 eS ‘ Trip Around the World,” etc.,-etc. me somefin’ dat he don’t do, I frow up de allega- tions.” “ But what particular grievance have you ?”” “He in de stable wid dat kid ob mine an’ take a stick an’ make der horses kick up to see if dey won’t knock little George Washington Abraham Lincoln’s head off with der hoofs, an’ he is in de kitchen tippin’ ober things and raisin’ de debil wid my wife, an’ den he all ober de house into all sorts ob mischief, takin’ little George iiherseg) 394 Abraham Lincoln ‘long wid him, an’ I’s awful *fraid dat he spile him fo’ ” “Spoil him for good? Why, what do you mean?” “ Well, make him jus’ as bad as he is.’ ““Why, a child of his age cannot be so bad, I am cer- tain,” said Mr. Bounce, “Don’t seem 80, Massa Bounce, but I will say, fo’ de | tim Lord, dat I neber seed nufiln dat could hold a candle to him fo’ all sorts of mischief. What you fink he do de other day?” “Tam sure I cannot tell.” ie You know de ole gray cat?’”? ve “s aaeee know de pet Guinea pig?” “* Well, what yas *spect he do ?’” * How should I know, unless you tell me?’? “Well, I tole you what he do. He gota stout string an’ he tie de hin’ leg ob dat cat to de hin’ leg ob dat Guinea pig, an’ den he let ‘em go.”’ “And didn’t they go?’ asked Mr. Bounce, while a smile stole over his “Did dey go! Ax e ‘body dat libs on dis yer block if dey didn’t go. Up-stairs an’ down-stairs— htin’, growlin’, and a-squealin’, thumpin’ an’ and a-bumpin’, frightenin’ eberybody in de house out ob der five senses, and he a-runnin’ after dem, followed oy my boy, George Washington Abraham Lincoln, outin’, langhin’, an’ yellin’ like a little Injun. An’ finally dey got out inter de back yard an’ raise such a Tumpus dat ebery dog on de block was a-barkin’ ebery cat a-yeowin’ an’ eberybody lookin’ out ob aé back winders an’ shoutin’ fo’ de police. How dat?” Mr. Bounce straightened his face out the best he could, and said that such things were very wrong. and that he would surely have to correct Tommy for it, “ An’ what yon ’spect he do de odder day?’ “I of course cannot even guess.” “T tole you what he do, sah, I tole you. I war only ae comin’ home wid de coach, after drivin’ Mrs. unce an’ her mudder out for some shoppin’, when I found dat Tommy an’ George Washington Abraham Lincoln had built a firein de middle ob de ee house, an’ war a tryin’ ter make ‘lasses candy by boilin’ ‘lasses in an ole tomato can. How’s dat? Right on de stable floor “That was certainly very wrong, and I shall call him severely to an account for such mischief,” said Mr. Bounce. “Well, I make him stop dat "bout fa Be: as you break up a hen’s nest, but what you he do den?” *“T cannot even guess,”’ “ Well, I tole ye what he do, I take off my libery hat wid de fancy cockade on it, an’ put it away in de closet in de’stable whar I allus keep it. Well, while I warn’tlookin’ dat little—’scuse me, Massa Bounce, for I’s a fadder myseif—dat little—little-——"’ * Master Bounce?” a Ch he takes dat "lasses an’ pour it all inter my Mr. Bounce turned away to laugh without being “Yes, sah. An’ de day ahead ob yesterday I got all ready ter drive de ladies out, and put on dat hat. ‘Jasses were kinder cold an’ stiff like, an’ I didn’t notice it, put put de hat on my head an’ goout wid de team jus’same as Iallusdo, But bimeby dat "lasses kinder get warm up an’ begin ter run inter my wool, s o e,” ** Shorty; or, Kicked into Shortys’ L an’ down on my face, an’ down my neck, an’ jnter my eyes while I were on Fifth avenue. An’ eberybody laugh an’ yell at me, an’ ask me who had be“u givin’ me taffy, an’ what! carried it in my hat fo’.”? ; Mr. Bounce laughed right out, and most heartly at this, for there was no use of trying to keepitin. He remembered his own youthful pranks, and bejore he was aware ofit, and while for the moment forgetting that he was a father, he actually applauded the * taffy ”? trick, and regretted that he had not been a witness to it. ‘*Massa Bounce, I never war so mad an’ shamed in my life.”? S “T don’t wonder at it, Ebenezer.” “ Now what do I do? How I keep my eye on a chile like he? I tole you, sah, he got de best ob me all de e. “Never mind; I will take the young man in hand and prune him up a little; I have been too negiectful - of him,’’ said Mr. Bounce, turning away, and going in Search ofhis young hopefnl. “Prune him! By golly, I think that he will hab ter graft him close down to de seta te den kill de graft afo’ he will make a ob But I mus” look out fo’ my George Washington Abraham Lincoln, orhe will clamtaminate him so dat dar will be no livin’ wid him. Dat Tommy am sho ter make a wuss an “If I catch him up to any ob dem tricks, Spank de butt end all off ob him. *. “Tommy, come here,’’ said Mr. Bounce, about five minutes his conversation with his coachman, eZeT. The little fellow started up from his work of two kittens together by the tails, and came fo! looking as honest as'a new cheese. “ Go! pp icrensian Be me, pop?” he asked. “ What?? “Pan out; show up.” . om “ What?’ again exclaimed his rig almost para- lyzed at the cheek and slang of irst and only Tm. ‘ “DPumpl? - - “ ihe fer a a if] hear se ve gota g sound fi for you any more about your tricks rene tet about the house, Understand ?*? “I don’t tumble, dad,” said Tommy, looking as serious as ever. “Tumble! Where did you get that word?’ i Mond 4G Hate baa e nd that you are getting to be a very boy, and Ebenezer tells me that you give him a deal of trouble, and I want to tell you that if stor of any more of your mischievous pranks, I shall take you Over my knée and warm you until you howl. Un- derstand?’ and then he repeated to himself: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” : “T didn’t do nuffin,’ “What! How about building a fire in the stable? How abont pouring molasses into Ebenezer’s hat?” The little rascal Jaughed, and his father tumed away De | to do the same thing, although he took good care not to let Tommy see him.” “Did the coon say that?’’ “The coon! “Did he give me away?”

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“Come here, you little rascal!’? and Mr. Bounce snatched that little “tough? of his and landed him belly down upon his lap. And then he went for his uppermost and most bulb- ous part with the flat of his hand, causing Tommy to howl and beg for mercy. Tommy looked somewhat sad-eyed the next morn- ing when he came to breakfast, and his fath®r and * mother had on their severest faces, to convince him that he had been a very bad boy, and that if he did not instantly reform, he would get skinned like an eel, But he soon forgot the warning, and Mr. Bounce, as he went to could but smile and remember how very like his son he was at the same age; how ® traly the perwsaa a chip of the old block. Tommy, although feeling as though he had much rather stand up than sit down, still remembered that it was the coachman, Ebenezer Crow, who had given him away to his daddy, and his one immediate object Ga to get hunk on him; but how to do it he hardly ewe / But that afternoon while Eben was cleaning off one of the horses, Tommy stationed himself near at hand with a “bean-blower.’? Every boy knows how they work, and so there is no occasion to explain them. Ebenezer was dressed in his ‘‘duster,” and was working away around the legs and heels of a spirited horse, when Tommy blew @ bean with all his force, and struck the animal near the eye, causing him to jump and prance around at a lively rate. ““Whoa, dar! What’s der matter wid yer, hey? Want ter step all ober my foots?’ he yelled, slapping ai fg ith a currycomb. ‘Feel mighty nice, ion’ r : At moment Tommy shot off another bean, and this time hit™the horse squarely in the eye, causing him to kick up and knock poor Ebenezer sprawling. *“ Whoa—whoa—whoa!”’ he groaned, as he gathered himself oP again. “‘Wha—wha der matter wid yer? Wheat! - Keep down dem heels. Wanter kill der bes’ coachman in New York? Don’t yer shake yer head atme. I ain’t done nuffin agin yer. , Whoa, Billy, whoa, What’s der matter?” e Tommy was watching affairs through a knothole in & partition, through which he aimed his bean-blower, and after Ebenezer got fairly at work again, he sent in another bean with all his ‘ht, causing the horse to kick and stamp around wildly. “ Whoa, I say! What’s der matter wid yer? Drefful ticklish ter day, ain’t wt Whoa, or!I break five or six ob yer ribs, shuah |’? And so the little rascal Kept at it until he had wor- ried the horse nearly ms when Eben happened to discover one of the beans he had blown at the horse; that is to say, he had observed it when it hit the ani- mal and then fell to the floor. In an instant a new light broke in upon him, and he knew that all his sorrow was traceable to but one cause—Tommy Bounce. And so he made a rush to get behind the partition, hoping to catch Tommy in the act. But that wide- awake little hopeful was ont of the way long before he got around, and he was so puzzled that ht hardly knew whether the beans rained down or not. But his own kid, George Washington Abraham Lin- coln gave Tommy away and told his daddy all about the racket, and once more Ebenezer had his back up, and his mind made up to tell Mr. Bounce all about it. That night, however, little Tommy got in on the lit- tle coon to square on him for blabbing, and gave him an a drubbing. This of course brought Ebenezer to the front, and for a while things looked decidedly squally, but through the kind offices of old Granny Bounce, the matter was quieted and the children put into their re- Spective beds. ' But still Tommy had it in for that little coon, and Tesolved to get square some time, The next evening they were playing together in the -roo tis to say, Tommy was playing with the little darkey, and they were to all appearance hav- ing a good time. Ebenezer Crow was watching them with a broad grin overspreading his fat mug, and finally he got the little fellow to dancing for the amuse- Ment of the family. “Tommy can’t dance,” said he, after he had received the applause of the company. “Can’t! Well, I can puta head on you if I can’t dance,” said Tommy. This rather pleased his father, who at once ae that they should both get upon the-table and have a Ww An match, although the ladies were greatly op- But Tommy was ready for it, and in a few moments were upon the table, while their parents gathered round to see the sport. nce. “Bah! yer no coony. I'll tell yer what I'll do: I'l run yer a ovtace here on the table,” said dated "7 beta ¥ . shonted Tommy, and at the same time seizing the little coo: u 1 : m by the wool, he began to kick s iy. “ There's a step yer don’t know, coony,” said he, while the little darkey yened like a senok pg; causing exception everybody in the room to Ebenezer Crow and his wie a he “ss “ Hole on dar!" yelled Eben, “to leP shouted Str hounee” forging Himseit for the moment. . “Go it, you littie rassal ie nz 7) — " ; > 4 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. ““Why, Thomas |? exclaimed Mrs. Bounce. “The idea—yonu a husband and father.” “Well, let em have it out, now they are at it, for I have noticed that the little coon puts on airs now and then, and it is just as weil that he should find out who his master is.”” “Why, Thomas, I am astonished,” said his mother, holding up her hands in horror. “ That is notthe way I brought you up.” ‘‘No, mother, but I managed to come up that way myself. Hold on there, Tommy, what are you doing, ak! young rascal?’? he added, suddenly remembering The fight came to asuddep termination, and the ee and white kids turned to their respective dad- es. “George Washington Abraham Lincoln, what you do dar? Stop dat yellin’, or I’ll bust yer in de snoot,”” =m Ebenezer, snatching his crying kid from the ie. ; “Come here, you young vagabond ; how dare you fight in my very presence?’ said Mr. Bounce, seizing hopeful and rushing kim from the dining-room into the parlor, ‘“‘How dare you’ Have I not always taught you to be agood boy and not fight? Now, you go to bed.” Poor Tommy! He obeyed orders, and still he was uncertain whether his father was his friend or his enemy. But he concluded that he had gotin all of his fine work on that little coon, and so he went to sleep satisfied and happy. As for Mr, Bounce, he deeply regretted his momen- forgetfulness, and resolved from that time forth to ‘w the reins closer and bring up his child in the way he should go. 2 * He is getting old enough now, and we must send him to school,” said he, to his wife, afterwards. And so it was agreed to curb his deviltry by send- ing him to the public school, that the teachers might have & chauce to share in his bounding effervescence. “That's all right,” said Tommy, when apprised of the new departure for his benefit; “ but I’m going to have some in school or out of school, and dad needn’t forget it”? ee / CHAPTER ITI. So Mr. Bounce sent Tommy to one of the public schools, hoping to take his mind off of mischief and start him on the high road of learning, although he could not forget his own experience at school, and how little its influences ten: to make him the solid man he now was. : Going to school for the first time in his life was of course a novelty to Tommy Bounce, Jr., as it is toan boy. Butthe novelty soon wore off and deviltry too the place of it. ° ere wasn’t a thing that he wasn’t into in the shape ~

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& fighting, yelling, and squalling was not often 1 in that village, and there was nobody laughing n either, ut they finally escaped into the house, leaving the indignant bees triumphant, and ready for somebedy else to stir them up. : If you were ever stung by a bee, you know how uickly it swells up, and in less than five minutes there were three of the homeliest and most comical- looking people in that house ever seen. Ebenezer had been stung on one corner of his mouth, and when it began to swell, it began to push his mouth around on one side of his face, while the swelling under one of his eyes closed it completely, and Ebenezer was a beauty. ** Hold on dar!” yelled Eben. “ Leave As for G. W. A. L., he had been stung on the nose and under the chin, the swelling of which caused him to throw his head back so that he could look straight up into che sky, and keep it there, while his nose grew to such enormous proportions that it looked like a big red beet set up on top of his head. Tommy was stung in several places, and he didn’t feel a bit fanny over it, althongh he stuck to it that the bees attacked him without the least provocation. One of his ears had been tickled by the business end of one of the honey gatherers, and it now looked like an overgrown toadstool, while a big lump on his fore- head nearly closed one of his eyes and made his hat ever 80 much too small for him. But this wasn’t the worst of it; one of them had paid his respects to him on that portion of his body uséd the most in sitting down. and he was obliged to stand up during the next two days. © They were dreadfully fanny ta look at, but neither of them found any sport in it worth speaking of. As for Ebenezer, he wasn’t well enough acquainted with the bees to knew whether they were mad or not, but he knew that he was mad, and so was his wife when she beheld her handsome kid. Poultices -were in (great demand for the next few hours, although it was nearly a week before either of them jooked very natural. But it is a safe bet that Tommy Bounce kept well ’ away from those beehives after that, and it was while laid up with his wounds that he coaxed his father into buying him a goat and cart, promising all sorts of good that he would be and do if he would only get him one. Well, feeling rather sorry for the pain he had suffer- ed, and thinking that perhaps the goat and cart would not only aford him amusement but keep him out of mischief. Mr. Bounce was foolish enough to buy him the aniwal : : : "lone dat boy,” added the mother. TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. He bought Inm in New York and brought him out the next time he visited home, but he had so much trouble in getting him to the depot and on board the train that he said cuss words enough to load a ship with, and finally had to hire some men to hold him down while he tied his legs, after which he was chuck- ed into the baggage car. And then when he arrived at his destination Tommy was there to take possession of the goat, as he had ee out any quantity of fun that he would have Ww t. Bat there wasn’t so much fun at first as he had cal- culated on, for that goat was a butter and a savage one. After they had untied his legs and allowed him to get into a natural position once more, the ‘first little rascal,” thing ‘he did, and that without stopping to be intro- duced, was to back a few steps and go for Ebenezer Crow, striking him squarely on his stern as he was stooped over, and knocking him sprawling over a lot of trunks which stood on the platform. “Whoa, dar! Stop dat kickin’ 1”? he roared, believ- ing that the horses had kicked him. This of course created a laugh, Tommy doing the loudest ew of it, as the coachman picked himself up and got behind a big trunk. ““Who--who—what’s de matter? Who frow dat brick?’? he moaned, while trying to collect his scat- tered senses. He gazed wildly around and rubbed the seat of his pants. Another loud laugh greeted him from all hands, and Ebenezer looked sorry. S “Thats my goat, Ebenezer,”’ said Tommy. “He was only shaking hands with yer.” “ Confoun’ yer goat, what he kick me fo’?” “Wants ter get acquainted with yer, that’s all. Brace up and shake hands with him.” The goat began to prance around as ifto get another crack at the darkey, who proceeded to get out of the way. “Keep him ’way. ‘Pears like dat dar war mischief ough h afo’ widout dat goat, Guess I frow. up my place,” he added, as he climbed into his seat on the coach. “Ok, Tommy will be very careful to teach his goat good manners, won't you, Tommy f”’ * Yes, sir,” said Tommy, smiling. “That's a boy.” : “Oh, yes, he mighty good boy, he be,”? muttered for the purpose of riding home from the depot, but after getting butted over five or six times and the wind depot to his house. nparly knocked out of him, he conelude dto lead his harness and wagon along. 3 But he hadn’t enjoyed so much fun since he stirred up the bees as he had in getting that goat fron the But he finally succeeded in getting home, and tied his goat t@a tree that stood in front of the house, after which he was glad to sit down and take a rest. “ Go it,” shouted Mr. Bounce, forgetting himself for amoment. “ Go it, you Then he yelled, and Ebenezer rushed out to see what the trouble was, i ‘Fo’ de Lor’, Tommy, I’se gwine to murder dat goat,’? said he, ; “101 bet yer won't. Keep yer kid out-of his way, then he won't get hurt,” said Tammy. . “Took out that he dont fix you first?" Look out that he don’ you Ebenezer picked up his dripping, squaliing kid, and l d him into the kitchen. - a et on him bein the wringing-machine, E ‘ommy, laughing merrily. . But Ebenezer was too mad fo take any notice of the remark, and Mr. Bounce, who was standing at one of the windows, turned away for a good laugh after witnessing the kid's unexpected bath. Old Mr. and Mrs. Bounce felt that they were about to live their lives over again with Tommy Bonnce, Jr.; and although they loved thelr grandson dearly, the prospect was not at all flattering. . After the goat had given the little moke his even- ing bath in a very unexpected manner, he began to nibble at the grass and to show that he had his appe- tite with him. Then Tommy proceeded to give two or three heads of cae for his supper, and in various ways to convince him that he was the best friend he had in the world, provided he butted every- body else but him. This the goat—surnamed Bill—seemed to agree to, and before pa: company for the night they were seemingly good frien F ds. The next morning he gave him a first-class fast, and still further Knitted the bond of friendship between them, until Billy became erg to the harness and the novelty clarawing cart. There were one or two runaways before he became thoroughly broken in, the result of which was several

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5 aaa Ra hc ae pice 2 eR ee OE POE SY ie ee ee en ee ee ee TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. ee ea ee SS eEe—eEoEoOoEoDoeEeaoanaaooaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaeeee ee —0o0OOONDe Scars and scratches, and several rents in Tommy’s clothing. . But at the end of a week he had him thoroughly con- quered, and a prouder boy than he was when seated in his little cart, and trotting Billy up and down the road, wonld have been hard to find. And he used often to take the little Crow into the cart with him for a ride, and nearly frighten the life out of him as he urged the goat into his fastest gait. But gradually Billy seemed to understand. his youthful master, and to take part in his mischievous pranks, especially when there was any butting to be done. There was an old fellow by the name of Cox, who lived about half a mile away, who took every occasion *“Qh—oh! help—help! murder! thieves! robbers! Take ’em off !’? shouted the old man, while the goat was kicking him in the head like a young mule. As for Tommy Bounce, he was mixed up so much that he scarcely knew who he was or where he was, and little George Washington Abraham Lincoln Crow thought he was certainly murdered, and yelled even more lustily than old Cox did. “T’m a dead man! Oh—oh—oh! Thieves and high- waymen! Take ’em off!’’ he yelled again. But finally ‘Tommy ma: to extricate himself from the wreck, and yet before he could regain his feet and recapture his pugnacious goat, the lively lit- tle animal had got another chance at Mr. Cox. The old fellow rolled over and got up on all fours, expecting every minute to be murderer in cold blood, “You are a murderer; you stabbe.' person intending to xd sent to the Reform School, yes, sir, Pll ma ample of you.” “ What are you going Tommy, laughing at the old fellow’s wrath. * “J—Pll kill him outright,” said he,going to adi ister a kick to the animal. : “ But “* Billy ? was out of his troubles by this ti haying worked himself free of his harness and ci ofthe cart. Consequently he was all ready for some more fun. ‘ Cox didn’t get him that time, but as he turned to chastise Tommy some more, he got a tremendous bang behind from “Billy” that made him feel sick and inclined to give up the fight. ONS Old Cox discovered that there was some kind of sensation in his rear, and he began to skip with the grace of a tame lobster. he could find to annoy Tommy and his goat, and tosay that they both ought to be suppressed. Tommy fairly ached to get even with the old rooster and the goat appeared to be inspired with the same’ feelings, for whenever he saw him coming he would rear up en his hind legs and go through the motions of Dusting the stuffing out of him. One day Tommy and the little darkey were out rid- ing on the road, when they ee discovered old Cox just ahead of them, walking leisurely along, and apparently in deep thought. “Hush! don’t say &@ word, cooney, an’ let’s see what - Billy will do,” said Tommy, speaking in a whisper. But the poor little coon was too much frightened at the mane Tommy was urging the goat into to make any reply. Tommy stood up and with his whip urged him on faster»and faster, while the little darkey held on for dear life, his eyes ‘sticking out like two peeled onions. The-road was rough, and the little cart bounded up and down as it sped along. ger ime but little noise, as the road was soft, and fat old Mr. Cox did not dream of the fan there was in — for him. * Nearer and nearer the bill at approached, seem- ingly knowing that his oath. hadto be dealt with, and all the while doing his level best to overtake bim. Tommy put the gad to him like alittle major. Just then old Cox discovered that there was some kind of sensation in his rear. and he began to skip with the grace of a tame lobster. : CHAPTER III. Wir a plunge which threw both of the boys out of the cart, Tommy’s billy goat landed head first upon the, broad back of tumbling the boys out the goat on to: thin | d direst comteeinen Pp he oe n the wildest ani s ‘presenting once again that broad and shining mark that the goat had reached: so. successfully before, and at it he went, striking him a tremendous blow and ending the old fellow on his nose.a few feet further ahead. “Oh—oh—oh! Now I am dead! Now I am stab- beans he roared, picking himself up with great dim- culty. ‘ Tommy was in time to see the last show, and he laughed heartily over it of course, while little George Washington Abraham Lincoln was_trying to pull himself out of a muddy ditch, into which he had been thrown almost out of sight. “Oh, you vagabond! Oh, you—I—I——” and rais- ing his umbrella for a terrific whack, he went for Tommy, who skipped like a terrier. Around and around he ran, pursued by Cox, who in turn was pursued by the goat. He didn’t get within striking distance of Tommy, but the goat managed to get near enough to Cox to visit him. two or three times with his hard head almost knocking the wind out of him every time, and cansing him to grunt like a kicked pig. ~~ Finally he turned from Tommy to the goat, evidently determined to pound him into hash, and in the strug- gle the spunky little animal got tangled up in his harness and fell over helpless upon his back. Cox went for him red hot, but after he had given aint or three heavy blows Tommy went to the rescue. Taking a big pin from his pocket, he shoved it into the fattest portion of the old man’s body, causing him to whirl around and yell like a stuck pig. Then he ran for Tommy again, thus giving the goat a chance to extricate himself, and consequently the wrathy.old rooster failed to get at either one of thera. “Oh, you murderous young yillain! ’'H get even’ with you for this,’ he yelled, shaking his. fist at Tommy, who was far enough away to be in safety. “Oh, you young villain! you diabolical little rascal, TL have you in prison ‘before night. se¢ if I don’t,” eae: taking a seat on a rock near by to recover his “J didn’t do nothin’. It was ‘Billy,’ ” said Tommy, laughing. * “Oh, you young rascal, you set him on, and you afterwards stabbed me with a knife at least a foot long! Ah! I am bleeding!’ he added, springing up and rubbing the place he had been sitting on.* Tommy laughed until he was red in the face, and the goat came siding up to him, shaking both ends of himself and acting just as though he wanted the fun to continue. “ T shall go to your parents, and if they uphold you in this deviltry, I'll have them arrested as well.” “All right. Go for dad,” said Tommy. “Yes, I will. I'll see if such things are to be al- lowed,"? said_he, getting up and limping away, but turning quickly around every few steps, justas though he expected to receive further visits from the business end of that hard-headed goat. Tommy at once turned his attention to rearranging his goat and cart. _ The little nig was bellowing like a bull calf. His head, wool, eyes, and mouth were full of mnd, and he stood with outstretched hands, which | were also covered with the-sticky article, and seemed to think that his final end had come. “Shut up! What's the matter with yer?” said Tommy. = **Bah—bah—bah! I's all over!” was all he would say, but he kept up his yell. “If you don’t shut up I'll throw yer inter the brook there, yer big booby! Can't yer. have a Tittle fun witbont blubberin’ like asick calf? Dry up?? “Bah—bah—bah! Is all over!” “Oh, IH fix you ?’ and leaving his work upon the harness, he caught up the little nig and threw him » which he ran while out of ime; 1’! havee house about as soon : nresence of his ter do with my goat ?* 02 end, al-

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TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. a ee a a RP said he, as he proceeded to put in a few finishing Knots. “What you do?” asked the little Crow. “ Yoking up ther bulls.’? “What fo’ ?’” “Why, we're going ter have a a ride.” “Whar ?? ; “On the bulls.” “Golly, won’t that be fun!” “Yer bet it will. Come, now, that’s all right. Git ap on the red bull, and I'll take the speckled one. Here ‘ou gor? a added, boosting the little nig upon the It’s back. : Then he got a box to stand on that enabled him to amount the other bull, and with a switch he began to toueh up the lazy animals. . Finally, they began to wonder what they had a load on their backs for, and so started slowly ahead. But in doing so they became separated a little, or just enough to pull each other’s tails, which, of course, woke them up a bit. . ance. they began to run, at first alongside of each other. “Gee up! gee whoa! whoa!” yelled Tommy, as he wee aire an! len hed the little nig, as h ; s yal aughed the little nig, as he cl to the talrot the bull. & ae It was bully fun for him just then, but the business bad only just commenced. 3 “Whoop her up!”* yelled Tommy, hitting first one and then the other of the bulls, causing them to run like mischief. ‘*G’lang!” Just then Ebenezer Crow discovered the circus and the imminent danger that his own precious kid was in. “Oh, oh, Lo’d o’ massy!"’ he exclaimed, as the two bulls came tearing around into the open lot between the house and barn. ‘ Dey’ll be killed all ter pieces fo’ shuah; whoa, dar, whoa!’ he yelled, starting on a run after them. But being fat and lazy, he could not overtake them hel qegntime Mgr were pulling wee others ca endeavo to get apar' were unable to do, aoe course they became very mai “Whoa, dar! whoa—whoal exclaimed Ebenezer, rushing up and trying to rescue his kid from his peril: ous position. vos yp herup! G’lang!’? shouted Tommy, apply- dng moreé gad to the bulls. = dar, whoa!” said Ebenezer, coaxing! Whoa, ly. But when he was on the point of taking little George Washi: nm Abraham Lincoln from the bull’s back, - Mr. wheeled suddenly upon him, and catching him with his short hor1is just where he sat down, he raised him into the air about ten feet. He came down plump upon his belly, knocking the wind and life ino him, ences that setts Grand Bounce upand cut the ropes whic a Bulls together, allowing ae ere went,- smashing down @ gard rus “No, yer don’t, old man!’ said he, while the bull pellowed, paved: thd earth, and shook his head at hi oe > “Oh, it's all right. I understand. You needn’t bow and scrape, and be so polite; I’m much obliged all the same. No, thank you, I won’t come down. I don’t care to ride any further; I’ve had enough, oid fellow. Go an’ see Ebenezer; he wants some more. Ta-ta!’’ said he. Meantime Tommy’s mother, grandparents, and everybody about the place had rushed to the rescue, expecting, of course, to find him dead or all broken to AS for- Ebenezer Crow, he picked himself up with aimicalty, and still holding his Kt belly in both hands, he limped toward the house, followed by the little nig, bellowing as though half dead. The infuriated bull was finally driven from the tree in which Tommy had taken refuge, and the litde ras- cal was ordered down. ‘“"Phomas Bounce, you will surely be the death of wae said his mother, seizing him by the arm. “Only Wait until your father comes home, and I’ll warrant you will get the warmest basting you ever had.”” I didn’t do no » said he. “Nothing! I should say not. What mischief will you get into next?’ “ — “A Hae gS grandfather. “What made you tie the bulls Tr together?’ * Well, I couldn’s yoke ’em by the head, so I thought Td yoke ’em by the tail so that me an’ little Crow could have a ride together, that’s all,” said he, laugh- ingly. ts You are a very bad boy,’’ said his mother, “and you shall go without your dinner to pay for it. Re- member, how.” 2 “And when your father comes I shall tell him all aboutit,” added his grandmother. “Well, can’t fellow have any fan?’ = Fun Do you call such dangerous business as that fun??? “Ofcourse. There ain’t no fun unless yer has a lit- tle excitement.”’ “ And look at peor Ebenezer and his boy,” said his grandfather. Tommy turned just in time to see them, and in spite of himself he burst into a loud fit of laughter, while the kid-kept roaring and Ebenezer continued his grunting. “Tommy Bounce, I—I’s gwine to pay you fo’ dis yer,”? moaned Eben. “Pay me? Yer don’t owe me nothin’,” said he, laughing. ‘Go pay the old bull.” “Tommy Bounce, de debil hab got a mortgage on you fo’ certain,” “All right.”? ae he’s gwine fo’ ter fo’close on it in a berry little while.” ** Going for clothes??? = “Don’t trifle wid me, chile, fo? I’s bad! said he, savagely. “Where do yer feel the most bad—in yer bread-bas- ket?” he asked, laughing. “Thomas Bounce, you behave yourself,’’? said his mother, going to the house. “All right, mammy; honest Injun.” “You was born ter be hung fo” shuah, and I knows it,” said Ebenezer. “ What's the matter with you ?’ ““Wha’ you do, oy 7 “Hay 1 I didn’t do anything with hay.” _~ ‘Wha? you do wid dem bulls; wha’ dat bull do wid er “Raised yer, I guess,” said he, la f “Wha’ he do wid. little George Washington Abraham Lincoln?” “Give it up.” : \ “ All right; now min’ wha’ you farder do ter you «iene Neary home, jus’ you min’ dat, I tole him all a “Oh, bah! Why didn’t you keep out of the way; then the bull wouldn’t have touched yer. Never fool with a bull, Squeezer,” said he, la and turning away. 5 Tfool wid you bimeby, you bet,” he muttered, go- i see how nearly his little nig was used up. is indignant wife met him at the kitchen door. She Lincoln for disebeying her aud playing with ‘Tommy ncoln for diso ig her an ES ‘omm Bounce, and she was all ready Fear epatteor: us “Ebenezer Crow, I’se gwine fo’ ter leab you. Hear dat?” she asked, savagely. “Who dar—what dat?” *1Cos you is such a big fool. Butit serve me right. Iallus knowed dat you warn’t half witted.”” “Why, Assypidity Crow!’ exclaimed Ebenezer, starting back. ‘Oh, dat’s all t, but yon is too big a fool fo’ an: decent woman to lib wid. “Dat Tommy Bounce, he me while play you fo’ a sucker an’ win de game ebery me. e “Well, he am a berry bad boy.” ** An’ you am a bad fool!” “Honey!? “Shut up? she exclaimed, and turning, she van- ished into the house, . : “Trouble am a beginnin’ fo’ ter brew fo’ me, an’ all on count ob dat Tommy Bounce, I jus’ took him in han’ myself. I’se got de feelin’s ob & farder, an’ I think I'am capable ob goin’ fo’ him,” he mused, walk- ing towards the barn. ‘Tommy in the meantime had gone to the barn him- selfto finish his laugh, and when he saw Ebenezer come in he resolved to have some more fun with him, just as Ebenezer resolved to have fun with him. From his concealment in the hay mow he could see him shake his head and hear him mutter abont the ter- rible things he was going to do the very next time he got his hand on that terrible Tommy. “I shook him right out ob his clothes,’’ said he, striking his big fist into the palm of his hand with a terrible whack. “ Ebenezer Crow!” called Tommy, from his conceal- ment, and in a sepulchral tone of voice, which caused Eben to start up in affright and imagine that a ghost was speaking tohim. - “Oh, Lord!” he moaned. “Go slow, Ebenezer Crow! Don’t do it, or you'll rneit. Take a tumble, and be humble, Or the devil will get you sure.”? “Oh, Lord! Who dat spoke?” “The ghost of your father.” ‘Oh, Lord!” he moaned, and down he went on his matrow bones and began to pray. But if he had not been frightened so that the sength forsook his legs, he wonld have done some lively skip- ping out of that without ever stopping to pray. “Go and kiss your wife, Ebenezer!’ came again, in soe blood-curdling tones. **Go kiss her and make “Oh, dear!’ he groaned. “Go at once!’ at Without waiting for any further orders, he struggled to his feet and started for the house as fast as he could go, while Tommy skipped out of his concealment and down behind a fence, along which he ran while out of sigkt, and managed to reach the house about as soon as Ebenezer did. The terrified darkey rushed into the presence of his astonished wife with his wool standing on end, al- most. * Assifidity?? ‘What de matter wid you ?” “Oh! honey??? “What de matter now?” “ Oh, sweetness, I seen a ghost!” “Seed what?” “4 ghost out in de barn, an’ he tole me fo’ ter— ter—oh, honey, I’s all brokened up!’ he whispered, faintly. S Oh, shut up wid yer nonsense; I really believe dat you is turnin’ fool!’ said his wife, impatiently. “Don’t taik dat way, sweetness; I—I hearn him speak, shuah.’? “Nonsense. Whatyou hear?” “*My farder’s ghost!” “How you know ?” 30s he she asked. “ Oh*no—no.”? ; “ Bet you ten dollar’ dat he did. He can make fool ob you all de time.” ai da Y “Don’t I tole yer dat I seed him, an’ hear him spoke like him come from de grave??? \ ’ “Don’t d’lieve nuffin *bout it *tall. Go ‘long ’bout you’ work, an’ don’t be a fool. The idea ob a farder a & ly makin’ such a donkey ob himself. Go ong. Ebenezer didn’t feel exactly right about. going back to the barn without obeying the ers of the supposed ghost, so he seized his wife around the waist, and attempted to kiss her atall events. But she was in no humor for nonsense, and having a pan of a faces in her hand at the moment, she threw it all over him, and then pepae him over the head with the pan until he yelled for mercy, and roused the alg io ni ‘ Fe ee: “Now, you jus ut your in an’ keep ?way from me or Vil break you all ter pledes, said she, poise the door. Ebenezer didn’t wait to be told again, but scooping the apple-sauce out of his eyes with his fingers, he left the kitchen. Tommy was just outside with his goat. “ What's the matter, Squeezer?’’ he asked, laugb- ing heartily. “The old gal been saucing you??? “You better keep shy ob me,’ repHed Eben “You hab been de cos oball dis yer trouble.” rthing to me; I throw “What! never going ter speak ter a feller again; eee Sa Retr sae dat I shall leab : an si eab m tae.” rruook your Resiit yelled : “ Better go soak your ? his wife, wh had overheard his leat remarks". Bashers * Dat's allright, Mrs. Crow, but when my wife ab- stroculates herself so as you hab, it am about time fo’ manhood ter ’sert itself.’” She saw Tommy fooling around her “saucy *’ hus- band, and suspecting some mischief, called to him to look out. Ebenezer turned upon him, but he had accomplished his design, and stood looking as honest as a sheep. : “What's ther matter? I ar’n’t doing anything.” “Well, you better not. Isa bad max ’bout now, an’ you better look ont.’? Sar. — — at Seat the bit Ss red . uietly walking aroun t chance to butt it : Bs Sxpere, frame 19 eck *Go’long "bout you business, you big fool, or bime- by Ls me epee S mo?’ ter yer,” said she, . fo” you, Mrs. Crow, 1 hang myself,”? said he, turning sadly away. * otro eri He had scarcely done so when the goat landed head first upon that bit of red cloth attached to his coat tails, knocking him sprawling upon the ground. Even his wife could not help laughing as he lay there hallooing murder, and the little coon joined the gen- eral hurrah as the goat continued to c upon him the moment he attempted to arise. CHAPTER Y. From that moment Tommy’s goat was doomed. Not only did Ebenezer Crow vow red-headed venge- ance upon him, but everybody on the place and every on emer? vowed and determined that Billy should either die or leave the place. : Mr. Bounce came home the evening of the day of the last goat racket, and after getting his regular weekly “warming ’’ on ‘account of the deviltry he had been engaged in, he began to feel that Billy was rather an expensive pet and luxury, so far as his per- son was concerned, and although vowing to get hank with Ebenezer for “ squealing *’ to his father, he con- cluded that something would have to be done with the goat. : Sei: And his grandfather made up his mind that some- thing should happen to Billy, and so it seemed rather se i aa “Tommy, I can’t stand it longer,”’ said he, al- luding to the matter. aes = y vee Ee ae

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8 “Me, too, grandpop,” replied Tommy, rubbing the Most bulbous portion of his body. “ What's the matter?”? asked the old gent, looking _ curiously at him. S “Dad's been sitting down en me with his hand,” said Tommy, mournfully. “T guess you set down o». his hand a little too sud- denly,” replied the old gent, smiling, “No, his hand stopped too hard.” “ Well, I am glad that he knows what you want.”? “Want! I didn’t want a spanking.” ** But you needed it, though’’ “No, I didn’t. I could have got along withont it, you bet,” “But you deserved it. In fact; you deserve one TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. of head and tail he followed, also expecting to have some fan, for he seemed to enjoy it as much as Tom- my did. “Guess they won’t box you up an’ send you away from me,” said Tommy, caressingly. Billy reared up, first fore and then aft, as much as to say: “I'll give ’em some fun if they attempt it.”’ Tommy took his accustomed seat under the old chestnut tree, and having his book Nicer (a case a body approached, he began to think of how he could get up a racket. “ Halloo, little Crow,” said he, as G. W, A. L. put in an appearance, \ “* Where yer goin’ ?’” ** Go fo’ fun, eh?” “Fun? What fan?’ being well out ofsight nobody noticed him until Mr. and Mrs. Bounce and the old’ folks were seated in the carriage and on the way to church, being driven of course by Ebenezer. But then, even, he was not discovered by anybody on or in the coach, but by those whom they passed on the road, and much of a marvel was it, and many a laugh did it create to see a goat perched up behind ona coach like a footman, and keeping his balance without apparent effort, What did itmean? Was Mr. Bopnce doing this to show off? Ifso, it seemed ‘to the sober church-goers to be a very strange thing to do on Sunday. But Billy was enjoying his ride hugely, although whenever the wheels went into a rut it nearly “jounced” him off. “ Oh—oh—help—help—murder—thieves—robbers! Take em off!” shouted the old man, while the goat was kicking him like a young mule. every day, and I’m glad your father knows how to give ft to you” “Ah, I'l bet you didn’t give it to him that way when he was a boy.” “ Well, yea, I did, when he deserved it.” “An’ didn’t he deserve it just as much as Ido?’ asked Tommy, brightening up. “ Ah—r, well,”’ the old man hesitated, remembering very well what sort of a fellow his father was at his age,“ but fittle boys shouldn’t ask too many queés- tlens.”? . : “ Oh, I'll bet he did.” ** And as for that F cao mg hs 2 father is going to box him up and take back to New York, for he is worse than you are, if possible.” “ “I don't care,” muttered Tommy, as his grandfather walked away. But after a night's sleep he awoke up as bright as ever, having forgotten all about his troubles of the night before, and was just as ready as ever for some fan, although it was Sunday. After breakfast he went out to catch his goat. His ee! saw him, and mistook what he was up 0. “Now you, Tommy Bounce, you jist come right into the house. You must remember that this is the blessed that kid of “Ebenezer Crow, little George Washington Abraham gees and that was a pretty sure sign of somo The goat also espied him, and with a joyous shake “T’'d no,\said he, sitting down near where Billy dd stood, ‘Want ter have a circus?’ * Yes, Tommy.” 3 “Oh, bushels of fan in it. Goan’ get a rope; there’s one in the barn.” Away went the little coon, and soon returned with & piece of rope about ten feet long, which Tommy pro- ceeded to tie around the goat’s neck, But just as he had finished doing so, be heard, his father calling him to return to the house. Hastily ty- ing the other end of the rope to the hind axletree of the family carriage that was standing in front of the barn, all ready to take the family.to church, he told the little Crow to watch him until he returned, think- ing of course that he could humbug his father just as he had his grandmother about his Sunday-school Jes- son. But he was mistaken, and tnstead of being allowed to return, as he anticipated, he was sent up-stairs to his room. And neither was the little Crow allowed to remain out of sight. “You George Washington Abraham. Lincoln, come right in de house heah, an’ don't let me cotch you foolin’ *round out dar any mo’ ter day,’’ called his mother, .“ Bimeby you get ter goin’ off wid dat Tom- ooh on his goat, an’ if you do, I broke ebery bone in you skin.” So the little fellow was choked off, and doomed to do without his anticipated fun. The goat thus left alone took matters quietly, and leaping up behind, he took his stand ag the baggage rack, and remained there complacently chewing his cud until Ebenezer went out to hitch up the horses to drive to church. And even then he didn’t move, but perhaps thinki there was a ride in store, he kept his position, ani Just about a mile before reaching the church the had to cross the New York & New Haven Rai! and a few rods before striking it Ebenezer hurried up the horses so as to get across abead of the train, the whistle of which showed it to be near at hand... But this hurry up was a bad thing for Billy. for when the wheels struck into a rut it threw him off ina badiy shaken-up condition, and any way but on his feet, and being held by the rope, he was of course dragged along at a fearful rate. He just managed to regain his feet, however. in- tending to keep up with the horses, when they few acroas the railroad track just abead of the train, but Seoarinet only by lesa than a yard. Billy, however, did not escape it, poor fellow! the locomotive striking him squarely, and—that goat, ob, where was he? It was a dreadful narrow escape for the occupants of the carriage, but the horses had become frightened, and Ebenezer Crow had all he could do to quiet them, Jet alone holding them in, But that finished Tommy’s goat. He had been a butter all his life, and was butted ont of existence at last himself. by something that could do more of it than ever he could, And yet so thankful were they all that the pest was finished, they soon forgot their own barrow escape, al- though how in the name of wonder he ever got hitched to the coach was a mystery. 2 ‘Fo’ de Lord, I dun neber was so glad "bout any- thing in my life. Dat goat -hab all gone bus: up now fo’ shuah,” sald Ebenezer, after the folks had gotten over their fright. : : “But vols you ever ere 0 ake ane a xia te crossing a road again, T, Bounce, severely. “1 couldn’t help it, boss,’ “Nonsense. When you -heard the whist why didn’t you pull up until the train had gone past ©"

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TOMMY. BOUNCE, Jr. “| tried fo’ ter do it, but they go scare, an’ I couldn’t hold ’em. But de finger ob de Lord am in it, shuah.”’ ~ How so?” **] fink it war a put-up job by Providence fo’ ter kill dat goat.” : ~ Well, don’t you take any more such chances, goat or no goat, unless you are all alone and in some other man’s carriage.” The moment the carriage got out of sight Tommy tonnee left his room and went in search of his goat, thinking, of course, that Ebenezer had ungied him be- fore setting out, but could not find him high or low. When, however, the family returned with the news of Billy’s butting mateh, injwhich he got the worst of it, Tommy felt just bad enough to cry, and little Crow the red pepper, after which he got out of the way and prepared to see the sport. It was nearly an hour afterwards when Ebenezer went to the barn to give the horses their rubbing down. He took the gray one first, all the while singing: " ** Dat blasted goat am all bust up, Whoa, dar, whoa dar! De engine bust him in de snoot, Whoa de du dar day. I’s boun’ ter Jaugh all night, I’s boun’ ter grin all day, lll bet my money on de big bullgine, Whoa, de du dar day.” All the while he was currying the gray horse he was ag mae : Ue J did blubber like a booby, notwithstanding the fact that he had been so roughly used by him often. *“ Squeezer Crow, you don’t know enough to clean boots.’ said Tomany, indignantly. “ Why didn’t you untie him before you went off to church?” Ebenezer looked puzzled. “How I know he war dar?’ A *\Oh. pshaw! You wouldn’t have known it ifthere’d beef a cow tied behind.” “s “ Tommy, I's glad dat he am killed. “I wish i had been you instead of the goat,’”’ replied Tommy, indignantly: ‘ But that’s all right for you. Bet I'H get hunk with you to pay for that, see itl don’t.’? 1 don't care nuffin ’bout you now dat de goat am gone. Tommy,” replied Ebenezer. : “We'll see’ whether you do or not,’ he replied, urning away. - Tn truth, tamniey did feel very bad about losing his goat in such a tragic way, but he braced himself up With a resolution to get even with Ebenezer, -whom he Diamed about the matter entirely. In fact, he could net bear to wait for a chance to present itself natarally. “* What shall I do?’ he said to himself, and then he began to think. “ By Jingo, I have it. Oh, I'll make him sick,” said he, a8 a satisfied smile spread over his ce, Going to the kitchen. naged to steal a handful of red pepper. cne-tin m there he went out to the barn. Ebenezer had unharnessed the horses and had placed them in their stalls, where they were eating their lunch; after doing which he always took them ont to curry them down and clean them ott. ; Tommy watched hts chance, and after Ebenezer had put the horses up, and had gone into the kitchen to eat his dinner while the horses were-eating theirs, he sprinkled one of the horses—the red one—all over with | singing this song, with a dozen variations, and look- ing as happy as a big sun-flower that nods and bends to the breeze; but Tommy Bounce was secreted where he could see without being seen. “ Oh, Tommy Bounce, he feel so bad, Whoa, dar, whoa, dar! Fo’ his ole goat he catched it bad, Whoa, de du dar day. Dat goat he butts dis chile no mo’, Whoa, dar, whoa dar! De debil he hab got him shuah, Whoa, de du dar day!” Then he led the red horse out into the barn-floor to put him through the same course of sprouts, and to treat him to verses of the same song. But before he had worked on him half a minute he eran wt sneeze, and Tommy walked soberly in to see the spo: ‘** So yer glad the goat is dead, eh?’ he asked. “ Tommy, I’s gladder den—ah—te—chew!” he yelled as the red pepper did its work. “ Gladder than what 2” “ [s—I’s—ah—te—chew! whoop!” “What's ther matter with yer? What yer whoopin’ "bout? First thing yer know dad’ll be out here and make yer whoop!’ : “Tommy, I—I’s only got a little cole—I—ah—te— chew! Dat’s—dat’s all—ah—te—chew! whoop!” “Bad cold yer got, Squeezer,”! said Tommy, laugh- ing. s “Putty bad cold, Tommy; I—I—ash—te—chew! whoop—yah!” He was getting it bad, but still he kept at it, and the | more he curried the horse the more did the pepper fy | abont. Ip fact, Tomsny himself put in a few first-class | sneezes, just because he couldn't help it, and just to keep Ebenezer company. i * You got cold, too, Tommy?’’ “ Got it bad, Squeezer.’? “Putty bad time fo-—ah—te—chew! I—I—wheep?’ was his response. Just then Tommy’s father put in an appearance, “What's all this row about?” he asked. “Well, boss, de fac’ is dat I—ah—te—chew! whoop —la!’ “whatr? . ‘ “T's got a werry bad cole, boss.” “Well, I should say you had; but I don’t under- stand why you should make such a devil of a racket about it,*? “ Der trouble is, Massa Bounce, dat I—ah—te—chew? Neber had such a cole in de head in——” : _ “Whew! ah—te—chew!"? put in Mr. Bounce, having inhaled some of the red pepper. a By gollies, you hab got a cole, too!’ Cold thunder! What is there in this barn?” he asked, looking around. “Hay! Cattle an’ hosses, an’—ah—te—chew!” was his reply. “Whew! I tell you there is something wrong here. What is it?’ “Guess we all got inter de draf and git bad cole; ah—te—chew! whoop—la!” he yelled, this time being affected so dreadfully that he sneezed himself off his feet, and turned almost a complete somersault from the concussion. Hearing the noise, old Grandpa Bounce came out to the barn to see what the cause of it was, and found i ry, his son and grandson sneezing away at a rate. Ebenezer kept right on stirring up the hair and red pepper. and before the old man could get an answe: to question regarding the cause of the outbreak, he broke out himself as loud as any of them, sneezing his teeth out, almost. ‘ Then, before any explanation could be given. oid Mrs. Bounce came out to see what it could be that was so disturbing the “Sabby day,”’ and she in turn began to yell: ““ Ah—te—chew !” and to go throngh varions mastic performances while doing so, greatly to the delight of little Tommy Bounce and the little coon, . George Washington Abraham Lincoln. And the two horses began to kick and sneeze. and one of them seized Tommy by the seat of his tronsers and shook him fora moment as a terrier does a rat, and among them all, such a hurrah and sneezing com cert took place as was never known before. “Tommy, I- ah—te—chew!” said Mr. Bounce, reach- ing for his young hopeful, but failing to connect on ac-

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19 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. count of a terrible sneeze, which nearly threw him on his beam ends. “ There’s—there’s—ah — te — chew! in this place. There’s snuif——"’ suid grandpapa. “We're all up to snutr,” suggested Tommy. “ There’s snuif or——” “Al—te—chew !? “ Somebody has——" “ Whoop !’ put in Ebenezer, fying back against the side of the barn as though 4 mule had kicked him. ** Ebenezer, what is the matter here #” demanded Mr. Bounee, trying to draw his face out so as to look earn- est. Boss, I—I—ah—te—chew !"’ “ What!" “Igubtitup. Fust I thou Now I gubs it up, ’cosI don’t wid ah—te—chew! whoop?’ That was how he finished it. By this time. and after sneezing themselves almost into double knots, they began to think that something was really wrong, and to get out of the barn into the open air, Tommy got out with the rest, but there was such a look of deviltry on his handsome face that his father began to suspect that he had been playing some joke upon them. ine pa I pa iees made us cas peea h 8a) . in response, “ Guess Kpenezer's been pu pes Re putting “There has something been put up, just as sure as snakes,” said Mr. Bounce. ‘‘Tommy, if I catch you prey a soe be able to sit down for a month.” t we all hab big cole. ow what de matter is “ Give it up, pop.” “You know nothing about it, Tommy !* “Of course not.’? “Well, aes lucky you do net. Bo} it is devilish ow. Ww. _“ Butl guess Ebenezer’s getting his pay.” “Oh. jou think do court cotta put into the Woodshed with me. I wish to wrestie with you a lit- tle while. “I didn’t do nothing, pop?” “ But this awful smell; this pepper—for it must be #0—where did it come from?’ “Give it up, < “J believe you “ Know nothing. But while this conversation “was going on, poor * Ebenezer was trying to sneeze the wool all off his hea d. It was @ first-class affair of its kind, but nobody wanted it repeated). The horses became almost wild over the noise and excitement attending the case, and it was @ great triumph for Tommy, and he enjoyed it, you bet. But as the summer was drawing to an end, and the Bougce family were on the point of retu to the city, Tommy’s father concluded that the best he could do for his troublesome son was to send to some ing-school. w.?? CHAPTER VI. Yes. it came to be an understood thing that Tommy Bounce was to be taken back to New York, and sent to one of the many boarding-schools in and around the city, his father hoping thereby to break up some of his mischief. And at the same time he could remember how it was with himself when he was sent to school at Andover, and how little it sobered him down, and how very sliglit the Improvement was in him on account of it. But I'll send him anyway,” said he, *‘ for pornane he will find a teacher who will fetch him to the ‘tan- line," and keep him there better than I was kept.. At all events, I shall be relieved of some of the thrash- . and a part of the responsibility of his future will be taken from my shoulders.” e And so when the weather began to grow cooler. in the latter part of September, the Bounce family, to- ther with Ebenezer Crow ard family, started for New York. Never did grandparents part with relations with more pleasure,for during the whole of their three months’ stay, the old homestead bad been in one con- tinued hurrah of excitement on account of Tommy and his pranks, and the old folks were only too glad pede ~ breathing spell and have a few weeks of quiet. rs ‘, gTandpop—ood-bye, granny !”” said the tie rascal, putting up his fist for a good-bye shake. “Take good care of yerselves. an’ go ter bed early.” They looked at him in wonder. “Look out for grandpop. cranny, an’ see that he don't zo ont skylarkin’ with the gals nights, for he’s a game ojd rooster. - What is that you say?’ demanded the old man, opening Sine, “Thomas Bounce, I ought to take aoe ve you a good lacing before you go,” “So you had, Josiah,” said the old lady. ~~ “Oh, no, I'm’ all packed for trave I don't Figs et ted all fixed. i, ; bring T 30) tin’ hice the hext time I come. Day-da. 5 Shs ‘ “Thomas Bounce, you are a very bad boy, an’ good- ness only knows where you'll fetch up,” said his grand- mother, shaking her head sadly. “Oh. Dll fetch up all right. I’m ticketed for York. Ta-ta!”’ and kissing his hand, he ran and jumped into the carriage. “ Goodness only knows how glad we are to get rid of him,’? murmured the old lady, “Don’t say that, Maria, forsomething might hap- pen to him,” said the old man, “On, I’m certain there will” “ Besides, you know he’s only a cnip of the old block. Thomas was just like him when he was his age, and you know it.’’ * Well, what of that?’ “ Hasn’t he turned out all right ?”” “ Yes, but it was all owin’ tu his early trainin’. We brought him up better than Thomas is bringin’ him up.” The old man laughed and turned away as the car- riage started for the depot. ; But after all they both could but feel that things would seem more lonely now that he was gone, and before the carriage was fairly out of sight they almost wished that he was not going to leave them, and in spite of his mischief they could have forgiven him and taken him back again. In due time th family arrived in New York, and Tommy Bounce was once more at home with the boys of his neighborhood, entertaining them with stories of what had happened him and the fun he had bad during his summer vacation, : For the first few days Tommy behaved himself first rate, and his father being all taken up with his own business, almost forgot his threat of sending him away to school, although to tell the truth Tommy rather liked the idea of going. He thought he saw lots of fun in the racket. . But, of course; he could not long remain quiet, It would *haye killed him todo so, and as luck would have it, a good subject for fun soon presented itself in en shape of an old maid aunt, who came for a week's t. Aunt Huldah was a real type of an old maid, prim and crotchety, and although both Mr. Bounce and bis wife did all in their power to make her visit a pleasant one, yet she was not happy, and mostly on account of ‘ommy. : The eae rascal took a dislike to her from the first, quite as strong as she took to him, and he was con- tinually wate! for chances to play tricks on her. And of course where there is a will thers 1s a way for anything, bad, or indifferent. He was not long in andin out that she fet false teeth, and he often used to w: ie could only manage to get possession of them, feeling certain that he could have some fun with them. Chance favored him at last, for he contrived to get a her coeur isa dors thes in the aera pen oe got possession 0: , finding them in a tumbler of water where she had placed them on going to bed the night before. Now itso etree that a cermin old widower was to call on her that forenoon and take her to a picture- gallery, and she was bound to catch him if possible. So proceeded to get up an elaborate toilet for the of making herself look as young and attract- ve as possible, but when she went for her hash-grind- ers they were nowhere to be found. What did it mean? “T wonder if I ment to put them in the tumbler last night, or if I’ve swallowed them?” she mused, looking id and very much alarmed. ° And then she began to feel of her stomach to see if she could eonclude where the teeth had | ST the t I eber mused Ebenezer, after he had heard all aboutit. ‘Mus’ be dat she mistake ’em for a dough- nut, and gobble ‘em down.” Meantime Aunt Huldah was creating a great sensa- tion by attempting to denounce almost everybody for stealing her teeth. Andsucha muss as she made of it, attempting to talk without having them in. It was enough to make a crow langh, for she made a noise resembling whata person would make with his mouth full of hot pud- ding, while her chin and nose came very near together, and would have made a very good nut-cracker. Mr. and Mrs. Bounce were greatly exercised over the matter, but they never thought to suspect Tommy of having stolen them. And while she was fretting and fussing, the old fellow called and was shown into the parlor, to wait for her. “Here, Tlommy, glo glown an’ tlell Mr. Glinks lat I'm slick en’ clan’t glo,” said she, addressing Tommy, in a slobberly way. *Lall light,” replied Tommy, imitating the miser- able old lady. “ Lone your slash,”’ said she, frowning sullenly upon Tommy laughed and went down into the parlor where Mr. Dinks was, f “ I say,” he began, ‘* Aunt Huldah has lost her false teeth an’ can’t see yer till she gets some new ones.” “What is that you say, young mant’? demanded Dinks, in surprise. * The ole gal’s lost her hash chewers an’ can’t gum it over yer ter bang, “Impossible. You cannot mean it.” “ T’ll take yer up to see her.’’ “ You will?” \- 5 Yes; but I think she’s dangerous,” “ so?” “ Because any ole hen with her teeth in her stomach must be savage.’ “What, has she——” “ “Yes; I think she must have swallowed ’em,”? re plied the young rascal. This yon of news nearly staggered the old feltow, for until now he never had suspected that she wore false teeth, although he wore them himself. - It was a dangerous thought, for te suppose that they should ever get married and attempt to kiss each other—what a rattling of false teeth there would be! But he had half a suspicion that Tommy was not telling the truth, and to make sure of it, he gave him a quarter. * Now tell me all about it. sonny.” “Well, lgvas sorter gassin’. She's all right; she"R be down rfjAt away,”’ said he, taking the quarter and skipping out. Going up-stairs to his Aunt Huldah. he said: “AD right, o)¢ gal, I told him that yer had the small pox, an’ he lit out likea scared sheep.” * Did he go?” she asked, anxiously. “Yer bet."? * “ And did you tell him such a story?” : * Well yer wanted him ter skip, didn’t yer?’ he asked, briskly. * Certain! “ Well, if l’d told him that you’d lost yer false potate mashers, yer wouldn’t have liked that, would yer?” * Oh, you horrid boy !?? - * An’ yer know he’s clean gone on yer.’ “Oh, you terrible child!” - “So thought I’d see how much he'd get frightened about yer.’? “Well, what did he say ?”? : “Say? Why, he said: ‘blank—blank—blank! I’m off like a green elder pop gun;’ an’ he lit out so fast, that yer might have Cpa a@ game of checkers on bis coat tails—they stuck out so straight.” And Tommy walked away, leaving his old maid aunt to reflect up- on about how much Mr. Dinks loved her after all of her calculations about catching him. _ ; ‘But the more she rn Pe abqut it the more indig- nant did she become, and as she did not care who else knew that she wore false teeth so long as Mr. Dinks did not, she finished her toilet as best she could, and were neRe eae, jawing and making a lively time generally. : Mr. Bounce had by this time gone. down town to business, and believing that Dinks had gone, she rush- ed into the reception-room, where he sat behind some deep window curtains. Heespied her and rushed to embrace her, at which she screamed like a struck and tried to escape. But he had caught her in his arms and was holding her tight, without any notion of allowing herto escape, thin! that her yelling was only a pretty little piece Ofgirlish business on-account of hi di Huldah, I’ve got you now,’ said Sirteenting sakes mere bake at iL *Yaw—yaw—yaw!” was DeETSIAT Sea ene attempted to hide her face. hes The strange noise surprised him, and he whirled sing her sunken her around So as to look in her ; “Great Moses!" he exclaimed, seeing mouth and cheeks, and seizing his hat he rushed from the house, muttering: “It’s a darned sight wus nor small-pox.”? * with murder in her heart Haldah darted up-stairs and lightning in her eye. If she could only lay hands on eet aene Bounce, she wouldn’t leave a haif on But Tommy had skipped out. Then she satdown and had a good cry, while he was tary @ good la : She couldn’t eat without her teeth, and what should she do? There was only one thing, and that was to go toa dentist and have another set made. But this would take her quite a long time, and what should she do in the meantime? And the idea of going out of doors in such a pig The thought of it almost drove her mad, althougli there was no help for it. ‘Tommy’s mother, however, came to her assistance, and, ordéring Ebenezer to have a carriage ready at a certain time, she took her to a celebrated dentist not far away, where she was measured for a new set of th. Meantime Tommy was Carrying the old ones around in his pocket, and wondering what the dickens be should do with them. Finally he went down into the kitchen where Mrs. Crow was at work, cooking, and although she made it a point to suspect and drive him away whenever he came where she was, yet on'’this occasion he looked so unusually honest and demure she could not be- lieve that he was up to anything rabbi, 2 . Little George Washington Abraham coln was at play with the house cat, even more innocent than the cat herself, and the worst his mother could anticipate was that Tommy would get him intosome m “Tommy, you no business down heah in de kitchen. You mudder tole yer never ter come down heah, so yer better clar out,” said she, quietly. “That's all right,’ said he. r “No, itarn’t all right. Dar's George Washington Abraham Lincoln, jus’ as good an’ ful asa kitten now, an’ I'll bet a dollar dat yer'll hab him inter some sort of mischief in less dan five minutes,” “No, Mrs. Crow, I'm sick.” “Sick! Guess you play im.” “No, honor bright; got ther belly-ache " She looked at him sharply for a inoment, and seeing that he was uncommonly sober, she was not sure but that he was telling the truth. ; “Well, see dat you oa sick, dats all. An’ you, Geo. Washington Abra Lincoln, see dat you behabe yourself,” said she, turning to her hopeful son. _ “Yes, ma'am,” he replied. “ An’ keep 'way from Tommy Beunce.” ,

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“all off you’ black bones!’ ’ TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. ze] “ Yes, ma’am.’? ‘ Tommy stood a moment watching her as she was preparing a big custard for the oven, and after it was all ready, and when her back was turned, he took his aunt’s false teeth from his pocket, and dropped them into the custard. Ina few minutes he had the satisfaction of seeing her place the dish in the oven to bake, and then he turned his attention to little Crow, George Washington Abraham Lincoln. The little coon was playing with the cat, and out in the back yard there was a pair of pet rabbits. Tommy got a piece of strong string and motioned the little darkey out into tho yard. In the course of five or-ten minntes he had the hind leg of the cat tied to the hind leg ofa rabbit, and let them go. And then there was some fun—for Tommy and the cat, but not much for the poor rabbit, for finding itself tied in such 2 way, the cat. turned upon the rabbit and seratched it nearly to death before the cook could cut them apart. “Dar, now, didn’t I tole yer?” yelled Mrs. Crow, “didn’t I tole yer dat yer shu’ ter be in some mis- chief? Much belly-ache you got, you Tommy Bounce. Now I tole you’ farder ob dat caper.” “ Well, I'm trainin’ the cat for a hunter,’ replied Tommy, laughing. : “Ifl were you’ mudder I'd train you.’’ “ Goin’ ter take her out ter hunt rabbits.” “Now you go right up-stairs about you’ business; an’ you, George m Abraham Lincoln, you come right in de house heah, an’ if you let me cotch you playin’ wid dat bad boy some mo’ I peel de skin @ added, seizing her only Son by the ear, and leading him back into the kitchen. But Tommy bad accomplished all he wanted to, so without much reluctance he obeyed the cook, and van- | ished up-stairs. , During the remainder of the day he made himself as Bappy as he could in the street, getting up dog-fights, cute. as behind bob-tail cars, and getting strangers on & string. é But you bet he was on hand when dinner time came, looking as sober and as honest as a clam, for at that time he expected to see the result of his job with the teeth. His Aunt Huldah was at the table, and looking a trifle more amiable than when he had seen her last, but both his father and mother, having been informed of the racket he had played upon Mr. Dinks, were 1look- ing particularly cloudy. z But Tommy never looked more innocent and honest in his life, and took his seat at the table like a nice lit- tle Sunday-school boy, although feeling all the while that he was in for another of those warmings which The ata oeEraaee RON ithout much bei ,mea iowever, without muc! ng said. As for his aunt, she had not yet got her teeth in, om could not say much if she had wanted to ever so The courses were gone through with as usual; Mr. Bounce waiting upon the table as was his custom, un- til finally he came to the custard pudding which had been pan wp the table just as it came from the oven, and in the same dish. He went through with them all, and as luck would have it, Tommy’s plate contained the false teeth. He didn’t feel half so much like eating the delicious pudding as he did like having a good laugh, so he held up the teeth on his spoon. - “Tsay, pop, what’s this?” They all looked at that curious object which he was bolding ue and then his Aunt Huldah proceeded to ueal, back in her chair and yelled: “Oh, my teeth—oh, my teeth!” “Great Heaven's!’ ; Goodness gracious!” exclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Bounce, shoving amar from the table. “My teeth—my teeth!” moaned Aunt Huldah. “Bat—I—how in thunder came they inthis custard pudding?’ demanded Mr. Bounce, seizing the table Dell. Instantly Mrs. Crow appeared. “What does this en ?? they both cried, pointing " to the teeth. Aunt Hpldah made adive for them, but Tommy Pulled them away. “ Give me my teeth.” she slobbered. ‘ “What explanation have you. to give?” demanded Mrs. Bounce. “Fo’ de Lord, missus, I dun gone don’t know, I neber seed ’em afo’,’? said the cook, looking wild. “But you must know. The idea that such a thing could possibly happen without your knowing some- thing about it.” “* Well, all I know is what I ’spect.”” “ And what do you suspect ?”” = “ Well, Tommy war down dere in de kitchen when I war a makin’ dat puddin’, an’ jus’ now George Wash- ington Abraham Lincom, hie say dat he seen him drop = inter de dish jes’ afo’ I put it in de oven,” said “Oh, that horrid boy! screamed Aunt Huldah. “That settles it,” said Mr. Bounce, seeing through the whole tronble atonce, “Come here, you young * Fascal,”” and he reached for Tommy. But that hopeful yo ough to get cat Ot thetwate youth was just quick enough to ge around to catch wrathy t, who, on reachi t lam, fn backwarie tipping Oret The table and spill- while the little raseal escaped tng things everywhere and upon everybody around it. The effort was too much for Tom 1g father, and , he wentdown amid the Crash, and was well coveredewith pudding and various S But Tomine dutn fu cl ‘ommy *t get Out with all the fun he antici- Pated, unless he called it fun to lay over hfs father’s - He started to run around behind his | gw! knee for about fifteen minutes, and not to be able to sit down for the next week. : This, however, settled his hash, for the next day his mother began to pack up a. trunk with his clothing, while his father was making arrangements with a well-known keeper of a strict boarding-school not far away. CHAPTER VII. Tommy BOUNCE was in for it now, andno mistake. His father had made up his mind taat he should play no more of his pranks at home, and so arranged for him to be taken asa pupil at Professor Slam’s board- ing-school, a private academy situated ata village on the Hudson river, about twenty miles from New York. “Now, young man, ifyou cut up any of your shines at school, you will get such a whaling that you will be crippled for life,’*said his father, as Tommy was on the point of starting on his journey. “ Get it hotter’nI do home?” asked Tommy, looking up mournfully. Z “You bet you will. Ihave told Professor Slam all about what a bad boy you are, and have given him lib- erty to correct you as he thinks best, so if you value our hide and bones, you will bea better boy than you ve been heretofore.”’ - “ All right.” ’ : “Well, I hope it will be. Good-bye!’ shaking him by the hand, for, to tell the truth, he felt sorry for what he had said, knowing very well that it was only partially e. “ Good-bye, pop; be good to yourself,”’ the little ras- cal replied aad as his father took his hand fore good- bye shake, he turned away to hide a smile. ‘And as he went down town to business, his mind re- verted to the very day when he was of Tommy’s age and started for Andover to school, just as his son was now doing. 4 * I’m afraid he's too much like me to be choked out of mischief, but I guess it is the best thing I can do with him, for he certainly cannot learn so much deyiltry in a little country village as he would in New York,” mused Mr. Bounce, as he rode along. Then his mother took him in hand. “Now, Tommy, I have packed your trunk full of everything you need. Here is some pocket-money for you, and whenever you want more, write to me and I will send it.” “Oh, you’re a bully mamma!’ “And I want you to be avery good boy, and write to me every week.”? “You bet I will,” said Tommy, thinking of the pock- et-money at the same time. “See if you cannot be the best boy in the school, and if you are, when you come home for the holidays, 1 will load you down with presents.”? “Oh, mamma, ll be the boss good boy in the school, you bet I will.’’ ‘ “So Thope. Now the carnage will be at the door in an hour, and I will go to the depot with you,” said she, leaving him. “Oh, no, perhaps not!’ he mused, as he counted the money his mother had given Him, and found it to be five dollars. “‘GuessI can be a goody good boy if I’m paid well forit. Wonder what sort ofa gang there is up there?’ ” Just then little George Washington Abraham Lin- coln came in, sniffling. - “ What’s ther matter, Coony?” “Pop says you’s goin, ’way, an’ he’s glad of it,” he blubbered. 3 “Oh, he is, hey? All right for yer pop.” “ Bean’t you comin’ back no mo’ f? “No. ‘ant ter go with me?’ aye “Yes,”? said the little darkey, eagerly, for in spite of the tricks which Tommy played upon him so often he was greatly attached to him, and couldn’t bear the thought of separation. “Allright. Get rightinter my trunk here, and I'll a fe up so nobody will know that yer going. Will yer Tommy went to an empty packing trunk that stood in the room where his own trunk was, and lifted the da. i “Yes, I will,” said the little nig. “Allright. Jumpin and I'll take yer with me all right and let nobody know it. Now, yer Jay rightdown on ther bottom, and keep just as quietasa monse. If anybody calls yer before we go, don’t say a word.” “T won’t, Tommy,” said the little fellow as he nest- led down on the bottom. It was a big trunk, and afforded him a plenty of DeSean space, and room to turn around as much as e liked. Tommy shut down the cover, and turned the key without removing it. His object was to play a joke on Ebenezer. a He had scarcely locked it, however, before that char- coal colored individual made his appearance. ““Am you all ready, Tommy #’ he asked. * All ready.” “Now, Tommy, I’se got de feelings ob a farder, an’ I wants ter gib yer some good adwice.”? ‘ “Oh, yer do, eh? Glad I'm goin’, though, aren’t yer?” : “No, Tommy, I’se been weepin’ nights *bout you ine away. Indeed I hab,” E = “ Get out; yer little coon’just told me that yer said er was glad I was going.” y * Fo’ de Lord, Tommy, I broke de back ob dat little |. sae of charcoal, I will, fo’ I hab de feelin’s ob a ler. ** Well, that is a little they: come ter think of it,”” rematked Tommy, laughing. “No, Tommy, I’se feelin’ berry sorry an’ solemn "bout you gwine away; I "bout as libs lose my own chile, shuah. ButI hab der feelings ob a farder, an’ E wants ter gib yer some good advice.’ ““ What about?” *“*Bout behavin’ yourself. Tommy—Tommy, yow Know dat you am as full ob de debii as a goose egg amm fullob milk. Now I hopes dat you will be a good boy, now dat you am a-gwine “way ter college. Don’t cut up any mo’ monkey shines, an’ you may lib ter be de- President ob de ’Nited States.”? “Oh, I’m going ter be awful good.” ““Dat’s right, an’ all ob you folks will be proud ob» you.” Just then ip! we entered. “Whar am George Washington Abraham Linooin?’”” she asked, looking Se rte 3 “I’m shuah I don’t know, honey. Guess he am in: de street,’? replied Ebenezer. “I broke ebery bone in his body ifhe am out ob dis: house! Tommy, I’se jus’ awful glad dat youam gwine- away. We'll hab some peace in de house now, ah’ as- fo’ George Washington Abraham Lincoln, he will be a good boy, now dat you go ’way.” “Think so, ole gal?” “T’se shuah obit. You hab put mo’ debiltry in dat chile’s head dan he would eber hab in all his life if he- had neber seen you.’? “mt one “Honey, don’t be hard on de boy, fc’ ha am ‘way from us,” said Ebenezer. s 4 eae “An? l’se mighty glab ob it, same’s ebery one else is. Hpac ai igh oe a wo “That’s i ole gal; write ter yer o: i awhile. right, ; y mee im **Needn’t write ter me ; I don’t want cer heah from you,” she said, flaunting out of the room. “Don’t mind her, Tommy ; she’s mad ’cos she can’t fin’ de kid. Now I go an’ hitch up de hosses,” said he, leaving the room. Tommy enjoyed a little laugh all by himsel?, an@ then going to the packing trunk, he unlocked it and lifted the lid. : “Tt’s all right, little Crow, keep mum.” y “War mammy looking fo’ me?” he asked, raising up. “Yes, but she will never tumble ter the racket ifyer only keep still, Hark! That’s hér calling for yer,’* oe he, reclosing the trunk and locking it up as be- fore. Then he began moving about from room to room, im a half regretful sort of a way, as if saying good-by to- the hundreds of familiar objects with which he badd. been associated ever since he could remember, during: which he encountered Mrs. Crow several times, look- ing and calling for her lost George Washington Abra- Lincoln. - “1 broke him all ter pieces,”’ he heard her mutter several times, as she proceeded with her fruitless search. , Presently, however, the coach was driven up to the door ; his trunk placed upon it, and his motti¢r ap- dressed for a ride to the depot with him. Tom- my shook hands with Mrs. Crow; hoped that she would find her son, and that he would be a much bet- ter boy thereafter, and then leaping into the carriage- by the side of his mother, was driven to the depot. The g between mother and son was very feel- ing, and Tommy himself felt somewhat leaky about- the eyes.as she kissed him good-bye. “Now Iam sure you will be-a good boy and bring: me home a first-class report,” said she. - “Of course I will” (if I get into the first class} thought the little rogue. i“ Good-bye, Tommy. Be a good boy, an’ min? what your mudder tole you; also what I tole yer, fo? you id Eben- iow dat I hab der feelings ob a farder,” sa’ ezer, offering his big hand. “That's all right, Eben-Squeezer, Pl be so good that wings ‘ll grew onme. Give my love ter ther nine Crow, when yer find him,” replied Tommy, smil— iz. “Oh, he’ll feel drefful bad ’cos he war not dar terbic you good-bye,”’ said Eben. “I s’pose so. Well, good-bye.?? With his mother’s farewell-kiss he sprang upon the train that was now all ready to start, and movet: slowly out of the depot. It would be unnatural if he did not feel a trifle tear— ful under the circumstances; but he soon forgot al thonghis of sentiment and home as he began to spim through the country, and gradually a smile stole over Sr a as he thought of George Washington Abrahanm nco! In truth, he did not imagine it half so comical as it ‘Teally turned out to be, for when Ebenezer returnedi he found his wife in the greatest state of excitement,_ not yet having sueceeded in finding her son. She had begat ha him nigh. and Om, ber “ tor no purpose. e le coon was lying low and keep— ing dark,” of course, although he*began to feel = trifle uneasy, and to wonder when Tommy was going- to start. Finally, after becoming almost wild and distracted’ over his continued absence, they heard a kicking in— side the trunk. **Fo’ de Lord, what’s dat?’ asked Ebenezer. start— up. mE Go se, said his wife, in a whisper. “ No, se *fraid it am a warnin’.”’ ‘An’ I’se’fraid dat I’se married to a fool, said? she, sayagely; and going to the trunk she unlocked it, and then threw open the cover. soit little coon started up as his parents startedi aie! 5 : s am Tommy?” he asked, looking anxiousis around. “ How come you dar?’ they both asked. The explanation was reluctantly given, and not un- til the kid bad made sure that Tonimy had gone and a 4 5s Se ee ee ee ee

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i2 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. “ERASE A SESS Se wea Ne aS ee eee een ae ee zeft him behind, and that he bad played a trick on him. Then the joke was finished up with a double spank- ang, each of which was quite enough for him to re- member. “Thank de Lord dat Tommy Bounce hab gone away,” said Mrs. Crow. “I feel all de while dat he hab done something wid de boy. I’se glad dat de lit- tle rascil hab gone, an’ I hope he nebber come back.” *“ Amen?’ moaned Ebenezer, as he went about his fi work, hoping for peace and quiet in the future. * Tommy Bounce reached his destination, and was : boom in the hands of Professor Slam, a Jean, lank old ‘rooster, about fifty years of age, and homely as a sayhitewashed hen-coop. ““Master Bounce, your father informs me that you to the school—young fellows about his own size—and he didn’t think they amounted to much. In short, he began to feel homesick and to wish himself back again. Everything about the place was so still,and the village was so different from New York that he could almost feel the silence. . Finally he closed his door and went to bed, being tired, hoping that things would look a little brighter and more homelike in the. morning, for unless they did, he made up his mind that he would run away. What he wanted was companionship, and, so far as he could see, there was nothing resembling it at that pores But after fretting an hour or so, he finally fell asleep. Tommy didn’t know where he was. The building in which his room was located was de- | a a Je almost -paralyzed. He tried to move, but fear re strained him. “Youthful mortal,” said the leader of the gang. “you have been betrayed into the realm of shades and must take the consequences. Away with him?!’ Then six or eight of the strongest of the gang seized the corners of the blanket on which he Jay, and lifted him from his bed. “ Away with him!’ “Yes, away to the realm of shades!” Tommy was so frightened that he had not the power of moving or resistance. “ Hush!’ spoke first one and then another. “Hush!” hissed one of them in Tommy’s ear, “ one word, and your mortal remains will be given to tke crows and birds of the air.” : SS WWM Mr. Bounce, in reaching around to catch To ~want careful looking after. 1 would have you to know at the start that am a careful looker afer my boys. ‘The janitor will show you to your room, and give you ‘your necessary instructions, but bear in mind, Master Bounce, that I am very strict regarding the deport- mnent of my scholars, and that my wrath falls upon all vil-loers. To-morrow I shall expect to see you in the sschool-room."’ Tommy bowed, and in a dazed sort of a way follow- ed the janitor to his room. This janitor’s name was Elam Lamb,and Tommy thought at once what a dumb lot of fellows there must e at that schoolif they didn’t have lots of fun with him, for he was a @>mical character. He was a tall, taw-boned Yankee, and always had a grin on his face, ‘whether he was pleased or not. In fact, there was no een taken; “and and clean. It will week. and if there is any mat charged to your parents. “That's all right;.they can stand it,’ said Tommy, thro bis hat and satchel] upon tie bed. “You must be yery careful, for Professor Slam is a cerrible bad man with bad boys.’’ , “All right; I'm arterrible good boy.” “J hope so, for your sake. Supper is ever, but the ‘Sell will waken you for breakfast.” said Lamb, set- ee ee ret, candle in a tin candlestick and going away. To tell the truth, things didn’t look very rosy or homelike, and Tommy felt an: but cheerful in iy age are expected to keep it neat is new abode. Everything was of the plainest and most durable kind, and there was a look of cold isola- tion about the whole place. As yet be had seen but two or three boys belonging mmy, fell backwards, tipping ov 4 tached from the school building, and contained about fifty rooms, double and single, in which the pupils of Professor Slam’s school slept, the dining-hall being still another building, a few rods away. No, Tommy Bounce didn’t know where he was. He hadn't seen many of the boys, and had but a vague idea of what the school really was. But he was des- tined to find out before long. About midnight a couple dozen of lads in their nightgowns might have been seen filing through the hall on which Tommy’s room was. situated. _The light of one or two candles killed a portion of the darkness. They halted before Tommy’s door and silently opened it. Then Tommy was suddenly awakened by a squirt of cold water, He sat quickly up in bed and looked around, but nobody was to be seen, although there was no mis- taking the fact that he was wet, and pretty well wet, too. He listened, but not a sound broke upon the still- ness, and he finally came to the conclusion that the roof of the building leaked, and that there was a storm outside, although he could not hear any indica- tions of it. Finally he fell off into another doze, when he was awakened by another movement in the room, and on jooning up he saw his room full of white specters, with hoods having eye-holes. “ Wa—wa——" cried Tommy, really frightened at the strange and ghostly scene. Then the boys chanted a low and solemn dirge. all the while visible only by the pod ficker of one little bit of candle. Tommy’s hair stood on end. Was the place haunted? The boys did their business so well that he was % er the table and spilling things everywhere and upon everybody around tt. “Oh, please, don’t !? moaned Tommy. -s ae !* they whispered, as they moved out into e hall. Tommy was too much frightened to protest any further, and the fellows who had him in the blanket bore him along silently to the head of the stairs. Then as quietly they bore him down ‘the stairs and out into the open air, . It was so dark that a person could not see his hand before him, and, oh, so still! Tommy dared not cry out, Slowly the procession moved out upon the play- ground, and just as they reached it, a night owl screamed lond and fierce enough to startle the dead. Arriving in the center of the playground, they halted. m * Shades!” said the leader, “‘ before we consign onr victim to his long home, let us give him one more sensation that exists between the present and the = sey a 3 e was response. Those having the corners of the blanket tightened their grasps. a ps Two! Three!” ad la With this they threw him up from the blanket about ten feet, causing him the most curions sensations be ever experienced; and as he came down, they caught him again, and once more he was thrown upward, even higher than before, Tommy was all grit, but such an e: as this made him bellow in Spite of himself for they con- tinued the racket for some time, seemingly throwing him higher and higher every time, and catching him as he came down. Finally they appeared to grow weary of the fun. “ Away with him to the purifying bath’ ‘At) this command they caught the corners of the blanket and drew them together. :

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TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. Se is oO —_-. -!THo2-—-vNmWN7NNO>ONN20-"™"*@”0—"@”@@oMonM(”@M@€”0.“..0"0V00110VV00V01.:.” oOCTCr.—oooeo—o—oeolelelel®VloToOoeoeOoOe—; S’pose, Metican man berry smart, but me ' The boys chanted a low and solemn dirge, all the whiie visible only by the poor flicker of one little bil of candle.’ heap all hunky doly,” he added, finally untying the Knot. Tommy Bounce at once bounced out, and Hop Ski hopped backward about ten feet, with protruding eyes. “ Goshee dunder!"’ he exclaimed. “Where am I?” asked Tommy, faintly. “Who be?’ demanded the Chinaman. ‘“* Who did it’ Tommy added, getting upon his feet and looking around. He was cold and stiff, and his teeth were chattering as he spoke. “Gib lup,” said Hop Ski, still regarding Tommy with wonder and suspicion. * Who be your”? * Hop Ski.” “Well, what do you do?” ** Me washee-washee flor boys.” * Oh, yer do, hey!’ ’ sass aia ** How come f”? “Don't know.” ‘““Hip—who!’ he shouted, looking toward the dor- mitory. “ What's the matter?’ asked Tommy. “Gib Inp.” saki the Chinaman. still keeping at a re- spectful distance from him, and again he shouted, ** Hip—who!”’ Then Elam Lamb putin an appearance. As head janitor he demanded to know what this early row was all about, and why the Jaundryman had aroused ppt beara tar inti “Slee? he asked, pointing to or shivering Tommy Bounce. oe Sta ae M loo! whats this? asked Lamb, “Me, “Well, who’s me?’ “Tommy Bounce,”’ 2 was the new scholar that arrived last night?’ Yes, “But what are you doing here 7" * Shaking.” ; “What for?” * Because I’m wet and cok.” “ How came you so?” “TI give the most of it np.” “ What do you mean? ? Tommy related his experience. thine: ir pth dr ye hazing you. I under- 8 sa mb, while Hop Ski grinned all over the front side of his head. : “Muchee flun. Bully bloys,” said he. “‘Is that the way they work a fresh ?’? asked Tommy, nket; “play glames on | after a moment's reflection, “Tam sorry to say that this is one of the ways. But * never fear, Master Bounce, I shall report the case ta Mr. Slam, and they will all be severely punished.” “Oh, don’t mind on my account,’’ said Tommy. “No?” asked the janitor, in surprise. “No, I gness I can work it out for myself.” “What do you mean?” “ They have had their little racket, and it was a good one, I own up, but I guess I can manage to get square with them somehow.” “No, sir, never. We do not allow such things here, no. sir.’? - “What?! “No scholar is allowed to get square, as you call it. at Mr. Slam’s school. Go to yourroom, I will attend to the rest,’’ said Mr. Lamb, severely. “T think I'd like a little ‘ Test? myself.” ik i 4 if fl iF . f i ‘i am AN MAE and Not soll the Paine for ifgou do it will be. chaveea r to your parents,” ~ ns of an : “All right,”? muttered Tommy, Hop Ski, take that blanket to the wash,” said Lamb, authoritatively. rn re do ae Ferrans, ee Ses Chuckee flail > tee— Fz e Chinaman, proceeding to obey orders. y Tommy followed him towards the house, a Heap cussie good. BUF soakee fieshman.” “ Thats all right, Mr. Ski-terrier; I aan stand soak- ing and nevermelt. But this isn’t the only day there is,” replied Tommy. * Betta lookte lout. Bloys play debil some mo! alle Same ebly time.’’ fee ae all right,” and Tommy entered the dormi- But in spite of the pluck he manifested, he felt Jame. Sore and sick, It was the roughest experience he ha@ yet undergone, and it took him some time to collect his scattered senses. ‘ “Ob, I take a tumble; I lop over. I thought this was an awiul dull place, but I find there’s lots of fur here; I know I like this gang tip-top. They must all be toughs.”” After thinking the matter over fora short time, he- proceeded to change his clothing and to get into some: that was dry, so that by the time the rising bell rang,. he was fixed up and looking as bright as a new pin, Finally the breakfast rang. and he marched into: the dining-ball, where the janitor showed him his fu- ture-seat at the table, and then the other boys marched! in, looking as honest as so many spring lambs, They scarcely yoticed Tommy, and had he been less: 3 rogue himself, never could have fonnd it in his heart to suspect that even one of them had anything.

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* 784 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. ee ee OO TMRA$™m"vruwx1"90-0-W0-.-'T -— —s—XK—XKWhoO— OOOO: to do with the hazing that had made him sucha vic- | But he watched them narrowly while not appearing to do so, and was not long im making up his mind who the leader of the mischief was, a good-looking fellow vabout fifteen years of age. named Billy Gault. Breakfast over, they all marched into the school- :room, where old Slam reada chapter in the Bible and -droned through a prayer. after which fhey were dis- ~ ymissed for study, being obliged to have their lessons yperfect by nine o’ciock, when they were again sum- “moned to the school-room. On the way back te the dormitory, Tommy could mot mistake the laughter that was given at his ex- pense, or the hints about ghosts and being tossed in a Dianket, water-curefetc. Buthe made no reply. He simply smiled good-na- turedly, as much as to say, “I know it, boys, I was ne. it was devilish good fun—fun for you, but wat awhile.’ Tommy went to his studies, but all the while he could not help wishing that he was in Billy Gault’s piace, the leader of the school. That became his am- ition from that time forward. Elam Lamb, the janitor, reported the hazing to Pro- fessor Slam, but that worthy had had experience enough of that sort to know that he could never find ut the ty parties, and so he said not! about it. With the exception of the laug and tie sly hits that he received during the day, nothing happened of any importance until school was out that afternoon, when the boys all assembled on the play-ground as asual, Tommy among the others. But here it was soon evident that the boys were Sound to have their laugh out, and the result was that became the center of attraction. They laughed and rigged him for a long time, and asked him what he thought of the school; of midnight w.? “Bully for you!’ was the response, and so it was ~settied. At the end of the first month Tommy was indisput- sably the boss boy, for being original and fertile in his for amusement, there was no lack of fun, as often used ~o be before his advent, consequently veverything was ‘6 Professor Slam was a sort of an old fuss and feath- -contriving to break up their was aeam piiaeeemmmne. eceme a member of allowed them to have ont of pu night or day, and it so happened that a new =") © came to the scheol that week, and ter bat fee ro. > -

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TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. 18 ure of hazing him, just as thay had hazed Tommy Bounce. This, together with what amusement they could pick up with Hop Ski, the boss of the laundry, managed to tide them through the week so that none of them got so dull as to be sick. ; And yet it must not be supposed for a moment that there was nothing but deviltry going on in Mr. Slam’s school, for, on the contrary, there was a great deal of studying done, and a large number of bright scholars, only they, boy-like, mixed in quite consider- able fun and mischief with their work. Speaking of the Chinaman, Hop Ski, he didn’t have a very exalted opinion of these ‘* Melican” lads. They were so full of deviltry, and so different from Chinese boys, thatjhe could not understand them. But they were continually giving him nice sharp les- sons regarding their style, but which he was unthank- ful enongh not to appreciate. But of all the boys in school whom he disliked Tom- my Bounce took the cake. And yet whenever he was _ playing tricks on somebody else beside him, he would — and dance in his littke wooden shoes and enjoy it hugely. “ Chuckee fiul debel like eggee,” he would say, but then he would immediately afterwards look serious and agree with the janitor, who always had a bad word for Master Bounce. He even wentso far as to encourage him in cutting the rope of one ofthe swings on the playground, so that when a boy gotinto it, it would break and give hima manevroes fall, hoping, of course, that Tommy would catch it. But it so happened that Ned Field was the boy who came to griefy it, and the fall hurt himso badly that he was confined to his room for several days. The boys suspected who the culprit was, and so, without saying anything thet might reach his ears, they quietly watched for an opportunity to“zet good and hunk with him. In the meantime Professor Slam had made his ap- pearance in the school-room, the only evidence of his mishap being a few strips of court plaster on his left ear. But not a word did he say regarding the transaction. One might well have believed from his actions that he had simply been laid up with a cold, and that nothing more serious had vn ays He resumed his duties, but there was a sad, far-away look in his eyes that was comical to behold, that is, for any one who knew the circumstances. He had evidently thought the matter all over during his seclu- sion, and what a fool and a show he had made of him- self in the presence of his pupils by losing his temper and using. such a string of bad words, and concluded that he was alone to blame,and that the least said about it the better it would be for him. And the boys were right glad to see him once more, for they had enjoyed oceans of laughter over the mat- ter, in fact, got tired of the aes and seeing tae he was disposed to let it drop, they felt friendly to him. . As for Blam Lamb, he was almost beside himself with delight on account of not being bounced, and in a very short time he began again to puton airs and tolordit overthe beys. But this being as it had al- ways been, they took but little notice of him, further than to keep a Sharp watch over his actions. But Hop Ski had to be attended to first. Every boy in schooi was indignant on account of Ned Field’s get- ting burt, and every one of them stood ready to avenge him; Tommy Bounce was not only the recog- nized leader. but he was dead in earnest against the Chinaman. : pee Iaid for him one night when they learned that he ne to the village for something, and on his “return, it being a little after dark, they fell upon him, bound and gagged him, after which they ran him down to the pump. He bad been to the viliage for a bucket of soft soap, and this they took away from him, After placing him under the nose of the pump, three or four of them seized the handle and began to pump a big stream of water on him, while two or three others rubbed him with the soft soap. : He would doubtless haye yelled bloody murder in Doth Chinese and English, and also in broken English and broken Ohinese, had he not been so effectually but as it was, there was nothing he could do “h aia foe ety 3 ashee ?’? asked Tommy. “How's that for ee. W: . Se eh ate SE a ee Ey of itint joe _— Hop tae could do was to think damie as as possible. “ Give it to him!" said others. ‘‘ We'll teach him to ‘@ui ropes.”” “Phat’ll do. Now fetch him along,’’ said Tommy. The flood of water stopped, and they lifted the poor Sap eaa ey an none eared nner Dp y ran him ow play- 5 had prepared another treat for him in the shape efa rope. “Shall we him ?”” Instantly Hop Ski fell upon his knees in a most sup- Picating manner and mnutely begged them to spare life, which occasioned a hearty laugh. “Ob, we won’t kill you,” said Billy. = a bat ee tre io hang you with a rope that been mmy. While this conversation was on, a rope, going ever the eress-beams of one of the swings—the ve! one Indeed that he had ent—having a book on one of It, was brought down and the hook made fast in the seat of the Obmaman’s trousers. re ave with him, Ine,” whispered Tommy, hands canght the other end of the rope end pulled Hop Ski skyward about ten feet, where he dangled and kicked like a crab on a fish-line. ‘Allie yitee,’? he muttered, walking stiffly away. In spite of his being mad himself, Elam could not “ Now, then, old rat-eater, good-night and pleasant | keep from laughing at the misfortunes and indignation dreams,”’ said Tommy. “And don’t forget to dream of Ned Field,” said Billy, and-away they went, leaving him dangling there with plenty of time to ponder on the ways of * Meli- can?’ boys, and the decisive way they have of righting wrongs.» ; On arriving at the dormitory door they found old Elam there waiting for them with a whip, and he either gave or tried to give each one of them a slash with it as they darted past him, for they had disobeyed the rules of the school in being out. after the last bell had rung, and so he took it upon himself to punish them for it, and at the same time pay a part of the debt he owed them, althoughin the dark he could not distinguish one from another. But they recognized him easily enough, and were not slow with their opinions regarding him. . “Get in there, you rascals, get in!’ he yelled, as he slashed at them with his whip. “Go to the devil!” \ “Go shoot yourself!” “You're an old hog!” “ Better go dnd see old Slam again and get another dose of ink.” “Get in, or I'll teach you to disobey the rules.” He knew they were not in when he stationed him- self at the door, but he did not know what they had been up to all the while. But before he got through with the fun he was having with the boys, they began to have some fun with him, for three or four of them, Tommy among the others, went up one flight of stairs nearly over where he stood, and picking up each a pail of water that was always standing in the hallway in- case of fireythey went to the windows and gave him the contents in such @ sudden and copious shower that it knocked him off his feet and landed him on the ground, — - Three or four more buckets reached him as he lay there, and then an exultant shout rang through the building which Hop Ski heard and wondered at. But Janitor Lamb didn’t wonder at it at all. His only wonder was how he had escaped without having |- oes broken, ahd who the fellows were who sous- ed him. However, he didn’t remain there long to indulge in his speculations, for he didn’t know but that the in- dignant boys might be something else in the darkness for his benefit, and so he dusted out, or, rather, “‘muddied ” out, and sought his own quarters. The ducking gave him a nice dose of the rheuma- tism to boot, so that he really had all the fun he want- $s ou of the affair, while the boys laughed themselves eep. The next morning bright and early, however, he was up as usual, and went about the place to see if everything was all right. The first thing he saw was Hop Ski suspended by the rope in the air. At first he could pot believe his senses. What the dickens was the Chi} aman doing up there? He approached bm cautiously. “Is that you, Ski?’ he asked, but of course the Chinaman could make no reply. All he could do was ‘to kick and grunt. This again frightened the janitor so that he was on the point of turning and ru: back to the house to alarm Mr. Slam. But pluck up a little courage he returned. Then he saw how it was, and suspected that the boys who had been caught out by him the aight before had played this trick on the Chinaman, and so he pro- ceeded to unfasten the rope and lower him to the ground, after which he unbound him and removed the gag. Hop Ski was nearly played out, and even after his rice-eater was unbound he could scarcely find his tongue to speak. what ithe meaning of this?’ Hop tried to wag his jaws, but conldn’t. “How came you up there?"’ he asked ““Me—damee—no,” he jerked out, and it was quite evident that his mad was returning with his power of articulation. *“Oan’t you explain? You certainly did not bind and Bg yourself and get up there.?? **Damee me—no. Bloys,” said Hop. *4The boys?” 3 “Oussie eblybody— bloys.”? “When did they Go ietiant ni nt??? “So be. Damee cussie, all ble. Glab mes hg lap mouth an’ han’. Sinnip water lon me; chuckee lok sloap in eye, in snoot, in mouth; slam-bang debil lout me, len tie lup hea, damee cl So be.’? : “ What did they do it for?’ “Flor flun, guess,’’ said he, sorrowfally. Elam Lamb was mad himselfat the result of his own little sport with the boys, but he couldn’t help laughing at Hop SkL _ “ Damee funny, hey ?"’ he asked, savagely. “But I don’t understand it.’” ‘*Me yes.” “ How is it, then?” “Bloys find lout I cutee swing.” “0 they did, hey?” asked Lamb, quickly. “ So , * How the deuce could they have found it ont?’ “Gib lup. Cussie damie smart, so be.” “And so they took this way to get square. I'll tell you what, that devilish Tommy Bounce is too sm: and we have got to look sharp forhim. Don’t m this, and we'll kill the little cuss yet.”” “Me knockie stuffin lout,” replied Hop Ski, doubling up his fist, and looking savage. “Yes, but keep quiet for a while, and we will give them all a dose,” sald Elam, confidentially. of poor Hop Ski, but he now felt certain that he had an ally on whom he could depend in his war with Mr. Slam’s pupils. Hop kept out ofsight for the next few days, and not knowing how he ever got down from his lofty perch, they could only conjecture and laugh over the probabilities of the case. But they knew all about Elam, and missed no op- portunity of giving him the grand laugh whenever they chanced to meet him. This of course only widened the gulf between them, but the boys were ready for anything with him, and rather encouraged his animosity than otherwise. Bat it was necessary to the fun of the situation that at least one of the boys should enjoy the con fidence of Elam Lamb, and as he had always mani- fested some considerable friendship for Tim Kane, it was concluded to use him. Tim was a smart little fellow, and through him they managed to keep posted, as Elam, who fell into the trap, thought he found out many things about the boys, but didn’t. Now itso happened that he was desperately in love with the cook, a big buxom Irish girl, but who had another lover, one of her own countrymen, a regular broth of a boy. sz His name was Teddy McGee, and he came to see his Ellen every Sunday night, and courted her in the kitchen. Z Elam found it out and took it upon himself to order Teddy never to visit the house again, telling him that courting was not permitted on the premises under any circumstanees, thinking that ifhe could only blur Teddy out of visiting the handsome cook, that he him- self would have no trouble in walking into her affec- tions. But Teddy and Ellen met on the sly after that, and of course she learned all about the affair, which caused her to hate Elam worse than ever before, and whieh, .by-the-by, brought her nearly up to ,the claw- in; int. a Pome Bounce was not long in finding out all this, and so he Xt a few ofthe boys into the secret of a little job he had worked out and put up for the benefit of their common enemy. Tim Kane was kept busy, and by following Temmy’s instructions, he had roused up the hopes of Elam Lamb regarding the cook until he wore a perpetual Tim told her that he never saw her but.that she was saanteans for him, and would send her love to him on mr Did she seem pleased, Tim ?’? he asked, one day. “Pleased! Well, Ishould say so. And guess what she asked me?” “I’m sure I don’t know. What was it?’ “She asked me if I thought you would object to meeting her out in the arbor some night for a pleasant ¢ “ Why, Tim—did she really say that?” asked Elam, estness. with great earn * “Sure, and I told her I thought you would be de- rascal. lighted,” replied the little ‘ C Now, Tim, here’s a quarter for pock money. See her this afternoon, and tell her that I wait for her in the arbor to-night at nine o’clock.” “All right.” ** And be sure that you don’t drop a word of it to any of the boys.” “Oh, of course not.’? “Remember, now, nine o’clock.”? “Allright. ll see her this afternoon.” But he didn’t do anything of the kind. He saw ths leader, Tommy Bounce, and told him how far the racket had pro; at the same time receiving farther instructions. A little while after supper Tommy worked his way into the kitchen where Ellen was at work. ** Halloo, Ellen,” said he, briskly. Is that ht Tommy ?? It is. Y? said he, mysteriously. What is it, Tommy?” “I’m just from the village.” “Yeare?? “Yes; and I saw Teddy.”’ “Did ye now? Howis he? “Pine as silk.” ; “Troth, Pll warrant me he is. What cid he say— eve He did. Whist | He's coming t. to-night”? “He | He’s co’ ‘0 see you 3 jo pet But how vee pals mee ee * He’s going to steal in, and wants to meet you in the aber = nine orelock) eS ss 34 so? Well, Tommy, that’s good of ye ter bring me word. I'll be there: But hould Ww or ould Lamb "ll find it out.” a a No. hell Bee nec that time.” “IT hope so, the o x Sen Here’s a piece ae = e Tommy, Whist, now.” big of . mum as an oyster. Good- ” taking the generous. hunk of cake, maa Op to have driven Mr. Slam mad had he seen it in the possession Pan Fintan, 4a he made his way back to the dermi- tory where he shared it with his chums. Then the job was all put up, and a few minutes be- a oor ate es night about a dozen of them ly throug! garden and bery Aa as of the arbor. Wid in eeernb- They had got only comfortably settled when they ~ saw old Elam stealing softly alo: garden meibe and a eecinss bre Renate seemed a long time to the boys, as it most likely did to Elam, before Ellen put in tafe Sore But they finally saw her coming up the path leading frem —

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16 . TOMY BOUNCE, Jr. “Oh, the mule and I had a& little difficulty, that’s “Mr. Lamb, if you wish to retain your position in ll,” said Elam, sheepfacedly. this school. you must be more careful,” said the old “It is very strange. I never knew before that a mule | man, walking away. could kick so straighily for the eyes.”’ } “What the devil does he mean, I wonder ?’.musea the kitchen, and knew that the fun was about to com- mence. They held their breaths.as they saw her enter the dark arbor, and each one of them had his handker- chief ready to stuff into his mouth in case there was any danger of explosion. Elam being there before her, was of course used to the darkness, and saw her before she saw him. He rushed forward and caught her in his arms, at the same time whispering ; “Darling Nellie !"? “Whist! Is it you, Teddy?’ she asked. “No—no, it is me,” whisped Elam. “Me! Who's me?” she asked, starting back. ““Why, Elam Lamb, yeur lover.’’ ; “Elam devil! Lave go of me!"? “But, Nellie——" “Lave goof me, I say, or I'll bust ye in the snoot, 80 I will ? she cried. indignantly. ‘ “*But hear me, Nellie.» You——” . She didn’t wait for any more blarney cr for further explanation, but, releasing one of her powerful arms, shé ‘drew off and: pasted him in the eye with her big fist. knocking him sprawling, and then she appeared not to besatisfied, for she gaye him one or two more while he was down. ‘Take that—an’ that, bad manners ter ye, an’,if ye iver cross my path agin I'll give ye as much more as i hungry for; saying which she started for the ouse, fully believing that Elam had somehow dis- covered the intended meeting between her and Teddy, and had come to break it up. Poor Elam! He regained his senses just in time to hear a laughing shout of tickled boys, who thereupon Scattered through the garden and disappearcd. He staggered about in the darkness for a moment, and finally reached the open air. that footoall and started out with blood in his eve, | Bee eng his hatand banging tt over his head, he Protea up CHAPTER X. EtamM Lams had a dim idea that a job had been put upon him,,and another idea, that was not so that he had received a good pounding at the hands o the cook, whom he had attempted to make love to in the arbor. By the aid of the candle and the mirror he was ena- bled to see as fine a pairof black eyes as ever adorned @ man’s mug, together with a nese so swollen and! red oy it looked like a boiled beet more than any- thing else. is Gonfound my luck! confound those boys! confound everybody!” he groaned. “I think Tomm at the bottom ofthis, hang meifI don’t. But whata * muscle she has got! Gracious! -Guess I don’t want to make love to her any more right away. Wonder what mada her actso. Oh, come to think of it, it was a job that Tommy Bounce or some of those young rascals put up with her. But, eh! I know who'll get the devil for this,” and he sopped a wet towel into first one eye socket and then the other. It was quite late before he got to bed, and even then it was a long time before he could get to sleep. And yet, after he succeeded in doing se; he was in utter torment, for he dreamed the whole affair over again, and the lusty Irish girl had him down ‘and was plug- ging him with her big shoes. : And the’ next morning she lost no time in going to Professor Slam with her trouble. * Cud Ispake wid ye, sur?’ she asked. “Yes, what is the trouble ?”” he asked, kindly, * Alam Lamb, sur.” ‘ pods nto. Vase # : iy tor.” ' sods I tar Lamb. Well, what of him? “1 Deked the divil out o’ him last noight,'so [ did.” * You did what ?”? asked the old man, curiously. “T slugged the baste, so I did.” “But I don’t understand you, Ellen,” “Wal, sur, it war loike this. Sure, an’ I expected me young man, Teddy, ter see me in the arbor be- ant.’ ae Oh, that was Very wrong, Ellen; you should never meet a young man in a dark arbor.’’ “Sure, he sent me worrud that he'd be there, an’ I went for termate him, when who the divil shud I foind there but that blackguard, Alum Lamb, the ould ” “ Weill?” ? “ An’ fat the divil did he do but begin for ter make Jove ter me.” “Oh, he did, eh? Are you sure?” “Am1? Bad luck ter him, didn’t he put his arms around me middle here an’ try ter kiss me? He did, an’ it’s true for me."’ “Dreadfal!’ exclaimed Mr. Slam, blushing. “ An’ it’s a dreadful batin’ I gave him.” “Served him right, Ellen, served him right.” “Thank ye, sur. ‘That's fut brung me ter yer room, sur, for fear he’d get here ahead of me, an’ give mea bad character, sir.” é “Tam ou came.. But return now to your du- ties. and I will see that he does not molest you again,” Slam. “All roight, sur.’ said she; and back she went to ber own domains. ~“Dreadfnl, dreadful, dreadful!" mused Professor Slam. “To think that a steady old fellow like Elam Lamb should be caught in such business. I'll have to examine him.” Meantime Elam’ was attending to his duties. but keeping very shady, especially about the eyes, but ft ‘was not long before he came plump upon the old pro- Ts yo What. Mr. Lamb—what is the matter with your face—what is the meaning of those eclipsed organs!” be asked, pointing to his eyes. ing deeply. a a — ae a a nab EP TESS consuiting in whtepers. aan ——— a Fac atm nne + MLZ The boys swood almost@paratyzea under the window, dommy oave tt a tremendous kick, whitch sent tt through he -otnaorw, “Oh, that often occurs, sir.” . Y Elam. ‘1 wonder if anybody has given it away so * But cooks sometimes kick. don’t they ¥” soon *? * Well, really, I cannot say that,”* said Elam, blush-| But he had a good opportunity before long to learn : whether the thing was known or not among the boys, ean

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TOMMY. BOUNCE, Ir. ir for when they turned out to breakfast and happened te spy him} they yelled: “Come to my arms, NeHie, darling !’ shouted one. “[’m your lover, Nellie |’ “Give me a kiss, darling !” S> SS=—=] > Away they went, leaving hiin dangling there, with plenty of time to ponder on the ways of “ Metican”™ boys, and the decisive way they hate of righting ES G8, reminders of it every now and then, either from the boys or from Elen herself, when the boys set her up to it, and this of course kept up the warfare between then. In the meantime, however, mney had revived the old foot-ball, or rather, they brought it from its old hiding- place, and frequently lad fun with it, but taking good ¢are not to do so very near to Mr. Siam’s study. But Elam could not bear to see the boys enjoying themselves, and so he watched until he found where they kept the bail hidden, and then he cut it all to pieces, putting an end to thas Spars for in those days ‘it was no easy job to get a foot-ball. -Of ceurse eonury ee his friends took particular pains to get square for it, and one of the little jobs they put up on him was after this fashion. E They discovered that the old rooster was a great hand to pop corn in his room evenings, and all the next day fe would go around with a quart or two of it in his coat pocket, every now-and then throwing a few kernels into his huge mouth as he went about the place. Observing this, Tommy procured some little pellets of falminating pewder, Snout the size of the pop-corn kernels, and one day’ while the chambermaid was making up his room, he stole in behind her and placed his preparation into the dish of unpopped corn that stood near by. Z eS 2 That night the boys Hngered around in the v icinity of Elam’s ground-floor room to see if there would be any fun. . Elam retired soon after supper, and after his chores were done and finding a good fre burning iu his ache his favorite’ amusement at once suggested it se So he took down his corn-popper and placed.a hand- fal of the cern in it. Then be sat down and straddled that he did not hear the boys laughing ontside), he crawled cautiously ont and procured a match. The scene that the light presented was more than he could account for. Corn, pieces of the popper, coals of fire—in short, everything was scattered strangely abont the room. x ** Wonder what it was?” he muttered, as he surveyed the wreck. ‘Must be the corn all popped at once. Good gracious, how it frightened me!" he added. This, however, put an end to the business that nicht, and the next day he told the professor all about it; how a whole popper fall of corn had exploded at the same instant, and what the result had been. “Very strange things happen to you, Mr. Lamb," growled the old man; “and if there was any liquor about the place I could account for them. The idea of such a thing,” he sneeringly added. “But Ll assure you——” “Oh, go about your business!” and turning away, he left him alone. ** Now I wonder if that old ass thinks I don’t know what Iam talking about?’ he muttered; and then went about the duties of the day. But he was out of popped corn, and wasn’t happy all day; sort of lost, so to speak, for something for his mill to grind on. * Not having any popper. he borrowed a spider from the’kitchen that evening, and began popping cern in that; but the first attempt was more disastrous than the last one had been, for this time the explosion was doubled, and besides putting out the lamp. it putont seyeral panes of glass in the window, broke the spider into a dozen pieces, and alarmed everybody about the | } place. And of course everybody, including the hoys. rushed to see what the trouble was, and after procar- | ing a light, they found Elam perched up on the top of} “Guess it must have been our foot-ball- that ex- ~ ploded.” suggested Tommy Bounce, and then they all laughed and shouted some more, though finaily leay- ing him alone in his misery. - But he took a grand and lofty tumble all to himselt It was some sort of a job that the boys had fixed up no him, although exactly what it was he could no: ell. Well, the next fun of any particular character hap- pened on the Fourth of July. The professor had calculated on haying a great time. There was going to be a grand celebration in the vil- lage, and he informed the boys that they were all to march there in a body and join the procession in honor of the day. Well, perhaps they did not regard this as a picnic: Oh, no! Only a few of them had gone home to spend the day, for, if the trath must be toid,the parents of the majority of those boys regarded it as much the best thing that could be done to keep them away from home as much as possible. Tommy Bounce was one of that kind of course. po he on Stand it. Altogether there were about seventy-five of who were doomed to spend their Fourth at pied ane in most cases because Professor Slam had rendered Such a bad report to their parents of the boys, just be- cause they wanted alittle fun se There was one consolatien, however, and there was & month's vacation after the Fourth, they all look- ed forward to it with great pleasure, But. they were in for the celebration, and they were also in for the procession. ; The professor was to be one of the orators of the Gay, and theMonor thus heaped upon him made him sweh up like a toad in a shower. his old burcau, aU covered with soot, his hair full of} -But the boys had to be drilled in marching in onier ~ i

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15 i TOMMY BOUNGE, 3r. to make a good appearance im the procession, and to ¥lam Lamb, who claimed to bave been a soldier once, was assigned the task of drilling them. And didn’t he have a nice’ imme of it! Well, somewhat. . 3 As he probably remembers to this day. The play-ground was of course the piace chosen for the drill, and three times per day did he take them out and attempt to put them through, while the professor was rehearsing bis eee alone in hisstudy, and mak- ing up fine wordy etl But that marching! It was comical enough for a ragamutiin parade, and Elam lost his temper so many +imes that it was a wonder that he ever found it again. : ; And] yet on the evening of the third they all did so well that he felt certain that they would make a fine appearance in the procession, and reflect great credit apon the school and its tutors. “Mr. Slam was greatly interested, and on that occa- aion, after they had satisfied Elam with their march- ang, he came forth to address them. The boys in the meantime had received each a quan- tity of fireworks from their parents, who wanted them to : as a good time—any where but at home—and they were feeling first-rate over the prospect, to say noth- tng oY the little jobs they had arranged for a proper celebration of the glorious day. . ** Young men, my pupils,” n Slam, in address- iag them, ** we are standing on the verge of a great national occasion.” ; Here the boys, led by Tommy, putin some rousing cheers. : 4 “To-morrow’‘s sun will usher in the great and ever glorious Fourth of July, the day, as you know, when our forefathers put their hands and seals to that glori- - ous document known as the Declaration of Independ- énce, which made this land free and independent.” - More cheers, in which Elam took part, but was gnubbed short by a big fire-cracker which somehow exploded right under his coat causing him to leap upW: ‘and spin around in wheel for & mdment, and then to land on his back completely bewildered. But so wrought up had he become by the professor’s flery eloquence that he thought it only a marked passage in speech, and ao tried to look sober. 3 “Young gentlemen, happy young America! I ex- pect you todo honor to your school to-morrow.”” We wik—we will?” they cried. - ; * But I must inform you thatin order to doso, you «nust observe @iscipline. Follew the instrnctions-you have received and there will be no doubt abont it.” “We will—we will!’ : - This enthusiasm so pleased the old man that he proceeded to deliver the speech he had laid out to de- fiver the next day, during which the boys set off fire- works te punctuate it, Well, all things considered, it was a great day for Professor Siam’s school, and after they had allowed tim to work: Off that s h, he was good-natyred enongh to jet them do almost anything et wanted to in order to manifest their patriotism and natural enthusiasm. . . Well, the evening of the third went off witha regular zip and - ghey S and ar Sk din ees haying bushels of fan, the boys eir good-night respects “to Hop Ski, the boss of laundry. ; He gone to. bed, but that was nothing, and amid a perfect shower of crackers, forpedoes and Roman they brought him out upon the green and made him dance a break-down in his shirt-tail im honor of Yankee Doodle. “Damie Lankee Dooly!” he ,said, after-the boys had enjoyed an hour’s fan with him. “Me likee fire- elackers, but damie devil take Lankie Dooly! Who Lankee Dooly, anyway?’ he mased, after the boys had allowed him to retire. : ‘Well, ali the boys went to sleep late, after playing “any number of tricks on each other, and glad was both Elam end Hop Ski when the jollification was over. > The next morning they awoke bright and early, however, and fell to putting fire to the crackers which had been sent them. But Tommy Bounce was looking further ahead than this, andas he sauntered out into the grounds sur- rounding the school, he saw the Sunday-go-to-meeting- clothes of the professor and Elam Lamb hanging upon _the clothes line to take the wrinkles out and have thern fresh for the great and glorious occasion. Tommy quickly consulted with some of his chums “in mischief, and in less then ten minutes the pro- granime was made up. Tommy watched his chance, and after 4 little man- envering, he managed to place a package of double fire-crackers in the hind pocket of both of the coats, “Waving the end of the large fuse sticking out just a trifie. At nine o'clock, Elam Lamb, as marshal of the achool, got the boys together preparatory to getting them into a line in order to march them to the vil- lage. haying taken them from the line without a suspicion that anything was wrong, and both of them were ready for the honors.- Between the professor and Elam Lamib it had been _arranged that Elam should walk-in frout by the side of the professor, carrying an American flag, while a banner was to be carried_by one ef the boys in the _rear, with the name of theschooil nponit. And so they got info line and started. The profedsor in the meantime had made up his mind what boys should march next to him, and of course he selected the worst ones, so that ge could .bave them directly under his eye. Pa) 3 On the strength of that, Tommy Bounce was im the e air like a pin- |}, -| bodies, front rank and no mistake. But the way things had been arranged, it would have made no ditfereace which ones were to the front. They had no music, and would have none until they reached the village but Elam had trained them so nicely that they could march to the time of *‘ Hay-foot —straw-foot ’’ first rate. Finally they reached the village, where all was en- thnsiasm and excitement. The professor was received with many honors, and assigned a place in the pro- cession. All the while he was swelling with the great speech he was to deliver, and left the boys to the charge of Elam Lamb. He didn’t wish to be bothered | Ela with them, for his mind was so full of his great speech. It was a great day for the village. All the associa- tions, from the Bait Grabbers to the Young Men’s Christian Association, were in the procession, which now began to move. It was also a great day for the boys, and so enthu- siastic were they that they joined in the movement and helped to swell the procession. Tommy Bounce, however, was on the lookout, and with a lighted punk between his fingers, he was wait- ing a good Opportunity. ~ Professor Slam and Elam were fall of patriotism and first-class enthusiasm, and as they marched just ahead of the scholars, it was a sight to behold. A hen and rooster, with their chickens. could not have pro- duced a greater sensation than they did. ~ The boy who was carrying the banner behind was doing his duty, and citizens applauded the great acad- emy of learning. é - But just while enthusiasm was atits highest, while the procession was doing its best. Tommy Bounce with his lighted punk set fire to the fuse which protruded from both their jeaders’ pockets, and in less than ten seconds there was the liveliest cracking and banging in those two coat-tail pockets that was ever heard on land or sea. =e <s “ Murder—murdér—murder!”’ yelled Elam. “The deyil and—whoop! I—I—oh!” put in the pro-| fessor, as the crackers began to explode. ret “Oh—eh—oh!? yelled Elam, as he -whirled and whirled around, all the while trying to put out the ex- citement in his coat-tails. 3 : : A hundred hands were forthcoming to puta stop to the raging catastrophe, but it was not until nearly every stitch of clothing had been blown from their that they were rescued and carried out -be- neath the village pump, when the fire was extinguisiied, as also the eloquence of Professor Siam. CHAPTER XI. THAT fire-cracker racket put an end fo all farther ideas of decorum, and both Professor Slam and Elam Lamb were completely exhausted when “they got through vith their gymnastics of trying to put them- selves out. . . : As for the Fourth of July speech which Slam was expected to deliver, it never was born, and some other man delivered his own, being a candidate for political honors, and as it was big, smooth, and long, all thoughts } redemption. And as for Elam Lamb, he was wander- mg around wildly in search of clothing to cover his nakedness. Sei, * It was a great Fourth of July, and, although Tommy Bounce was the real hero, neither Siam nor Lamb knew what had happened to them, further than that there had been a great ** celebration ” in the rear. And that great speech was lost to the world ! forhow could a man deliver an oration with his coat all torn 2 Lagi and the seat of his unmentionables ripped way : : The boys kept on in the procession just as though nothing happened, and their splendid marching evoked much applause, for Tommy had caught up the flag, and was bearing it along with all tke soberness of a drum-major. The affair created a great deal of excitement, and nearly broke up the procession. In fact, it probably would have done so had it not been for Tommy and a few others. Rumor flew from mouth to month, and before long it was whispered around that the professor had been blown to atoms by the explosion of a fifty-pound shell, which he was carrying in his coat-pocket; that several others had shared his fate; and that people were around with baskets gathering up their mortal remains, which were strewn all over the villiage. One man even went so far as to assert positively that a hu- man arm had fallen in his front yard, situated at least a mile from the scene of the explosion. But these rnmors were short-lived, and failed to burst up the celebration, which kept working itself up, Nei Slam and Lamb were being taken to the village otel. And much they both needed care. P The clothes were nearly torn from their bodies, and certain portions of those bodies, usually covered with coat-tails, were burned quite sore, and were very Much alive with tingling. Their friends at once gave them beth a big horn of brandy to keep their nerves quiet, and, after repeating the dose three or four times, they forgot that they ever had any such thing as nerves. . But, in the absence of clothes, all idea of joining either in the procession or taking any part in the cele- bration was not to be thought of, and so the first ob- ject was to procure something which they could wear to enable them to make their way home again. Finally the landlord ma to scare up.a couple of old hats and coats, so that tramps had often turned up their snoots at them, and as there was no other alternative they put them on. ing Professor Siam were lost beyond | qj And didn’t they look comical t But in the meantime they had got so much liquor in tc mend their nerves that they both felt ike celebrat- ing any way, and finally they wandered away from the hotel arm in arm, full as goats and happy as lords. They didn't find the celebration, however, but they found more liquor, and in less than two hours after the mishap they were both exceedingly JopmAnt and were wandering about the Village aimfessly. “Misser Ram, this is an outrage,’’ said Slam, balanc- ing himself on the arm of Janitor Lamb. * Darn outrage, hic! What was it, anyhow?’ asked m. “Damfino. . Guess all the fireworks went off at once—like—like your corn, eh, ole man?" and he dug him in the ribs with his elbow, laughing loudly at the same time. “TI guess it was the deviltry of Tommy Bounce and the other boys,’’ suggested Elam. “Think sho??? 5 x “What else could it be ¥’? - “Give her up. Where be the boys?” “They continued right on with the procession, just as though nothing had happened.” ~ 3 “Good boys! Gotlots nerve. Boundto keep up the honor of the school.” * Bound to raise the devil, more like.” “You will skin ’em,” said he, coming hae neiseend halt. ‘*Skin every mugger’s son of “em, eh, Peat. em Ram?” ae bo ** Elam Lamb, sir !?? : ‘ : ~ “Well, Reelam Jam; allersame, Well, skin ’em.”’ * They deserve it, sir.” = a “Course they do, You skin half of ’em, an’ Pliskin ozzer half, hic !” ; : : “To think of my best clothes all torn to pieces,” moaned Elam. oe : stop ‘-Tink ntine, too. An’ my speechall gone. Wonder wasser’ll do wizout myx oration? Hold on, ™, I’m goin’ to- déliver yat ‘ration; anyhow,” said he, tearing himself away, and striking a very unsteady oratorical attitude. se ‘ * All right, go *head.’? eer = * Feller-shipizens,.I rise in nse to ye glorious— glorious toast:. ‘Ye day we shelebrate !’*? he began. and before. he had proceeded with many sentences there was a crowd around him. : Of course it was not the big crowd, for that was at the tent down on the green, where the celebration was taking place; but it was made up of mischievous boys, who were out on their own hooks and ready to pick up anything in the shape of fun. _ z And these two drunken comicals were about as good ashow for fun as anything they had yet encountered, and they at once went in to work them, whife the pro- fessor went on with. his speech, and Elam did the heavy applause, assisted, however, by the boys. ‘They threw fire-crackers at them; they cheered and guyed them; they plugged them with everything they could lay hands on, althongh the professor could net- be choked off of his oration until some of them got a long stick between his Icgs and managed to trip him up. . This, of course, produced a tremendous hurrah, and what little there was left of the oration was knocked oomplerely, out of the orator, who lay sprawling in the Elam rushed to the old man's rescue, and raised two or three of those mischievous Ittle rascals on Lhe toes of his big boot, landiug them a rod or so away, and frightening the others so that he was enabled to get the professor upon bis pins again, Ae ** Let's go,’ he suggested, ~ * Yes; oration's all done,” said Slam, pulling his old muddy hat down over his head. . “Well, I should say 80.” v= Great effect, Mr. Rum—made hit,’’. ! On en it did,” and Elam langhed when he thought about it. “ Audience fairly lifted me on their shoulders,” add- ed Slam, as he walked and limped away. The boys followed at a respectfal distance, for the fear of Elam’s big boots made them desirous of keep ing out of reach, But they still followed, and pelted them with whatever they could pick up, all the while shouting their sentiments at them. However, they finally reached the hotel, where they were safe, and where they again partook of drinks and did funny business. Meantime his scholars had got through with all they proposed to do, and as there was a steamboat excur- sion going up the rivér, they all joimed im that, and went off on a regular hurrah, leaving their victims, of whose antics they knew nothing, to do the same. But let us return to the schoo! Hop Ski and the cook were joint bosses during the absence of the professor and Slam, and they went in for some of the good times themselves. Ellen got a pint of whisky, and was soon whooping drunk, danc- ing the loudest kind of break-downs in the kitchen, while Hop Ski was firing crackers, and going through all sorts of Chinese motions with his arms, although he hadn’t the slightest idea what the day was or why ~ it was celebrated. ; a * Who.Flor Yuli be, anyway?’ he finally asked of the happy cook. : “Git out, ye haythin! Sure, it’s. Fourth of July, ov course,” said she, indignantly. ** Who be?? 3 “Oh, go ter the divil an’ foind ont. Sure, it’s ther day we thrashed ther bloody red-coats, so it is. Whoop! Hooray for Ireland! Bring on yer red-coats!” she yelled, smaking her big red fists together, It was fortunate for the housekeeper that she waa absent, for, being an Englishwoman, the cook would have gone for her. But it was all Greek to Hop Ski, and yet, knowing it to be a holiday of some kind, he let off another fre-

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TOMMY BOUNGE, Jr. 39 crackor and went through some more queer gymnas- tics. And that was how things were at home. Hop Ski, however, did not get drunk, for the last in- structions he had received from the professor were to Keep perfectly straight, and have an eye about the place, so that no tramps or thieves should break inand Steal. So he was vigilant, and had loaded up an old mus- Ket, but not being able to find any shot, he had put in a handful of rock salt instead, and while he was cele- brating something or other, that gun stood close at hand for any emergency. About three o’clock in the afternoon Professor Slam and his janitor, both as full as ticks, and both looking like the devil, Coricluded that they had celebrated enongh, and so, arm in arm, they began to reel their way homeward, all the time talking in a very confused way regarding what had happened them during the day, although by this time they didn’t know whether It was Fourth of July or Christmas, or whether they had been up in a balloon or been kicked by a mule. “Whoop?” yelled Slam, “Yip r? squealed Lamb. “'Rah for Christmas!” “Yip for Shanksgivin’!"’ “Sree cheers for everybody!” “Yip for you ’n L’n us!”? “Shet ‘em up again, ramrod; we don’t care a ram! Shet ’em up! Brandy’s mine. What’ll yer have, Yelami7 *. * “Son . “Ramrod! Shet ’em up!? roared Siam, although they were a mile away from the village and within the same distance of home. They clung to each other, for they re¢ognized the fact that union Js strength, but it was all they could do to keep upon their pins; in fact, they had tumbled down and rolled over in the dust two or three times already. a sie Se ““Ramrod!”? Slam kept yelling, thinking evidently of the landlord, who had given him the liquor, : “Oh, we won’t go home till morning——" “We won't go home for a month, hic!’ é 5 “We won’t go home till morning!” Elam persisted in saying, evidently thinking he could sing. “We won’t go home for two years!” “75 “We won’t go home till morning!"? . “Shut up, Relam. We won’tmever gohome. Relam, youre an ass, you think you can shing. You can’t Shing for clams, you can’t, ole Relam Ram.” “Ecan sing besser ’p you can, Highewe Ssk “You don’t know a note from a clay pipe. Fac is, Relam, you're dum fool, you’re drunker *n a bile row}, hic! _Hamrod, shet em up some more. What ’n thun- der d? we care! New Year’s only comes once a month. Shet ‘em again, whoop!” : swe wort go home till morning!” put in Elam again, evidently not hearing his own unmelodious voice, or being so drunk that he mistook it for sing- ing. : es pry up! We won’t go home at all. We arn’t got any home, anyway!? > > “Tull daylight doth appear! “Now, Relam, if you don’t shut up, you ’n I'll get mad. Holloo, ramrod! give us nuzzer drink!”? and at- tempting to brace up to an imaginary landlord, he got his feet mixed up with Elam’s, somehow, and down they went into the dusty road, where they. rolled, whooped, fought, and struggled jor the next five min utes before they could getupagain. —— . “Yat's it, didn’t I tell you sho? You're drunker 'n dried owl,” growled the professor, as he balanced him- self on his pins, and tried to recover his old hat. “So be I—hic!’ replied Elam, and then he attempt- éd to finish his song. i> Bat “T’'m ’shamed o} you, Balam,” said.Slam, finally re- covering his hat and crowding it on ‘this head, *hind side before. = But Elam was bound to Mnish the. song oft “We won't go home: tit! morning,” if be never got home, and so he paid no attention to»the professor, who again got his arm locked into his as they walked along. 5 ‘Aud it was in this manner that they got nearly home; in fact, got within sight.of the school, when Hop Ski discovered them. He saw at once that they were drunk, but thought they were tramps and would not attempt any depre- dation on the place, so he drew an astonished look over his yellow mug and proceeded to watch them as they slowly made their way toward the gate. “Flor Yuli’come, drunkee likee dam,” he mused, as he watched the queer pair. “Won't go ene till morning,’ put in Elam, for abont the fittieth time, an4-finally as they drew nearer, the old professor joined in himself, showing that it was a0 understood thing between them that they were not to go home until the early dawn of the following day —in their minds. . 3 . Hop Ski saw them approaching nearer and nearer, and he began to get excited, not knowing who they were. * * Go way, dlunkie flool, go way!’ he yelled, but 0 course they did not hear him. = th co — till morning?’ “Go way, me tlire gun!” “Won't go home till morning—for my heart is true ~ ter Poll, my heart is true ter Poll,’ they yelled. “Me knockie Plo! all lout, me shoot,” yelled Hop Ski, seizing the gun, hoping to frighten them. _. Bat he might as well haye tried to frighten & mow- ing machine as to have awakened them to-asense of any danger, and seeiag them approach nearer and hearer to the gate, he n to regard them as rob- bers, and made up his mind to pepper them with Taking aim, he blazed away, dividing a handful of talt between them. : And each one of them got all fe warited, and such a had fallen, was enough to frighten the devil. At all events, it frightened Hop Ski, for thinking he had killed them, he threw away the gun, and rau as though a policeman was after him, There was no mistake about him—the salt had been sent where it would do the most good, for both of the drunkards were well peppered with it, and it half so- bered them almost instantly. “Wa—wa—wa—l'm shot! yelled Slam, rnbbing in first one place and then another, and right vigor- ously, ; “im dead! murdered! killed!” moaned Elam, and then he howled with pain. “Murder! thieves! highwaymen!’? “ Help—help—help!” and then they looked solemnly and inquiringly at each other. trouble, and she rushed out to see if there was a chance for a fight. : t Drunk as she was, she recognized the. professor and jam. ‘ “Fut the divil’s the matther here!l’? she asked, ap- proaching them. — ry ‘We've been murdered!” groaned Professor Slam. “Highwayed,”? added Elam, who was doing some lofty scratching and rubbing on account of-the salt that had been sent into his drunken skin. 3 “Paix, [shud say so. How came ye this way!’ she asked, in astonishment. **Halloo, Ellen! Zat you?’’ asked Slam, after gazing at her @ moment. ° “Troth is this yees, professor?” : rai “No, I—I—Ellen, take me in.” - ~* Begob, I shud say ye’d already been taken in. I scarcely knew ye.” 5 SS. “Elien—hic—I searcely know myself. But Itve been shot. Go for a doctor. Stop; take me to’ my room first.’ She took his arm and then turned to Elam, who was rubbing.and moaning. “Rad luck ter yer, Mr. Eelram, but I think this is er doin’s, an’ ye a moind ter give yer the diyil, so 1 ave. * Oh, you shut up,” replied Elam. “WillI I’ soon shut ye up,’ and springing from the professor to him, she put in about a dozen licks in the liveliest time that was ever made, sending him to grass and causing him to bellow like a calf, and to yell “Murder?” louder than ever. : “There, bad luck ter ye! How d’yer loike that? said she, turning again to the half-paralyzed: professor, and leading him to his room, where she left him tam- pete a bed, fully believing that he was shot to eath. : : : - Returning, she dispatched Hop Ski for a doctor, and he went lively, fully believing that he had killed them, butall the while wondering what the Fourth of July had to do with such a racket. 2 ~ Then the cook returned to find Elam for the purpose of giving him some more fun, but he had beceme surti- ciently sobered to know enough to get under the coyer of his own room. , FS Of course Hop Skl explained the whole matter to the doctor, and after picking out the salt, he left the vic- tims to sober o1f and freshen np at their leisure. z By this time it was nearly dark, and the scholars re- turned, tired out, but anxions to know what had Qe- come of their victims. They had learned all about their racket in the village, and had enjoyed an ors hearty laugh over it, but how they had managed to get home, if-at all, they knew not, ae But they soon found Hop Ski, who told them all he. ‘Ole man about it in his broken English, - “Flor Youli alle time, so be,”? said Iunk-likee blazie, Lelam Junk hkee owl, cook Junk Mkee goat, an’ mé shootee salt an’ makee itch likee d—n!"?. he added to his explanation. Little by little they worked the story all out of him, and eyen although they had to go hungry and supper- less to bed, they were so full of laughter that they hardly noticed it. “Flor Youli big,”’ said Hop Ski. ‘You bet,” said they. “Boys, Hop is night. This has been the greatest Fourth of July that we have ever seen or May see again,’? said.Tommy Bounce. ‘But how it will all end is another thing. ! wonder where they are now.’” “Alle lank—gone sleepee,”* said Hop. “Good. But to-morrow! Well, we must aH swear that we know nothing about it; that the explosion was occasioned by somebody in the crowd firing in crack- ers by the bunch, and that we kept right on and fup- held the dignity of the school like brave, good boys.” “ Yes—yes,’’ they all agreed, “Don't give way m--salt,”’ suid Hop. “Oh, no, that’s all right.” And having it all understood, they were glad to get to bed, being very tired after their day's sport and bushels of langhter. y But the next day, failed to bring forth either the pro- ys had fessor or the janitor, Elam Lam. So the another holiday. CHAPTER XII. Two days elapsed before either Mr. Slam or Elam Lamb put in an appearance, both of them being so completely used up after their Fourth of July experi- ences that they hardly knew who or what they were or what had-happened to them. One thing, however, they did Know, and that was that they had both been shot full of salt by Somebody, which somebody was Hop Ski, as the reader knows, although they did not know it. . The term was finished, and along vacation wassoon to follow, so Mr. Siam concluded to send the boys all By this time the cook, Ellen, had become aware of} truth known. whooping, yelling, and scrambling around where they | hoping that everything would blow o¥er and be for- gotten by the time'schoo] commenced ls As for Elam, he was even sicker than the prefessor was. Such a racket, and such a series of adventures he had never taken part in before. “He rubbed and scratched himself for a week without saying anything beyond all the *‘euss words *? he knew ‘or could bor row, although he kept up the loudest kind of thinking about the matter. But before he had rubbed the posts and trees about the place all smooth, the boys were ail away on their Vacations, and he was left alone with his wounds and his growlings. $ : Both the cook and Hop Ski kept the secret. She feared to give him away for fear he wouid tell about her Fourth of July drank, and so far as he was con- cerned, he was not particularly anxions to make the So Slam and Lamb kept.their peace and worried along during the months of vacation. seidom or never referring to the sore matter existing: between them, - although Elam felt sure that the whole trouble was to be accounted for on the rascality of those misehievous boys, and firmly resolyed within himself to have a ter- rible revenge when they returned to school again. . as for the professor, when he came to think the mat- ter over seriously, and after he had received two or three lectures oy his housekeeper, he felt very much ashamed of himself, and refused to go to the village again, where the story of his queer doings on the Ponts was the subject of much scandal and generat Jaughter._ - aed ne He feared that it would injure the reputation of his school, and so in a quiet way set himself to work to make amends forthe past, and to swear off from tak. ing anything to drink that was intoxicating, even in the shape of medicine. Seni » Taking all in all, Hop Ski and Ellen, the cook, hae more pleasure during that vacation than did either Elam or Mr. Slam, for they had thé old racket to laugh over, while the other two felt all the while more like weeping over it than anything else, - Zine ores ** Heap clussie good!? Hop would mutter fo himeelf, whenever he thought of the affair, or whenever he saw either of the heroes. “* Alle slalt likee corn-beef, spect, Tee-he-he!? F eo , Well, the matter was well nigh forgotten by the time the term began again, and the boys, who enjoyed themselves s0 well during the vacation that they had nearly forgotten the racket of the, Fourth, had assem- bled again. brown as berries and fresh a5 daisies, - Butitis safe to say that Elam was not giad to see them, and the professor wore a look that was far from inviting, although he was doubtless giad that the af fair had not reached the parents of the boys, since had it done so it was more than probable that they would never have returned to him again ina body as they “went away. So he tried to be pleasant and agreeable, while at the same time wearing an expression whick said that he would never stand any mere of auch non- -sense as he had- stood before. ~~ a} : Hop Ski, on the other hand, was delighted to see the boys again, for although they had frequently played games on him that-made him mad enough to eat them, yet they had afforded him a deal of amure- ment, So he grinned all over himseif, more especially when Tommy Bounce made his appearance. _ : “Halloo, Hop. How are you?’ he asked, merrily. _ “Bully glood,” replied the Chinaman, | = =. “How’severything?? — . 255 “ Bully glood, so be.”” *“Mnch washie—washie?” “Heap, no.. ? = . - . Cah come,.”” t now, bloys : ** How’s the old janitor??, ~ . “ Glowl—giowl, likie dlog wiv slore head’? ~ “‘ Has he gat freshened up yet ?”” ; some t This caused Hop Ski to laugh as thoughthe wonld burst, for to him it had always been one of the fan- ne things in the world, this pickling of Slam and mb. os But with the commencement of the fall term came five or six new scholars; one of whom de mands more than a passing notice, since he was more than an ordinary fellow, and will most likely figure in this story more or less in the fufure.- His name was BillGunn. He resided in New York; when his parents would let him. = He was about eighteen years ofage, and fnllas tal as aman, although he had not yet ‘filled ont,” and Was somewhat lathy. But he was gifted with the power of mimicry to such a degree that he conld imi- tate alm “st everything in the world, both in voice ang “make-up,’?.and besides this he was a natural ven- triloquist. os : He was not what raight be called a mischievous fel- low—that is to say, not like Tommy Bounce ‘and some of the other fellows, bat he would go to almost any extreme to show what he couid do, or to practice some new snap. They say that not one person in a million is & poet, but it is tafe to say that not one in five millions is a natural ventriloquist, although the art is not halfsp difficult as it at first seems, being only a finely trained ear for catching such sounds, and a faculty ef repyo- ducing or imitating those sounds and Voices in such @ way = _ oe aee that they are the original ones, which faculty is largely assisted by th Ww of imitation and dress, ari erred But of course the old scholars could never aliow them to become members of the school without giv- ing them a‘ hazing,” suck as Tommy Bounce and others received, and so they Were all put through s midnight course of sprouts. aS And after this iatrodaction they were all taken into the fold. Bill Gann speedily became a favorite. and ooae they had been there a week, he was voted one ty) “ gang. They used to congregate in Tommy's room nights home, and take the vacation to recuperate himself in, | after the lights were supposed to be out. and then be

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bitten ee 20 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. would entertain them with imitations of various sorts, some of which were yery clever. And he had a lot ofsleight-ofhand tricks that he had Jearned, and these he used to astonish his schoolmates with until they began to regard him as something al- most unnatural. At the coramencement of the fall term, there was another addition to the school family, in the shape of & colored man, named Josh Horn, a regular Southern coon that Elam had found somehow, and who was willing to work for very tow wages, so long as he . could get his grub and lodgings, his principal busi ness being a man of aH work, a sort of assistant janitor. > Josh wes a comical-looking nig, and the moment. he made his appearance, the boys came to the conclusion that there was loads of fun to be got out of him, and you Overripe, was secretly the boss of Professor Slam, making him conform to her views, although he hated her as bad as the devil hates holy water. : It was just after supper one afternoon, about a fort- night after school had commenced, that Bill emerged from his room, made up so artistically that nobody would have suspected that he was not Professor Slam, especially as he had got his voice down to a thread. Knowing where the boys were congregated, he at once proceeded to Tommy’s room and knocked at the door. With a bound somebody opened it, and with a bound that somebody got back behind somebody else, thinking that the professer had caught them at their illegal racket. * Boys, I have come to you with glad tidings,’’ said he, while they all looked crestfallen. But instantly the whole tableau of frightened boys Det they let no opportunity pass without experiment- ng npon him. he first thing they did was to “haze’’ him, and this they did so thoroughly that he was frightened out of at least @ year’s growth, and concluded that the devil bad got him sure. Of course be told Elam about it the next day, and Elam beeame his friend, thinking he would have a friend in him ehould he ever take up arms against the boys a They are a bad Jot, Josh."" “ Fo’ de Lord, I should say 80,”" replied Josh. “And what you want to do is to look out for them all the time.” “How Gat?” “Give one or two of them a good dogging the first time you catch them at their deviltry.” “But how iff don’t catch ‘em. boss?" “Oh, you can do that without trouble, if you only keep your eyes peeled.. They used to bother me the same way until J] wolloped some of them. There is that Tommy Beunce. Take him first and give bim a good warming, and you will have no further tronble, for he & the ringleader.” Josh scratched bis head and mentally concluded that he would thizk the matter over before he took too much stock in the suggestion, but he finally concluded to keep a bright watch upon the leader of the school, and if possible make him sick at the first opportunity. Bnt the first lond racket that signalized the com- was changed, and they all crowed towards him to learn what those glad tidings were like unto. “Young gentlemen, I have suddenly made up my mind to marry my housekeeper, a lady whom you ail respect, I am sure.’’ “ Good!?? “ Good for Professor Slam!" “Good for Miss Overripe!”’ and other expressions re- sounded through the room, “Thank you, my scholars; and in order to make the affair more potent, I invite you all to come to my study and see the marriage ceremony.” “Oh, thank you.”’ “ Yes—yes, professor, we wil? come.” “Joy be with you.” “when shall we come ?” “In fifteen minutes, and then we shall get all through before retiring bell rings.” _ ‘ “ Of course we will be there, sir,’? said Tommy, never tumbling fo the racket. “Thanks. Dress yourselves in your best, and come to my study In a body,” said he. and then he went away and presently vanished into his own room. Once here, he speedily took off his disguise and re- joined the boys In his proper person. Now. this was a treat that was not to be sneezed at, and in Tess than ten minutes they were all dressed in their best and ready to start. > “ Now, fellows,’ said Tommy Bounce, ‘let us give his nibs a royal send off. Hereplet us sing two or mencement of the term was played by Bill Gunn, and | three songs over so that we can give them a serenade it took everybody in most beautifully, you bet. After watohing Professor Slam for a tew days, he after the job is done.’? “Yes—yes! Try the ‘Boat Song’ tirst,”’ and. right } was enabled to imitate his manner, yoice and style of | earnestly did they ring through several songs, show- dress to ‘perfection, and he at once set himself to work to get himself up as a shadow of his nibs. He also learned all about the domestic arrange- ments of the school, and that the housekeeper, Miss ' ing some remarkably well-trained and natural rie It was joke enough, his marrying his old maid housekeeper, without -pniting np any job to make all their bearts, believing that at least one: holiday wand be given them wherein to celebrate the happy even’ Forming in a line they started to march for the pro- fessor’s study, singing a.merry song, and when the housekeeper was at that moment engaged in giving Mr. Slam a lecture. Both of them were startled, of course, by the sud- den and unexpected appearance of the whole school in a body, singing and behaving themselves in such 4 decorous manner. The professor started forward as if to put a stop to the mob that was tiling into his study. “What's the matter—what is all this?’ he demand- ed, savagely. ‘““Why, we have come to see you married,” said Tommy Bounce. i EEE: LAA ** Oh—oh—oh,” yelled Elam, as he whirled and whirled around, all the while trying to put out the excitement in his coat tails, “Married! To whom? he demanded, In«i most ox- cited manner. “Why, to Miss Overripe, here.” “What! What the devil do you mean” he exciaim- 4 ed, while Miss Oyerripe proceeded to scream, and tried to faint. “Why, did you not just invite us to see yon mar- ried to her?” asked Tommy. ‘No, sir, never!’! “What, never?” “No, sir, not bya blank—blank sight! What ts the meaning ef this?” ; The boys looked at each other in amazement “Get ont of this!” . “Oh—oh—oh!” moaned, Miss Overripe. “ But you invited us, sir,” “No, sir, you are a lot of vagabonds! Git out of this orJ’Il murder some of you! Git out!” ; This didn’t look much like a wedding, and the boys were greatly puzzled over it. The old professor, however, was not only puzzled bat exasperated. ‘** What does it mean, sir?’ asked Eugene White, one of the really good boys of the school, A “Mean? Itis some of your confounded nonsense,"” replied the professor. - **No, sir; we are all in honest earnestness tn this matter, for did you not jnst invite us yourselff” be asked, honestly. 3 = «Invite you?” “Certainly.” “When ?’? ‘ “Only a few moments since.” - “Never! You are 4 set of rascals!” exclaimed the old man; ond again did Miss Overripe cry: “Oh, ob, } oh? and make believe that she was going to faint, al- additional fun, and so they went into the adair with \ though tf the truth had been known, she would bave

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TOMMY BOUNCE,” Jr. 21 {amped out of her skin if Slam only would have mar- ried her. ““T cannot understand If, sir,’’ said Tommy Bounce, and looking honest. “ Master Bounce, I believe fhis is one of your rascal- ly atfairs, but be assured that your flesh will suifer for it, sir,” said the old teacher, with his face as red as a rooster’s comb, and at the same time Miss Overripe squealed again, and calied upon the professor to pro- 7 tect her. ~ You visited us this evening——" ; ~ and I will yisit you again if you do not vacate this room instantly)” yelled Siam. “ All right; it there isn’t going to be any wedding, why, all right; but we feel awful sorry, but——” “Git? and seizing a water pitcher, he hurled it at the group of boys, causing them to scatter like a} “Hush! Josh, can you be trusted?’ asked Bill, with great dramatic effect. “Wa—wa, yes, sah,”’ replied Josh, trembling all over himself ‘Whatam de matter?” “Hush |’? and Bill glanced cautiously around. ‘“ Re- move the trunk, but never speak of what you may see or hear. Hark! Take this silver,’’ he added, placing a quarter in his trémbling hand. “ Y—y—yes, boss, I——’”’ : “Be calm! Take up the trunk.” J By this time Josh was trembling like a leaf, al- though he did not wish to ownit. But he took up the trunk by one end and was on the point of pulling it out of the room, when a yoice, seemingly from the inside of it, arrested his attention and took every kink out of his woolly hair. “Oh—oh—oh! They have murdered me !* Moek of sheep, and as he did so, Miss Overripe flung ersetf into hisarms, and again insisted’ upon being “ protected.” Really and trniy there was no racket in this that any of them knew of, with the exception of Bill Gunn, but he was selfish enough to enjoy it all himself, until the boys had got back again to their quarters. Then he had a grand laugh at their expense, and ex- plained the whole affair, greatly to their chagrin and amusement. . The next day Mr. Slam attempted to get at the bot- tom of the mischief, but not a soul would give it aw ay, but, on the contrary, they all insisted that the professor had visited them and extended the invitation. This puzzled the old man greatly, but it worked Miss Overripe up to such a point that she really belleved she wis en; to him, and soon after began to hint strongly about his marrying her, at the same time giving te understand that she had any number of witnesses to swear for her. ; 3 ae: This preduced a little hell for Slam, and he enjoyed it for many a day afterwards ; but the boys had bags of fan with this same Bill-Gunn, or, rather, he made heaps of fun for them. Josh Horn, the darkey, became game for the whole eeneck, and the boys worked him on ak possible occa- 8 Only a few days after the wedding racket, Tommy Bounce sent for him to come to bis room, where he wanted him to do something. ) Tommy contrived to leave him alone in. the room with Bill Gann, while he and several of the other boys Hogered on the outside where they could overhear all shat went on. * : Hop Ski sas them approaching nearer and nearer, and he began to get excited, not kuowing who they were, ‘he yelled. Josh dropped the end of the trunk and started back | in alarm. ** What's the matter f"” Who dat spoke?’ he asked. tremblingly. = Ease it was nobody. Go ahead.’’ ** Nonsense; remove the trunk.’? Once more he lifted the trunk, and once more did Bill Gunn, with his ventriloquial powers, make it seem as though there was somebody in the trunk. “ Oh—oh—oh ! be careful, for 'm nearly dead Again did Josh drop the trunk. “ What's the matter?’ * Dar are somebody in dat trunk.’’ “Well, you are pledged to secrecy. carry it to my room.’ ** Boss, I—I guess Fdon’t want ter.” “What! Are you a coward ?? “No, I—I’s only a little *fraid, dat’s all’ “Take me out; I'm smothering?’ came again from the trunk. > Josh waited to hear no more, but gathering his legs under him he skipped out of that room lively, and very soon alter the boys burst into the room to finish their Take it up and given to the poor darkey. And it was true for them. That colored citizen was frightened half ont bis boots, but he lost no tine in i The old professor cautiously approached the trunk, | while the others stood anxiously by expecting all the | nary gore.”” Jangh, and to comment upon the scare that had been | And so they visited the old professor, who had by this time forgotten al! about the last racket,and sus- pecting that something migkt be wrong, he concluded oe follow the thing up and bring the murderer to jug- ce. - But he did not feel over and above courageous, and 50, to make himself solid, he called Hop Ski to go along with therm, in they needed more witnesses. Hop_ Ski was delighted with almost anything that took him away from his work, and so gladly made one of the company. Being all ready, they started for the dormitories, where they expected to find the half-murdered man in Bill Gunn’s trunk. The boys were all up and waiti 8 t : sult of the racket roukt be. - Peek me ns Nee, Munkie jlool; go way,” “Go way, CHAPTER XIIL PROFESSOR SLAM, Elam Lamb, Hop Ski and Josh Horn, the darkey, reached the building where the scholars slept, and at once proceeded to the room oc- cupied by Tommy Bounce, and where Bill Gunn had So lately raised the hairof Josh by giving a sample of his ventriloquial powers, imitating a half-murdered man in the trnnk that he tried to get him to remoye. The room was full of boys, and there stood the trunk just where Josh had left it. *‘ Open that trunk,”? demanded Slam. * “Yes, Inurderers, open that trunk,’’ echoed Elam, swelling up with pride. t Tommy advanced and opened the trunk. “Ts this the trunk, Josh?’ asked Slam. “Yes, sah? F é _ “And you say you heard 2 human voice in it, plead- ing to be liberated ?’? “Yes, sah, fo’ shnuah.” while to see a gory body produced, but Dary a body, “ What is the meaning of this 7 demanded Professér Slam, turning to the boys, while Elam looked. will’ and swallowed quick. ““Wedo not understand you, sir.” said Tommny, communicating the whole affair to Elam Lamb, the | looking as innocent as a lamb. > janitor. “You don’t! Josh Horn, what sort of a yarn did “Dar am dark murder in dat trank fo’ shuah,” said | you tell ns?” he, nervously. “ Fo’ de Lord, Massa Slam, rhearn him wid my own “That may be 80, for that gang of fellows are bad } ears.” enough to do anything. We will get the professor up ‘Josh, I want ron to move this trank and take it to | and investigate the matier at once, and béfore they my reom,” said Bill. * Tew, sab.” Se Be have time to dispose of their victim,” replied Lamb, - | nervously. “Are you positive Y i 2 “Td say it ifit was wid my las’ bref.*?-> “Nonsense.” replied several of the’boys. | “Maybe they have taken their victim from the trudk& pu

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22 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. . and secreted him,”’ suggested Elam, glancing around, while Hop Ski looked hke a frightened sheep. “Search everything, search everywhere,” the old professor exclaimed. “ Oh—Oh—oh! sed man in the trunk. Josh waited to hear no more, or argue the point as to whether be wasin his right senses or not, but drop- Yow’re kilting mé!’’ said the sup- “That's all right, darling ; I won't hurt you. Only wanted to taste of your lips to see if‘they tasted as | good as they looked,” said he. 4 “You horrible old thing you!” said she, breaking “Nonsense, gentlemen, this colored party has been | ping that trunk with a thud, he darted out of that | away from him; “J'Ilreport you.” —_* getting you on a string,”* said Gunn. “We will room and down-stairs, out of the building, as though Elam, and at it they went, searching everywhere in| until he reached his quarters. the room, and finally going into other rooms, even The laughter of the boys as he skipped out was the * All right, birdy, only say I did it right up in shape. soon see whether he has or not,” replied | the old boss devil was after him, and never stopped | Come, give us some more.”’ But the girl cut and ran away. E Then he caught hold of an lrishwoman, witha mar- arousing some of the boys who knew nothing at all | only thing that gave him any comfort, and that was | ket basket on her arm, going to market, and he also about the racket, and who had gone to sleep. Everywhere they went in search of the tortured, mangled body that the darkey swore he had heard in the trunk, and while the innocent boys were frighten- ed ald perplexed, those in the hurrah laughed them selves nearly to pieces. But,Zof course, they found no body, the darkey hav- ing been deceived by Master Gunn's ventriloquism, aud finally they returned to Tommy’s room, greatly perplexed. As for Josh, he looked sick, while Hop Ski assumed @ more cheerful expression, since no murder had been discovered. _ . But what the deuce did it all mean, a “ Josh Horn, I ned his provision-destroyer, and after get- fs breath, Blam started back. 3 itr? Slam. . like than P? said he, at which a laugh among the boys. ‘- | | but slight, for he had his own ears for witnesses, and couldn’t understand it at all. On arriving at his room he repeated ‘every prayer that he ever knew, and remembered every bad thing had ever done, supposing that he had been visited by a reproving ghost. - As for the boys, they rolled and tumbled upon the floor and beds, and allowed that it was the funniest iacket they had ever seen, and that Bill Gunn was the boss ventriloquist. é But they were yet destined to learn more of Bill Gunn, for he had been so successful in his imitation of Professor Slam that he resolved to have still more fun out of it. z “yy a2 The bo; the meantime had become well ac- quainuted with the wedding racket, and seeing how completely fooled they had been. they believed in any- t that he might thereafter take it into his head to undertake. > zs es ~The memory of how the old man cut up in the vil- —— the Fourth of July was still fresh in their is, although he had never ventured to go there again afterwards, hoping the rude affair would be for- fe : ; nn - > So Bill Gunn informed them, with a wink, that the ay night, and if they should happen to be there, they would most likely see some Tun. : : : Well, you bet they were there, for after a week’s” hard study they wanted something for amusement, of course. «4 ae Bill Gunn got himself up to look so much likethe professor that even the old man himself would hardly have been able to swear that it was not himself, or that he did not have a “double.” - te He did not go with the boys, but made his appear- ance in the vans soon Aco about a dozen of them got and withont loss of time he began his fun. Going into the tavern, folowed by Tommy and the others who were to help the thing along by hints and he called Yor soda for all, pretending to be from “Tagree with sir.’ said Elam, following him. | pretty full of whisky at the same time. ~ “Yep, ctaiedactees added Hop Ski, also ian toons “Set ’em up for the boys, sir, the boys,” he said, the room, peg Bp Josh standing there utterly | st the bar with his fist. b : bewildered, and boys laughing loudly at him. “ Certainly, professor,” replied the nar-Keeper, hur- paris go . fine, Josh,” said T: : hes area bo: Best scholars in the “ got you down ‘osh, fom: 5 are iy boys. St schol in the first to Secak — world, ied they like soda.” ; “Dar am some mystrum heah,.Tommy; I know} “Yes, sir, and soda is good for them.” dat | heah a man in dat trank. Now didn't you all “ Of course it is, sir. Iam not one of those straight- _ him?’ he added,- appealing to the laughing yS. : * Nonsense; you did’t hear anything.” “No; you're off _— Sookenians, Sekt a i “away from your : OA ttle twisted.”* % * “ A trifle Te head, old man.*’ “Can't swim, I gness.** “Somewhat mixed with something.” ; al tell us,’’ added Tommy, “* where you got your rash.” “My what?” he exclaimed. “Your beoze. We won't give it away. Bunt you know you must have been tossing them in pretty live- ly to act this way.” “don’t undercomestan’ you, gemmen.’’ “Where did you get your w ag “Whisky? -l neber drinks whisky.” “Of course-le don’t. Gin is his,” said one. “Or, perhaps, brandy.” “Or Tum.” “ Or rye and rock.” “Or apple jack.” “Gemmen, dat don’t unrabel de vast myfsterious- - ness ob de case; I neber drink anyfing dat’s stronger dan water,’ said he, earnestly. “ Oh, that's too thin.” “ A little too fine, old man.” “Somewhat drawn out,”’ said another. “Gemmen, dar am a myistification about all dis yer dat I don’ un’erstan’, and | don’ un’erstan’ what you mean, Boways. If I didn’t heah a man in dat trunk, peg am ail broke up an’ gwane to pieces, dat’s “Oh, go to bed, Josh, and you will fee) better in the’ morning,” said Tommy, soothingly. “Yes. take a rest.”” bs Get a short nap, Josh, and you'll feel all right after- “Maybe dat Ilamn’t just right up heah,”’ he said, tapping his thick skull. ‘No, of course you are not. Good-night.” “ But it am so fanny.” “That’s so. But just bring the trunk out into my room,” said Bill Gunn. “Wal, if it would convenience you, I——” and he took hvld of one of the handles, “ Oh—oh—on! be careful P’ seemedto come from the inside of the trank. Josh dropped it a3 before, and started back with the kinks a]! out of bis hair. * Whats the matter?’ “ Didn’t you hea dat?” : “We heard nothing. What's the matter with you?’ asked several of the boys. : “Dat man in. “‘ Nonsense; remove the trunk.” Tremblingly he approached it, and finally he lifted it by one han:ie. he RYyWe, ys in or tally | thing go winks, P striking who spoke to bim about it. tle beer racket to-night, that's all.” laced sons ef guns that believes my boys shouidn’t have a good time as well as myself. Not much; I love my nip, and so do my boys.” : * Well, professor, here’s fun,’? said Tommy, lifting his glass of soda. “Here’s looking at you, old man.” * Harr all off your head, old boy.” ; “Here She goes; and half a dozen other toasts and expressions greeted the supposed professor. “ Drink Fearty, you young rascals—drink hearty!’ he replied, as he drank a glass of beer. rofessor would visit the village the following Satur- | kissed her. Bct she broke away, and swatted him over the head with her basket. “Bad Inck ter ye, ye drunken ould thafe av the | worruld! be out av this, or l/l) spoil the bridge av yer snoot wid a kick!”’ said she, indignantly, which caused the younger portion of the crowd to laugh and the | oan ones to quiver. " |_ They regarded it as a. great scan and thought it | too bad that a man at the head pipes that had | long been an honor to the place, should become &o | a a ice sea ue ‘ so they visited every place ie Village, every- body believing that it was nobody else but Professor Slam, after which they started for home, where they arrived withont being suspected. ee But some of those ont ci it and held an indignation meeting, and a committee ef three of the foremost mien in the were 3] r to wait upon the professor and'remenstrate with him for P agonrdaaly diey_yoade Mei eco ey made appearance ; school on the following Monday evening. amet had in the meantime got wind of it, and sca r trees close by, He talked about the weather, the news’and educs- tional interests, finally winding: up with a eulogy of ‘his own school, of course, asusual. Gs ae Slam, we are all very proud of your school,” said the spokesman, solemnly, =| * Of course you are, for I trust it is 9 credit te the whole village,” said he. warmly. See “Wel tis, it used to be.” es “What! Used to be? What do sou mean?’ be “Yes, there was a time——” : aa : my sche! levous, as where will you find & schoe! whete age are not? But——” : Ter “We have no complaint to make against your scholars, Professor Slam.” a rie anges What, then—at my methods of teaching ern “Yes, sir, that is what we object to, and we have been appointed a committee to wait upon you and remonstrate.’”? “Ts that so? How happens that?” be asked, ia There were half a dozen of the solid men of the vil- | great astonishment. lage present to overhear this, just as Tommy and Gunn | intended there- should be, and the result was they were terribly shocked. “ Ob, that’s all right,"’ said Tommy, to one of them ‘The old man is on a lit- “That's all |. Well, for_a professor of a school, and a man who is always preaching temperance and good behavior, I should say that that was enough. What's the matter with him, anyway? This is the second time he has beén down to the village drunk.” “Oh, he don’t do it often, sir.” “Good gracious, often! Well, I should say that he hadn’t ought to do it often or at all.” “Oh, don’t be hard on the old reoster. You know he has to toil all the week long, and of course he wants to Come, pro- ve getaway on a racket once in a while. fessor, it's my tarn to set them up now. another one?’ “Course I will. I never go back on the boys, for I’m one ofthe boys myself; ain’t 1?” * Of course you are.”’ - “One of the gang, aren’t you. oldman?” * You bet | am ; and if anybody don’t like it they can kiss my foot, eh?” “Of course they can. We pay our way.’’ “Every time. Got theshug to doit with, eh?” “You bet. Well, here’s a whack, Mr. Slam."’ “Looking at yeu.”” “ Here’s fun |’? and witha yip and zip, another row of glasses was emptied. And they ‘keptit up until every boy in the gang had treated, and of course they were ali feeling pretty good by that time, and began to sing songs. The supposed professor even went so far as to dance a breakdown, accompanied by all the fancy touches and several whoops, By this time there was a crowd in the room [and as many more looking in trom the outside, and either wondering or laughing at the sight. . Then.at the professor’s suggestion they. went out to see the sights, laughing and singing as they went sen. followed by a crowd ef, boys and disgusted 8. Presently the professor met @ pretty girl, and catch- ing her in his arms, he gave her a kiss, and she gave a scream. > .“The citizens of the village held an indignation | meeting last night, and appointed us a committee to | visit you, to——” SS well, if you thoroughly understand my method | of teaching, why, then, I am ready to enter into a die- | cussion with you in relation toit.” Do you understand it thoroughly ?”’ “We think we do, we are sorry to say." “Sorry to say 2 “Yes. We think we had avery painful filastra | — a your method of teaching last Saturday alg) “Last Saturday night?’ * Yes, ae api ———- rad ue “What the dickens you mean, gentlemen? I gave you no illustration last Saturday night.” Set “Yes; you did.” “ Where ?”? “At the village tavern.” “What!” and his mind instantly reverted to the Fourth of July racket, although he could not under stand what they meant by “last Saturday night.” “ Gentlemen, you puzzle me.’ | wee ,You puzzled every good citizen last Satarday “ Now look here, gentlemen, I am not used to thie sort of hide-and-go-seek. What the deuce are you driving at?’ “We speak in reference to your unseemly vielt to the village last Saturday night in company with several of your pupils.” “What! Gentlemen, you are crazy. I did not visit the village at all last Saturday night.” “ You did not?” “No, sir, I remained at. home, as I can very easily demonstrate. What do you mean?’ “Are you sure of that?’ and the committee looked at each other, as much a8 to say: “ He was 80 drunk that he does not remember it.” “Speak right out.’’ i ell, ape that’s what we should have done | before, You visited the village last Saturday night and got drunk in company with several of your a behaved ina very rude manner to severa} “What! Me drunk? Me bebave rudely to severai ladies’ It is a cursed lie, and if you do not instantly

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. TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. retract it and leave my house, I will call assistance enough to have you thrown into the highway!” said he, leaping to his feet and approaching them angrily. “But we saw you.” “You lie?’ and seizing a bell-rope, he rang an alarm that speedily brought Elam, Josh, and Hop Ski to his atudy. “ And several others saw you, sir.’ 2 ** Several others lie, and you have come here to in- sult me, perhups to see if you cannot break up my school in the interest of some rival.” ~ “No, we simply come to remonstrate and do our duty,’ said the spokesman. “Then I have simply to do my duty and have you dang into the street.” seine * You had better not attempt it, sir,’” “You had better believe that I will. Here, fling these blackguards into the street,” said he, as Elam and the others entered the room. The boys were conyulsed with laughter. * Wject the blackguards,”’ : : “Gentlemen, gol’? cried Elam loudly, and seeing how things were, that.committee “ arose.” “ Skippie lout!” put in Hop Ski, while Josh lowered his head, 23 though about to go for them, ram fashion, * Bat listen to us, Mr. Siam.” “* Not unless you wish to apologize.” “ But we saw you, sir.” - “Out with them!’ yelled Slam, wild with rage. Blam seized one of them and Hop Ski another, while Josh wentfor the other, head first, and knocked }, before he had a. him out of the door into the yard ehance to grunt, : A short rough and tumble fight followed, but as one of them was disabled, Hop and Elam had bat lithe trouble in managing tlie other two, and rushing them unceremoniously into the street, after which they returned to Slam, fo learn whabt it was about, anyway. <3 = While he was explaining it to them, the boys got down out of the trees, and their hiding-places, and ran safely to their rooms. fists CHAPTER XIV. © ” PROFESSOR SLAM explained the nature of the com- mmitteemen’s visit to him as wellas he could, but the whole thing was.a mystery that none of them could fathom, unless they were-trying to break up his school reeks : - The next day he questioned several of the boys to see if they had been to the village the previous Satur- day night, but they all looked as honest as sucking pigs and said no, of course. ‘ This convinced him that there was & conspiracy, and he resolved to visit the village and ferret if out. - ~. And consequently the-next evening he went there with 2 Strong resolution within him to halt-sole and heel Ris Ton-down' character. _ 5 ' {he first place he visited was the village tavern, -and as there happened to be several persons present who were there the previous Saturday evening when his artistic ‘‘shadow worked the: racket, of course there was @ general grim taken on, thinking that the old fellow had come for-another ‘“‘hurral.” “ Sir,’ said he, addressing the bar-keeper in a very severe tone of voice, ‘do you know me?” “Yes, boss, I think I do,” said he, with @ grin. “Who am ig sir??? “Professor Slam, the school-master.”’ “ Well, sir, what of it? ~ *Oh, nothing, T guess"? “What do you Know about me, sir?” “Well, not much.” * Tow much 2? “@b, well, I’ve seen you before.” “When ??? “Last Saturday night,” * Where 7” “ Right here.” “What was J doing, sir?” “Well, you was with the gang.” “*Whatl « HinPrn Ss “Had some ofthe boys with you.” “ What boys?’ “Why, your own scholars.”’ “Good Heavens! What was ‘Ob, you was a little off.” “ What)? “ Just a little Jush.” * Sir, what do you mean?’ he demanded, rising to his full height and striking the bar with his fists. * Whac do you mean?” - “Why, that you was alittle pudgy, that’s all.” “Explain yourself, sir.” . a ‘A little moist inside: on a racket; a trifle festive; tut of juice—damit—drunk. Do you understand that?” “Young man, you are a Jiar."” “ Old man, ask Bhan 1 don’t allow folks to be so - timiliaras that.with me,” said the bar-keeper, grow- mg white in the face. y = Z “Tf you say I was here last Saturday night, either drunk or sober, you are a liar, sir.” ' “Well, Il say you was, and here’s will back me up.”” It's a lie, sir, got up to injure me.” “Don’t you tell me again that J lie.” * Yes, E will, for i#-—” ; He didn’t tinish the sentence, for just then that bar- - keeper reached for him and succeeded in making con- » nection right on his nese, landing him over backwards upon the foor, and then coming out from behind the bar, he was about to follow up his suecess with a grand finish when the bystanders interfered, and the I doing, sir?” a halfa dozen who landiord came in, demanding to know what it all » THeant, a ~ Why, sir, this rascal of yours, this villainous ron- eoncomistical ruifian here, had the audacity to assert that I was here last Saturday night drunk, and be- cause I told him that he lied, he struck me a murder- ous blow,” said the professor, visiting his bleeding nose with his pocket mop. ‘Everybody saw him,’ said the bar-keeper. ‘Well, professor, that’s all right —”” : “What's all right, sir?’ howled Mr. Slam. “Why, about last Saturday night. They all do it professor,”’ said the landlord. “ All do what?” “Why, all get a trifle full now and then. But you make a mistake in coming here for the purpose of denying it-——’? : “Great adamantine |?’ “For hundreds of people saw you.” “Saw me??? “Yes, drunk. Have you forgotten it?” “Tt is a scandalous falsehood, sir; I was not in the yillage last Saturday night.?” ‘‘Oh, that’s all right. We won’t argue.” “But I will argue. « Damit, I have been slandered, sir, and I believe it isa put up affair to rnin my char- acter and my school.’’ - “Oh, no; we all saw you,’ said the landlord. “Saw me—how,?”? ‘“ Drunk as a boiled owl.” “TY tell you, sir, that it isnot so, and I can prove by a cozen that I never left my residence last Saturday night.” : 3 5 '* Well, sir, ifit was not you, it was either your ghost or your double, that’s all I have got to say.” ‘Twill not listen to such slanders, sir,” he roared, ‘and stamping his foot in rage, he rushed fromthe pone ea a wildly laughing and astontshed crowd Lind. “[lltake the law on you !”” were the last words they heard him growl. 5 y= And probably he really did intend to do so at the time, but while walking along nursing his damaged snoot, who should chance to see him but the lrish- woman whom he was supposed to have insnited on ? | that eventful night, and not haying yet cooled dawn, she again manifested herself. ‘ Ah, is it there ye are again, ye bloody onld black-- guard !”’ she exclaimed. é Mr. Slam looked up amazed. 2 “Oh, ye naden’t map yer ould snoot an’ fry ter look honest. Faith, I know ye loike a speckled cat.” * Madame, what do you mean ?” he asked at length, seeing that he could not be mistaken as to whom she was speaking. a S “Mane! I mane that yer a nasty decavin’ ould blackguard, an’ if me ould man Tim was here now he wud Knock ther belly all out of ye, so he wud.” _ “You are mistaken about something; I neyersaw you before, madame,” said he, attempting to pass on and avoid her. S Se = ‘“Mistaken, ig it? Never seen me afore, hey? Troth, but ye did then, lasht Sathurday noight.” _ = “What is that you gay ?” he asked, starting back in astonishment. 5 - “Aw I hut ye a sclewat alongside the head wid me basket, so I did, an’? I’ve a moind ter give ye another one now,’’ she added, donbling up her big red fist. The bewildered and smarting professor just then thought he had had enough, and without stopping to inquire any further into the matter, he lit ontas lively as his two legs would carry him, leaving the irate Irishwoman standing there whooping and howling, even begging him to return and let her have a chance to get square. What the mischief did it all mean? But while running away and still looking back to see if she was pursuing him, he ran squarely into Deacon Jabb, knocking him over backwards and fall- ing on top of him. They both yelled, and after sprawling around in the dusty road for a moment, they got upon their feet and glared at each other. “Ts that you, Deacon Jabb?? asked Slam. “Yes, sir, itis me,” growled Jabb. : “Tm exceedingly sorry, sir; it was only an acci- dent, sir, I—” re On, only an accidental dunk, I suppose,” snarled the deacon. 4 “What do you mean, sir?" “You are drunk again, sir, that is what I mean.” “Deacon, you lie 1” “Go on, sir; I will not bandy words with a man who not only gets drunk himself, but leads bis inno- cent pupils astray to make drunkards of them as Mae replied the irate deacon, turning and walking “You are an old nincompoop, sir, an old jingle brains. Come back here and explain yourself, or Vil take the law on you for slander.” But the deacon paid not the slightest attention to him, and as he stood there-in the road jawing, a half @ dozen Citizens came along. 2 Halloo, the old man’s drunk again." said one. _ “'Phat’s:so. Got’em on him again,’’ said another. * But he’s going it alone this time.’? “You are a set of blackguards,” said Slam, now thoroughly exasperated, “He's been rolling in the gutter." “Go lightly, old man, or you won't get home this time.” “Go to the devil!’ exclaimed the professor, turn- ing and walking away. : He could not understand it, and was becoming more and more puzzled at every turn. : He went to the house of a friend to see if he could lias inatters, but that person refused to speak ta m. Still another of his acquaintances told him that he didn’t care to be seen in his company since he had | become a-common drunkard, and his particular friend, i the ¥illage postmaster, langhed in his face 23 “What is the meaning of ali this?’ he asked, after stating his troubles. 4 “Well, the trouble is, you are too fresh.’’ “What do you mean??? | “Why, you give yourself away |’ “Confound you, how?” “Do as I do.” | ‘What about?” ‘* About your beer.” ““Nonsense.?? ‘**] drink it on the sly, and nobody ever Says a wor’ abousme. That’s why lsay you are too fresh. Brn is and take it home, and nobody will ever say any thing.” “But I tell you I never drink a drop of anything ex- cept for medicine,” said Slam. ig “Too thin, old man, orelse you are sick devilish often, and you must have been devilish sick last Sat- urday night, according to all accounts,” he added, laughing, ain vain did Slam protest that he was: innocent; that. he was not in the village at the time; he only got laughed at all the more, and finally he started we home, disgusted and bewildered by the whole affair. At first he had thought it a conspiracy, but now he felt convinced that everybody was either laboring under a mistake, or he did not knoyy himself. He did but little else during the remainder of that night besides nursing his sore nose, trying to coax the swelling out of it with cold water, and striving to get atthe bottom of the mystery. Hie didn’t succeed in either very well, for he appear- ed in the school-room the next morning witha sed and angry snoot that was about twice its usual size, lf created considerable sport among the boys, although none of them knew at the time how he happened to become possessed of it. They suspected, however, that it somehow belonged to the same old racket. In fact, taken altogether, the lads had more fun out of that racket than chey ever got out of any ether, and after allowing it to rest for a few days, they concluded to follow it up on another track and see if they couldn’t squeeze some More out of it, s ‘Tommy was foremost,.of course, in getting up a new “‘cireus,’? which, after being perfected, was re- garded as bully. * a 2 “fF we could only get Lamb,’ said Harry Jones. { “Oh, never mind,, sonny, we've got ‘pickle for that duffer,said Tommy. “ You bet we have.” - : - $ “Let’s work this for all it’s worth this time, and then we'll give his old nibs a rest and.attend to Elam.”? Sea oi : And so if was arranged and.agreed upon. — A week or ten days after Mr. Slam’s.adventure in the village, and during which time the matter had partially died out, Bill Gunn again dressed himseli up So as to look like the professor’s reflection ina mirror, and stealing away from the School after dark, he made his way to the village in company with ‘his chum and fellow mischief-maker, Tommy Bounce. 2 Tommy, however, remained out’ of sight after they reached the village, allowing Bill Gunn to work the racket alone, and on this occasion he represented the eee in his most dignified mode, all business and sobriety. iat Going first to the village store, he astonished the proprietor (with whom he had scarcely ever traded be- fore to any extent), by ordering a big bill of goods, in- cluding a lite of everything, but ten baskets of pea- nuts in particular, saying that he wished to give them to his pupils, having lately ascertamed that they were very healthy. The store-keeper was delighted, for he had often tried to get the projessor’s trade before, and so he flew around like mad, neglecting all other customers and paying particular attention to him. Well, after buying everything he could think of, he bought half a, barrel of brandy for his own personal use, Saying that he should use only a trifle of it from week to week, only as medicine, but that he wished to Keep it in his cellar until it got good and old. Then he borrowed twenty dollars for his immediate use, which the store-keeper was only too glad to loan him, and ordering the goods sent the ext day with a bill, he took his leave, the store-keeper never dream- ing lor a moment but that he had been dealing with Professor Slam, who was perfectly good for all he eould buy. : | In fact, he felt so good over the affair that he treat- ed everybody who came into the store that evening, and drove two men out who ventured to assert that the professor was a.fraud. Bill Gunnin the meantime went to the village shoe store, and in the most urbane and dignified manner | assured the proprietor that he was on the point of | making a present of a pair of nice shoes to every one of his pupils,.and that he wished him to go to the school the next day and take the measure of each | particular boy and at once fill the order. This made the shoemaker feel so good that he at once closed up his store and proceeded to get good and drunk, for in all his. life he had never reteived i such an order before. | Then the assumed professor went toa stove store and bought fiity stoves for the roems of his pupils, | with orders that they should be brought the next day. Then he bought fifty tons of coar with the same under- standing, after which he assumed a very doleful as- ct, and visited the village undertaker; acquainting tm with the mournful fact that his janitor, Blam Lamb, had just died, and was very much in want of a final overcoat, in the shape of a coffin (the exact measure of which he gave him), and that he was to come and dress him up in it the next day at a certain thour, after which he borrowed ten dollars of Dim, : Pie: Some of if on old Elam several Tods in

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SY SAIPAN Atireee Miers * tt Pe 24 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. ee eeeeeeeeeeooqeoqowow>w=~$$q00 > / stating that he had use for that sum before he returned home, and had failed to bring it with him. These transactions took nearly two hours’ nme, after which Bill and Tommy met outside of the vil- lage and compared notes, and then went laughing homeward. . Only a few fellows were let into the racket, although they all stood ready to Jaugh at anything that might happen, and ,to credit it- to Tommy Bounce and Bill Gunn as usuai. These two worthies, however, got up the next morn- ing looking almost suspiciously honest. They were even polite to Elam, a thing that he never expected, since they had always been open enemies, and as for Josh Horn, the darkey, they fairly glowed upon him, Just then the shoemaker came in, bringing Hop Ski, the Chinese laundryman. * Shall I make this fellow’s shoes in the American fashion or Chinese?’ he asked. ““ What?” yelled the professor. “Why, you know you ordered me last night to come up here to-day and take the measure of all the schol- ars’ feet to make them shoes, and this fellow says he is a scholar, and wants his shoes made with wooden bottoms.”? i “Oh, go to the devil !’’ yelled Slam. i “But Lhave no last that will fit iim.” i “Willeverybody go to the devil? In the name of} body? Am Imad? am I alunatic?” “Here is your half barrel of brandy, sir. Where great Nebuchadnezzar, what is the matter with every- | i Wi _ hee with some kind of Chinese ointment, that conid be smelled as far away as a skunk, andamid it all stood the victim, Professor Slam, while Bill Gunn and Torm- my Bounce crouched in the background, almost burst- ing with laughter. : CHAPTER XV. TuHarT terrible racket of Tommy Bounce and Bit Gunn upset the whole school. As soon as Professor Slam came to his senses and got himself together, he took Elam Lamb with him and at once set out for the village to ind out what everything meant. Bewilderment was no name forit. They were com pletely dazed, for it will be remembered that the or- getting the bulge on him to astill greater extent by giving him a quarter of a dollar. Well, about noon the goods that had been ordered hegan to arrive, greatly to the astonishment of Pro- fessor Slam, of course. At first he regarded it asa mistake, but when a big double truck arrived with fifty stoves, and five others with fifty tons of coal, he began to get wild. But when the undertaker arrived with a big coffin for Flam Lamb, then there was genuine excitement. The undertaker went for the janitor at once and in- sisted that he was dead, and that he must get into bis wooden overcoat without any further fooling. “Go away!’ cried Elam. ‘You are mad.” “No, I am not. Professor Slam came to me last night and said that you was dead, and ordered this beautifal coffin." “Go to the devil.” “No, sir, he is not dead.” “What in thunder does this all mean?’ demanded the professor, rushing into the room where the under- taker and Elam were debating, and starting back in horror at sight of the coffin. : “Ah, professor, here is the coffin you ordered,’’ said the undertaker, cheerfully. ** What!" exclaimed Slam. “ The coftin for Mr. Lamb.” ~ “Are you mad? Is everybody mad?’ “I don’t care for mad people; I am looking for dead ones.”? - “Will you please go to the devil ?”’ “ Yes, if there’s any business that way. But you know you ordered this coffin last night, and also bor- rowed ten dollars of me.” “You lie likeasailor. I never did anything of the kind. I never saw you before !"’ yelled Slam. “ What 1? = And certainly you must acknowledge that I am ” pot dead,” put in Elam. « Git,” and seizing a watering pitcher, he hurled it at the group of boys, causing shall I put it?? asked a teamster, who had bronght a | load from the village store. - “Thunder and tar!” he exclaimed, and not know- ing what else to do, he turned upon Hop Ski and kicked him out of the room. “Where shall I put-that ten bushels of peanats?'’ asked another teamster, coming in. “ Oh, great Moses |’? moaned Slam. * And here is the bill of your purchases last night, including the twenty dollars borrowed money— amounting to two hundred and ten doilars,” *Oh—oh—oh !” “TI am so much obliged to you, professor, for the new bonnet and the web of muslin,” said Miss Over- } ripe, his housekeeper, coming in at that awfa: mo- | ment. The boys in the meantime had gathered around to see what the excitement was, and knowing the pro- fessor to be perfectly good, the diferent teamsters were unloading their goods into the yard, creating a confusion worse than that at Babel. Flam Lamb was arguing with the undertaker, and | they finally came to blows, evidently determined to | see which of them should occupy the coffin, wlule the professor became utterly paralyzed by the whole affair, und proceeded to faint, The stoves and the coal filled the frontyard full, while the other things blocked up every passage through the house, and the boys were going for those peanuts in a | them to scatter like a flock of sheep. | had filled the house fall. ders which Bill Gunn had given at the village stores There were fifty stoves, ity. tons of coal, two or three hundred do 3 worth of yarious articles frem the principal store, a coftin from - | the village undertaker for Elam, and into which Elam had thrust him after a hard fight, ten bushels of pea- nuts for the scholars, together with new shoes, all of which had come about the same time. The professor was chock fall of vengeance, for be- fore this there had been games played upon him which made him out a drunkard and everything eise that was bad, and now he had come to the concinsion that something had got to be done to puta stop to such nonsense, Strangely enough, neither he nor Elam thought for & momentthat the scholars had anything to do with the matter, but, on the contrary, it seemed to them that it was a put-up job of some secret enemies of his school, by which they hoped to ruin it This was the idea they started on, and when they arrived in the village they were both red-hot for a}- Most any encounter. ‘ But so nicely had Biil Gunn arranged bis make-up, in imitation of the professor, that when the old man came to the front himself, not a soul of them saw any ditference, save in the change of temper be was in. And in spite of all his indignation and dennnota- tion, they all retused to believe that he had not been. there the night before and given the orders which way which showed that they appreciated that part of | they had filled. the joke, at all events,and that they were each of them bound to Jay in a year’s supply. Elam finally conquered the undertaker, chucked him ‘into his coffin. The professor awoke from his faint when Josh threw a pail of water over him, and things became lively ali around. But there was no help for it. There were the things that had been ordered. The boys had all been meas- ured for new shoes, Hop Ski had covered his wounds and | articles which they had dumped upon his But of course he knew to the contrary, and threat ened them with a lawsuit if they did not remove the fad. them so they reluctantly sent-their teams and | taken back again. although they afterwards put their heads together, and came to the conclusion that the professor was insane, and all on account of that boy- ish Sol Smith Russell, and that prince of jokers, Tommy Bounce.

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eee TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. 25 Yes, that was what they started against him—that he was off his nut, crazy, gone off his center of grav- ity. ‘One of the victims asked Hop Ski about it one day when he was at the village. : “Yes, gless clazy, kick stuffin’ lout me flor no,” re- lied Hop, remembering how Mr. Slam had kicked fim out of the room just because he couldn’t think of anything better to do in his excitement. But there was no help for it. A trick had been play- ed upon them by somebody, or Mr, Slam was as crazy asa bug; in either case preventing them from proceeding against him to recover for the goods. One thing, however, they never got the ten bushels The boys took very good care to put 1 of peanuts back. She broke away, and swatted him over the head with her basket. them out ofsight, but the whole matter was & mystery to everybody else. Surtommy Bounce made it still worse about a week afterwards by writing the following letter to the store- keepers, inclosing the borrowed money, sending also a copy of x to the victimized undertaker, imitating Siam’s handwriting very cleverly. ~~~ “ DEAR Srr:—Inclosed please find the monéy I bor- Towed of you a few nights since. I am extremely that the matter went so far as it did, but the fact is, I was a little offand didn’t know what I was about. But [ have since signed the pledge, and hope to regain the good name I have lost and the confidence of my fellow-citizens. Please say sala ae this letter, grea ashamed serv: ra a har ca “PROFESSOR SLAM.” Oh, of course they wouldn’t say anything about it, on, no, Perhaps they did not, but in less than twenty-four hours shee they received the letters everyhody in the village knew about it, and that Mr. Slam ha otf and signed the pledge, whereat there was gTe icing by several old hens and-roosters in the village who had been terribly shocked at the supposed down- fall ofa man they had always esteemed 50 highly. ‘i One old fellow felt so good over it that he reso ver to visit the professor and congratulate him in person on his reformation. But he.didn’t find him ina very amiable mood, for he had not ‘yet recovered from the shock. and was aa trying to find out who it was that yed the trick on him. “Ene lanes ot 1am glad to see you,’ said he, seiz- v the hand and working his arm up and down DXe a pump-handle for about five minutes. * Yes—lI dare say,” zope Slam, coldly, and at the same time wishing the old bore in Halifax. * 1g is all right, professor.” ; . *¥es, I suppose so,” replied he, without having the remotest idea what particular thing it was that was | mean?” demanded the professor, now almost will all right. “Yes, we'll receive you “You will? ~ “Certainly; for back into the fold again.” ‘ (while the lamp holds out to burn, The vilest sinner may return.’” with rage. , “Why, the letter you wrote.’’. ¢ “Thunder and Beelzebub! I neyer wrote & letter such as you speak of in my life.*? “What, never?” “* Never.”? “ That’s strange.” bie - “And I'll bet ten dollars that you are eithera jack- “Well, I suppose so, but what the devil are you driy- | ass or a knave; and ten dollars more that I'll kick you ing at, anyway? What do you mean while addressing me?’ he asked, indignantly. “Why, you know.” “No, I’ll be rammed jammed if I do!” “Why, about the-——” and he hesitated. “The what??? —_—__— . “Why, the pledge, of course.” “Pledge! What pledge?’’ “The—the temperance pledge.”? “Now look here. What the devil are you driving at, anyway?’ demanded Slam, leaping to his feet and glaring at the other. The truth was, he began to suspect that another chapter of the old racket was about being develeped, and a red handkerchief shaken at a bull in fly-time could not have made the animal wilder than the thoughts-of such a thing made Professor Slam. “Why, my dear friend, I trust you will pardon me. but I am speaking of the new leaf you have turned over. “What leaf?’’ ; “Why, the temperance leaf, to be sure.”? The old professor was beginning to perspire. “Your friends are all delighted.” P “ Delighted at what?” “That yon have so soon seen the error of your way Intemperance is a terrible thing, especially ina teacher of the young.” “Confound you, sir! what the deyildo you mean? Do you come here to insult met” “Certainly not.” “Then, in the name of the Continental Congress. what are you coming at?’ he asked, with terrible se- verity. : “ Why, the letter,that you wrote to Mr. Dipp.” “ What?” “Inclosing him the money you borrowed on that terrible wild night when you nearly brought the vil- lage out, and in which you said that you had signed the pledge, You may be assnred, my dear professor, that such welcome news could not long kept a secret, althongh you did request both he and the un- dertaker to keep it as such, and my visit here to-day is to congratulate you.’? f “Great figs! great snakes! by vilest sinner | out of my honsein less than five minutes, if you do not apologize for the offense you have committed.” “But, my dear professor, you certainly cannot mean re did not write both’of those gentlemen letters?’? “Ido. “T cannot understand it.’ “ Bad luck ter ye, ye drunken ould thafe av the worruld ! be out av this,” “ButIcan. You have been sent here with your oily tongue by some of my enemies. and if you are not out of herein just one minute by oh aber T shall in- dulge myself in the pleasure of kicking you out,” said he, taking his watch from his pocket. * But. my dear professor, you certainly will not re- sort to harsh measures when——” “Wait a few seconds more and you will see,” he re- plied, looking at his watch. “But I—” “ Five seconds more |” “ But just—” : Pear “You bet I. will,” and thrusting his watch back pei his pocket, he made a leap for that interested citizen. : But that interested citizen, who had been so Inter- ested in the supposed reformation of Mr. Slam. was now particularly interested in saving his own bacon from the indignant boot of the irate professor, and in doing so, he just escaped it by a few inches, and out of that he flew as though the Old Bey had been after him. and he never ventured to stop until he got safely out— side of the front fence. : *Confound them all, I see that the only way I can put a stop to this scandal is to use personally vigor- ous measures. Ough! I could kick my grandfather)? he howled, and on turning around he encountered Hop Ski, who was just bringingin his elean clothes from the laundry. S “Git out of this, you son of abomination?’ he pele: at the same time going for him like a bob-talled “Hi—hi—hi! Cussie, hellum blazes{ —oh—o) Meno, Sabee—sabee!? yened the fightonat Nioe man, dropping the clean clotiies for the old man to trample on, and running around the room for the pur- pose of escaping from him. “Git out, you almond-eyed, pig-tailed yellow abem- What the devil do you} ination. Git?’ and for the second time in Hop's ex- .

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28 perience did he ride out of that room on the toe of the professor’s boot. “* Hi—hi—hi—hip!"’ yelled Hop, rubbing his afflicted part as he ran back to his wash-roors. “Ole man lor nut slure plop,” he muttered, after gaining shelter and looking out te see if he was still after him. ‘ Allee dloke Iup; ailee glone in nut sture plop.’’ Meantime the old man was dancing around in his frenzy, and almost praying for somebody else to kick, when that “somebody” putin an appearance in the shape of Elam Lamb, the janitor. And at him the old man went just as he had gone for Hop Sxl. “Hold on, professor! What's the matter?” asked Elam, dancing around to avoid him. “Go to the very devil!’ screamed Slam. “Certainly; but what for?” * Because you are an ass! adolt! an idiot! a druling imbecile! a big-footed blotch on humanity!” “Certainly, sir; but——" “wil you gity *“ You bet?’ and without stopping to argue matters Yeas any further, he skipped out as lively as he cou : Hop Ski saw him leave the old man’s study aboutas hurriedty as he had done himself, and he at once sought him, neither of them, however, seeing the mis- chievons eyes of Tommy Bounce and half a dozen of his fellows, who were watching matters from their con- cealment in the near-by shrubbery. “Ole man loft, hey?’ asked Hop. “Loff Well, I should say he was wroth. What the déuce is the atter with him, anyhow?!” asked Elam, wonderingly. : “TLotf nut, guess. Bloke lup.” * “Something is wrong sure.”” Just then dne of the boys lost control of himself, and snorted right out loud. Elam heard it, and instantly suspecting that it was all on a bres of poms dene orang ys aaa nm the professor, he se’ a stick, and Lees hunt them out of their concealment, and to teach them a lesson. It did not take long to unearth them all, and away they darted down through the garden towards the play-ground, followed by Elam in igh wrath. The boys ran laughing, but he resolved to take some of the Jangh out of them,with the stick he held in his hand, and seeing the zing eee of all mischief, Tom- Bounce, he m out forespecial walloping. Tommy knew just how well Elam loved him, and seeing that he was bound ro get in on him first, he sud- denly bethought him of the trap he had BE ns dina the nr before, and although not for this particular thi yet perhaps it might work. : So he dodged and twisted around, this way and that, for a moment, and then allowing Elam to get within striking distance of him, he darted between two trees on the play-ground, between which he had stretched a a Da he eens Speeaitt his own head. eran under this rope, closely pursued by Elam, who was caught by it just under his chin. For an instant he was suspended upon the rope and sprawled aronnd in the air like a lobster on a fish-lin and then he fell to the ground with a grunt that con’ have been heard for half a mile. Of course the boys sent up a roar that could have been heard much further. ; “What's the matter with you, Elam?” shouted Tommy. What are yon trying to do, anyway?” called Bill Gunn. .“ Doing gymnastics?” “Coming the ground and lofty ?”’ * Pinest act Lever saw!” and half a dozen other ex- pressions greeted him. Elam in the meantime was nearly choked to death, and shaken up until every tooth in his head rattled, but it was.some moments before he could recover breath enough to speak, andeven fhen he didn’t feel half so much like speaking as he did going away somewhere and lying down. : “You lost the race, old man,” said Tommy. “Thomas Bounce,” said Elam, feebly, “this settles I shonld say it settles yours,’ replied Tommy, 4 2 “ You,will suffer for this.” : z “ What have I to do with it, anyway?” “ This is one of your tricks.” “What is it? What havel got todo with your gym- performances?” “ You put up this rope and that settles it.’ “ Settles what—the rope?’ then a laugh. a8 ji Think it settles you.” M3 ingoes, “You will go to prison for this.” “ What had I to do with your running afoul of the ? If you didn’t see it. it was no fault of mine.” “You are a dreadful villain,” said he, rubbing his lacerated neck. = bp iafome business had you to be chasing me? I didn’t 40 an: tad “No, we didn’t do anything but langh to see the old man raise you out,” said Bill Gunn, laughing. “ Well, the whole thing is some rascally contrivance of yours, and you will have to sulfer the penalty of the law for it.” “ Law be hanged! same as you was. You tried to ies me with that stick, but you got the worst of never of school and sent to prison = Yon Rot in ove Bah or eh ” put in an * over yonr man,’’ put in an- other of the bors. e “ Over us head! I think he got in on his head. Now TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. take a quiet simmer, old man, and don’t be so fresh hereafter.” “Oh, you villains!” he moaned, ‘“‘I will see the pro- fessor in the morning, and have you all turned out of school,” said he, priling himself together with an ef- fort, and hopping away toward his quarters, “Better keep clear of the professor, old man,’’ said Tommy, laughing. * Yes, or you will get fired out before we do,’’ added Bill Gunn. But Elam paid no further attention to them. He felt sick. He felt as though he had been shinning up the wrong tree; as thongh the boys had proven themselves too much for him, as they usually did, and after reaeh- ing his room he employed himse:f in bathing his many bruised and wounded parts with arnica, and trying to think whether he had better attempt any further re- venge with the boys or not. Meanwhile, Professor Slam was raging like an active yoleano, and trying to think what the deuce it all meant, anyhow. The idea of an outside conspiracy to ruin his school was the only one to which he clung. Yet there were certain things that made this seem impossible, but the thought that anybody in his own school was at the bot- tom of it all never fora moment entered his mind. It was too much to believe. But for a week or so after these events the boys kept remarkably quiet, and things began to work themselves into the old channels n. They had their peanuts and their quiet fun in their rooms, but did not attempt anything loud. In the meantime the old ,rooster who had come to congratulate Professor Slam and had been bounced out, had reported the matter to his friends, and once more the entire village voted that the old man Was undoubtedly crazy. * But you bet that he kept aun. from that village, ‘for he now regarded everybody as his enemy, and as there was no way whereby e could “down” them, he re- solved to do as much as he could towards it by keep- ing entirely away and allowing the matter to die out the best way it could. The boys, however, could not long remam without an extra installment of fun in some shape, and the Mt week that they had done so almost made them sick. And yet they could but feel that they had “‘ worked ” the professor and Elam for about all they were worth, =~ the aeoatiorn Was now, who should they tackle next for spo’ : “Let's try Miss Overripe, the housekeeper,” sug- gested Billy Gault. “No; Josh,’ said Harry Edmonds. “Let's try each of them,’? said Jack Walmouth. - Ses cried several. . *“No, boys, I have it,” said Tommy Bounce. ‘“Have what?” 5 “A racket.’? “New one??? “You bet.’” “ What is it?” “The biggest we have had yet.” “Who with?” they all asked. “Hop Ski and Josh Horn.” “Ina horn?’? “No, on a Horn.’? “Well, how is it?” “How many can go into it?’’ “Fellows, we can all go into it and have fun enough to last us till we get gray-headed,” said Tommy, en- thusiastically, ‘* You know they both love whisky ?”’ ** You bet they do.” ‘Well, thereby hangs a tale, as they say in novels.” CHAPTER XVI. THE job that Tommy Bounce had put up to pla upon ih Chinaman, Hop Ski, and the darkey, Foah Horn, required at least a quart or two of whisky. Tommy had explained it ali to his chums, and they had voted it one of the best t that they had ever heard of; that is, provided it could be worked. But, in order to do do, they all ed to be good friends with them, making them little pregents, and working matters up in fine style, In truth, they carried matters so far during the next ‘Don’t say I said so, Josh, for 1 don’t want to get into any row.” But Josh shook his head as though he was not whelly willing to promise that he would not do so, “Here, Josh, take a drink,’ said Tommy, looking carefully around to make sure that he was not ob- Served, and at the same time producing a bottie of whisky. : “ Wha’ dat, Tommy ?” he-asked, while a big expect ant grin overspread his features. * Whisky.”” “Whisky ?” “ Yes.’! ** Real whisky?” “ Oertainly.” y **No foolin’ 2 “ No.’ “ Whar yer git it?” “Down to the village.” “+ Wha? fo’ ?”? “To treat you and the boys with.” “Now, Tommy; hole on,” said he, gradually ap- proching nearer. They were down in the garden where Josh was at o x rk. 3 “Why, it’s all right, old man.” “Tommy, you know dat you play heaps ob tricks on folks.’’ , “Me? No, it’s the other fellows,’’ “'fommy—Tomuiny, don’t look so innercent as dat or I shall split myself laughin’; you know dat you am = reins ‘ommy, an’ no mistake,”’ said Josh, laugh- ig loudly. “No, sir; I like fun, of course, but then it isn’t me one plays tricks on folks. It’s John Long and Bill unn. “Wal, he am a son ob a gun at all events, butI spects dat you am de boss, Tommy. Dey all say so.” “Tdon’t care what they all say. I guess 1 know the best. But you are down on me, and if you don’t want a drink of nice whisky, why, allright. I'll give it to Hop Ski,” said Tommy, starting to return to the house. “Oh, hole on, dar, Tommy,® arn’t got nufMin agin yer if yer not foolin’ me,” said he, . “Yes, you have. You don’t believe that this ts genuine whisky.” “Now, hole on, Tommy. Lemme try it I'd gib anything fo’ a drink ob somefin dat’s sorter sarchin’ ‘mong my innards.’’ ‘Well?’ “Lemme try it.’ Bat 3h right. Here you are,’’ and he handed him the ean witty. 0, it’s sure wi 4 “Shuah death?” wink ae vid f many evidences 0 icion, he pulied out the cork and smelled of it.”” oe P “ By golly, dat smells like de real ole stufl, Tom- my,” said he. “Of course it does. Why shouldn't it? For itis the real old stuff. Finest in the land.” “ Bully!” murmured Josh, as he placed the neck of the ne to his mouth and ventured on one swallow. “By golly, dat am de ole critter, shuah ’nough,” saying which he took a long pull at it, closing his ae gee he did so. : ow what do you say?” asked Tommy, taking the ore we him. z i A : “Say say glory hallelujah, Tommy. Dat am de bes’ ie eter tasted.” > re xi “Now don’t be so fresh at suspecting me another time, will you?” a aae ; “Tommy, fo’ de Lor’, I’ll neber *spect bes any mo’. Datam good. I say, Tommy, gwine ter be "round dis way some mo’?”’ he asked, with a grin. ‘*Maybe so. But I must go up and treat the boys, now,” he replied, turning to go. * Betta look out, honey; dat am mos’ too strong fo’ boys. Dat war only made fo’ men.” “Oh, well, we'll put lots of water init” = “Don’t luf ’em drink it all up.”* “No, that’s all right,” and away he went, leaving the ea smacking his lips and looking bappy enough fo fly. “ By golly, dat Tommy Bounce am a good chile,” ke mused, and then alceie feamoon his work again. Well, what did mischievous Tommy Bounce do? He first met his chums and reported progress to them, after which he went to the laundry to see Hop few one that they aroused a jealousy between the Ethiopian and the Oriental that promised much | Ski. amusement, “Do you know, Josh, what Hop Ski says about you? asked Tommy, after thi had worked awhile. “No. He no , anyhow,” replied the darkey. “ Wha’ I car’ bout what dat pigtail say ‘bout the? I broke bim in two an’ feed de pigs wid him if he talk *bout me.”? “Do what?’ asked Tommy, quickly. “Broke him up an’ feed de pigs wid him, dat’s what I'll do,” replied Josh, eevagely “You don’t mean that, Josh.” “Yes, I do, Tommy.” “Why, he says that he can knock the stuffing out of you in three shakes ofa sheep’s tail.”’ “ He say dat?’ SA) he says you're no good; that you are a biack snide.” “He say dat? Hesay I wara black snide?’ “Yes; and if you ever give him any of your fanny business that he'll spread that big black nose of rs all over your face; and you know he is a great ft," said Tommy, artfully. * Don’t car’ if he am de boss fighter ob de worl’. I make him swaller day.” “ Halloo, Hoppie, old man! How was?’ he asked, in his eaahing: cheerful way. te * Allee same goodee. How be?” said Hop, after he had squirted a mouthful of water upon some Clothes he OL : Hop——" and Tommy ‘ m_ bully. say, Ho glanced cautiously Sroand.: ; The Chinaman looked at him in surprise. * Have a drink?” he asked, ina tering’ es glot plenty glink,” said he, po’ to the dish “ No—no; ginnie.” “ Ginnie?” he asked, i heats 6 of whacky. said Tommy, carefully producing the botéle Whisky, rum, gin or brandy, it is all the same to a Chinaman. They regard the whole lot as “ ginmie.* “Where get ?*? lA ““Atthe village. Take a drink.” “Me yes like debil,”’ said he, taking the bottle and me A gh tet he boys wih ka * stu tt of conrse, you are one of the boys.” “+ “Me yes, allee same like Melican man. Me one / pain PR Le nate 10 an lege eran

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TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. ii bloys, bettee you,” said he, after he had taken a pull at the bottle that certainly would have astonished one of ** the boys.” . “Shall I give some to Josh?”’ * Josh no—Josh no bloy; Josh nigler.” = “Oh, but he says he is better than you are.’? * Josh clussee fiool.”” ; “He says you are a pig-tailed fraud, and that he can whip the dinner ont of you any time.” + Me blus Josh blugle, so be.” « He says he is a great fighter. “Nigier no flight. Me smash snootee all pieces; me knock stuflin lout, klick.”” : s *: Well, if I was you, I wouldn’t have him talking so “Who dat you tole dat you could lick me?” was Josh’s tirst Salutation. “Damie nigier!. Go way, me knockie stufflin lout, klick,” said Hop Ski, savagely. The boys gathered around to see the fun. “Betta try dat on right off, Mr. Pigtail,’’ cried Josh, and in less than half a minute the two were going for each other, hammer and tongs, and raising a ter- rible racket. Ellen, the-cook, heard it, and like a war-horse who snuffs the battle from afar, she rushed into the wash- room, whooping: dancing around them. bad about me,” Elam heard the rumpus, and rushed in to see what “ Me flix cussee nigler,” ejaculated Hop, turning to | it meant. bis work again. “Hallo, here! What's this?’’ he called. Have another drink?” “ Hallo—hallo, is it?” screamed Ellen, going for him. “So be. Ginnie glood allee time.” s “Allright. I'll bring you a bottle for your own if you'll mash Josh.” “. Me blake allee lup; me plut headee lon dammee ““}’}] soon show ye what’s hallo, an’ what’s hal-high.’ ‘*Keep back !” he cried, trying to escape. “Whoop !’ she yelled, and before the fight between Josh and Hop Ski was halfdecided, there was a lively tigier.” one between Elam and the cook. “All right. I want to get hunk with him; keep the} The boys crowded into the room, and Mr. Slam soon bottle for yourself.’” after made his appearance, and tried to separate the combatants, but allin vain. “Pm in love wid ye, am _ 1? roa) Ellen, as she swatted the janitor alongside of the Jaw, and keeled him over into a washtub. ‘I give ye ther best in the house, do 1? Eow do ye loike that for ther best?” “ Help—help.!’? roared the professor. “Hi-yi, whoop! Me weaken! Me gottie nuf! Me no lickie !” cried Hop Ski, who was getting the worst of the fight. ¢ ‘Hold on, Ellen, hold on! give up,” yelled Elam, earnestly. 2 ~ “Well, bad manners ter ye, take that ter remember me Ly,” said she, giving him a paste on his hern that made the blood flow. : : ; “Ellen—Ellen, I say ! Do you hear me v? demanded the professor. : “T do.”’. . “'Phen obey me this minute. Go to the kitchen in- stantly. What does all this mean?” . “ Bad luck ter ther dirty blackguard, lave him kape his tongue off me good name an’ character, or Il tix him so that his own mother wouldn’t Know him,’ said she. / A “Tnever—” : ~ “Shut up, or P’ll——” “Go to the kitchen instantly,’ yelled Slam, and In the meantime, Hop Ski had got away from Josh, who, on seeing the professor, got away from him and “@lood bloy, Tommy, me flix,’ said he, secreting the bottle behind some clothes. This arrangement being satisfactory, Tommy at ence went and got the other bottle and proceeded to the kitchen to treat Ellen, the Irish cook. Is it whisky ye have?’’ she asked. “Yes. I gotit down to the village, and as you have always been good to me I thought I’d treat you first.” “More power ter ye, Tommy,’’ said she, grasping the bottle. ‘Sure, yer a darlint of a boy, if ye have got the divil in ye as big as a six weeks’ pig. Here’s Yong loife an’ consolation ter ye.” And placing the neck ofthe bottle to her mouth she took a pull from it that did credit to her nationality. - Good 7? s “Paix, that war the only koind of snakes that St. Patrick eud niver banish from Oireland. Begorra, Tommy, I can fale it knockin’ the care an’ trouble all outo’ me,solIcan. Sure, yer a darlint, an’ whiniver ye want anything ter ate from the kitchen ye’ve only ter come for it.” - “That's all right, Ellen; but will you be as good to me as you are to Elam Lamb ?? asked Tommy, taughing. / “What! What's that yer saying?” Z “Why, Elam says you are dead stuck on him, and a youalways keep the best grub in the house for ™m.?? “Did he say that?’? she asked, eagerly. “To be sure he did.”? - * Bad luck ter ther dirthy spalpeen; Ill knock ther — helly out of him wid a kick! Do ye remimber ther | atin’ I gave him onct in the arbor? Well, divil a worrnd has he spoke ter me since thin.” ++ Well, he says that yon love him now.’ “Soldo. I love him same as ther. divil loves howly wather. Och, wait till I lave me eyes on him. agin!” said she, doubling her fists. “Don’t say I said so, will you?” “DPivil a worrud I’ll say, but many @ thing I'll do. Ye’ll sa me.” : ; “All right. You won't hurt an body’s feelings if you hurt him ever so muc *2 Saying which, he left the Kitchen, and lost no time in finding Elam. “What is this, Mr. Lamb?” he asked, handing him the bottle from which Ellen had drank. “J don’t know. Where did you get it?” *+] don’t like to tell.” “Why not?” “Weil, I will, if you promise not to give me away,’’ ee ors boata dat or “ All Ti will not.” > Well, 1 had a dream the other night, that Mr. Slam 7 was going to poison himself, and so strangely did it affect me that I have watehed him closely ever since. Just now I saw him’go out to the barn, and I followed him. He went toa place in the haymow, and pulled out this bottle and took a big drink from it, and then Ps j ” Peer aout ext so ? and Elam pulled out the cork and smelled a set ate ig SN ! “© Well, that isn 30) = Yen but very wow poison. Come and show me found it.”’ rome snowed him a place, and Elam put it back in, at the same time cautioning Tommy. to say = nothing about it, which he promised not to go, after which they retired. But Tommy and the boys watched on tea ane saw the janitor go and take a sly pull at the twice es fifteen aa eenicely. So things were work y- Then Tommy went with still another bottle to Josh, : _ making him a present of it, provided he woul Lad head on Hop ski, against whom he pretende * tras” me fo’ dat, Tommy, I pull dat pigtail right “poisoned,” to attempt an explanation. But in this he miserably failed, and was accused of being drunk by Mr. Slam, who soon after went to his study, threatening to discharge everybody right away. The boys laughed until they could scarcely stand upon their feet, but Tommy Bounce was not inclined bound up his wounds most They. in whisky. “Now, then, fellows, come with me and I'll show you a barrel of fun,’ said Tommy. Knowing him so well. you bet they followed. 3 The kitchen was in an L or extension of the build- ing, under which there was a cellar, reached by stairs from the outside, covered by a “ bulkhead ” door. Down into this cellar they carried both Josh and Hop Ski, both dead drunk and wholly insensibie to what was going on. This cellar was used as @ sort ofa “catch all’? or stowaway, and was as dark as a coon’s pocket at midnight. There was a long bench in this cellar, and on this they placed their victims feet to feet. Then Tommy took a box of paints to put on the finishing touches, pene the boys up-stairs to Ellen to get a few more Ina short time the di: lace was lighted by the and Tommy began to wae Tig’ ve oe Taking the darkey, Josh, first, he painted white stripes all over his face in the most fantastic manner, making him look &s hideous asa devil from below ever looked, and then he tackled Hop Ski, the China- man. Over he went with stripes and streaks of bine, black and red, painting rings around his eyes, and making him Jook worse than eyer did an Indian in war pains, or a first-class Chinese Joss. Then he went up-stairs to Ellen and got some mo- Jasses, which he danbed all over their hands, and then the whole “circus” was pronounced perfect. They had now only to wait until they recovered their senses, which. by the bye, they began to show signs of doing already. Hold on, fellows,” said Tommy, when he saw them about to run away. ‘‘We must secrete our- selves here in the dark corners and make it lively for them when they wake up.” «“Thai’s so,”” said they, and each one sought the darkest and most out of the way place he could find in the cellar. : “old on, now,’? said Tommy, “they are begin- ning to come to. Hush!” | ‘And so they were,having been under the infiu- ence of th liquor for more than an hour while they ] were being fixed by their tormentors. " ; aay The candles eco ghee shed 2 oe light wash- foun hinaman quite as iy 4S | upon them, and altogether it was a scene wo S he weak nee ne eS : have unnerved the stoutest heart. * All right. Keep mum.’? Goo nough,” and he sampled the whisky. humor for almost anything, ‘while Blam, after having stolen all of Slam’s* poison,” was feeling as big as a lord. An that nemained now was to get them all together. & 3 Ea vy g iS 4 & 5 : “Go it, ye nagur! Goit, ye haythin!’’ she cried, | a tremulous whisper. a Billy Long opened the bail by giving a shrill whistle between his fingers, which roused both Josh and Hop Ski to a sitting position. They glared at each other a momentin the most per- fect bewilderment. “Pile on the coal and brimstone!” shouted Bill Gunn, in a deep, sepulchral voice, which made the wool of Josh and the pigtail of Hop Ski stand erect. “ Lord, oh, Lord, whar am 1?" groaned Josh. “ The devil has got you!” said Bill. “Qh, Lord!’ and the poor darkey wilted. *« Where be—hi—hip, where be?”? asked Hop Ski, in * Pile on the coal and give it to them hot!” “Hellie, damie! Glone deble shure plop,’’ said Hop. “* Fo! de Lord, I war *fraid dat I’d get heah, Oh, deah —oh, deah!”? moaned Josh, and again he glared at him, fae Se the other the most horrible being in ex- _* Throw on more brimstone!‘ again put in Bill, with his sub-cellar voice. secon tt . oS good debil, don’t do it. Itamalla mistake. a Plunge them into the burning lakel”’ * Oh, Lord!” and with a big yelland a supreme effort Josh threw himself from the bench, and went tearing around, while the boys kept up a terrible howling, ater twp the Aer Be and rushed up them, m1 the moonlit night, closely followed by Ho Ski, pigtail on end and bellowing like a bull. 4 Ray CHAPTER XVIL Two more badly frightened beings than Hop Ski, the Chinaman, and Josh Horn, the darkey, were when they burst out of that cellar and found themselves once gs in the land of the living, it would be hard n Tommy Bounce and the rest-of the gang who had worked the “ jigger’? on the Chinaman and the coon, waited until they had got out right inthe direction of their quarters, and then they went to their own, when they laughed and hurrahed for a good hour over the Those who had taken part in the racket had done so without any supper, for fan had for them more charms than the supper-bell had, and now they re- counted the affair to those of their chums who took no part in it, and who liked supper better than fun. But Tommy knew that he had a“ pull”? with Ellen, the cook, ahd so he went to her for something to eat, at the same time complimenting her upon the man- ner in which she “polished off’? Elam Lamb, the jan- itor, and telling her all about the circus they had had with Josh and Hop SKi. : ~ = h, Tommy, yer the divil! Faix, I don’t know but Pll be found out,” said she. “Oh, no; I guess not,’? said Tommy. “Ah, but the ould man is “way up on his ear, an’ swears he’ll discharge everybody on the place.” ** But he'll get over that. If he don't, we'll get to- gether and swear that Elam assaulted you first.” “Arrah. but yer the divil’s own kid, Tommy. Where did ye get that whisky?” “Down at the village.” ‘ Toba oa fun,” said T laughing. “To have some fun, ‘ommy, la r “ Begorra, an’ I guess yees had it.” “You bet we did.” e At that moment the voice of Professor Stam re- sounded through the halls, calling for Elien to come to his study. “Now for it,’’ said she. “ Brace right up, Nellie, and swear that Elam was drunk and commenced to fight with you, and we will brace right up to you init.” “Ye will?” “ Of course.” “Then that’s all roight,”? said she, geing at once to see what Professor Slam wanted. She wasn’t long in finding out. “Ellen, what is the meaning of this?’ was his first question. “Ther manin’ of fat, sir?” “Why, the crouble between you and Mr. Lamb.” “Troth, ’'d know, only he seemed full ef whisky, -an’ he went for me,” said she. “Went for you?’ “He did, troth. Didn’t yees see him?” “T saw you both fighting. In oe when I saw you first, you were having the best of it,’’ said he, with half a smile. : “Begorra, sur, but I think I’m gud for him every day in the year.” : “Well, but what began it ?’” “He did.” “In what way?” : as “Troth, he war full of drink an’ he wanted ter hug me, so he did.” “What! the libidinons rascal!” **So he is, sur, barrin’ ther big worrud that ye spoke. But ye know, sur, that I’m a dacent woman, an’! wen't haye any man takin’ liberties wid me, much less such a skinny spalpeen as he is.” ‘And you did nothing to bring on the fight?” “Pivil a thing at all—atall. But ye know me yell enough ter be sure that I’d take no nonsense loikes of him.” ¥e “So he was the one who began it?” ‘He was, sure.” - “ That is all; I must look into the matter and punish the meee he, adept t “That’s roight, sur; go fur him, the dirty spaipeen or give me another chance at him—I’ll taobe im sant ners, so I will’? $ Se ES ES eR

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28 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. “Never mind; I have had all the examples of your teaching that I require. Go to the kitchen.’? “I will, sur, but if the dirty blackguard iver at- tempts terlay hands on me again, I'll bate him out of a family resemblance ter onybody in the worruld, moind that.” ~ “All right, but go to the kitchen,” said he, in tones of vexation. ; 7 “I’m gone, sur,’’?and the next instant she really Was gone, leaving the impression upon Slam’s mind that the janitor, Elam, was the party wholly to blame. And of course Elam was the next person called up for an interview. : ** But that's what shesays of you.” “But she was drunk, sir.’? “That's what she says of you.” “Me drunk?” 3 : “Yes, sir, you, the janitor of my schooi; the man who should set good examples, ‘The idea of my keep- ing such a person in my emnploy——” * * tell you sir, I bad drank nothing.’’ “But how about that bottle you were scen to visit in the Darn”? ‘"Ua, that was medicine.” “‘ Rather frisky medicine, I should say.’? “Well, the doctor orders me to take it at the stroke of every hour.” * dream dat I war inhell, an’I heah de‘old Scratch? callin’ fo’ der firemen ter put on mo’ coal. Shuah Neber cotch me drinkin’ no mo’, Tommy, neber. I hab swo’ clean off,”’ said he, earnestly. “All right. I don’t blame you for doing so if it makes you see the devil every time,” replied Tommy, laughing. : “It neber ‘fected me dat way afo’, but I spect ’m gittin’ ole.” “Yes, you had better not drink any more, Josh; be- sides you want all your strength, for Hop Ski says he’s going to get hunk with yon for that licking you gave im. ‘ “ Thunder and tar!” he exclaimed, and not knowing what else to do, he turned upon Hop Ski and kicked him out of the room. He showed up with a pair of black eyes and a swelled bugle, and he looked sad. “Mr. Lamb, Iam astonished,” said the professor. “So am I, sir,” moaned Elam. “What are you astonished at, sir?’ asked Professor Slam, savagely. “Sir, I am astonished that such things can over- come us Hke a summer cloud, without our special wonder.” “ But you should have known better. You might have known she would have overcome you like a summer cloud, or, in fact, like almost any cioud. She BI Finest fighters in the world.” Elam groaned and wiped his nose. “But you began it, sir, and I have no sympathy for - u.?? m what?! “The fight.” “No, sir. She——” “Now, be quiet, Elam. You had been drinking, and seeing her you attempted liberties with such re- Suk as you can see in your mirror.” “ But, my dear sir, 1——’ “Not another word, Mr. Lantb. I can understand the whole affair. You are solely to blame, and it serves you right.” F “ Oh, Moses"? “ But this ts not the first ttme you have attempted Nberties with her. Do you remember the arbor to which you decoyed her?’ * Thatis ali right. sir. That is as it ls, and nothing will change it. But yon are greatly mistaken if you Suppose for a moment that I began it,’ said Elam: bee coer - rset pee the a are strong against yo shall be obliged to discharge you.” “ What!’ exclaimed Elam. y “ Discharge you. I cannot afford to have the repu- tation of my school put in jeopardy by your amours.” “ But I tell you she began the attack.” “ And she says you began it.” “ She's a hard ease, sir,” . ‘ ‘* How long the hours must seem!” “But wait until I explain to you the situation. 1 went into the laundry to put a stop to the fight be- tween the negro and Chinaman, and seeing me, she went for me red hot,’? =Mr. Lamb, you look yery sheepish. Don't let this thing occur again, or I shall take measures to fill your piace with another person. Remember that, sir.*? * But, my dear'sir, on the honor of a gentleman, I assure you that I did not begin it,*? he again protested, “and every boy who was present will confirm what I ” Very well; let it pass now, for I am not certain that the boys would help your case*any, for they donot appear to be overmuch in love with you. Hold your- self above them, and assist me in keeping discipline,” he added. waving him away. As for Josh and Hop Ski, neither of them slept much that night, but strange enough, neither got a glimpse of his face, and the next morning they washed away ali traces of the paint which Tommy had adorned them with, so in reality neither of them knew that he had been eer and only regarded the other as some- thing horrible from the infernal regions. But the whisky which they had drunk the night be- fore had given each one of them a “head’? the next morning, feeling more like a beehive with a nest of bees about to swarm, than like almost anything else. Tommy Bounce made it a point to see. Josh after breakfast, and found him about the sickest-looking coon that ever walked. “ Halloo, Josh, how you was?’ “Golly, Tommy, guess I war drunk by de feel ob my head,’? said he, scratching it. * Well, you did seem a little off, that’s a fact. But I thought you could stand more than that.” “Tommy, dat war pow’ful- whisky. By golly, it make me blin’ drunk, an’ I seed de debil an’ his imps.’? * What !"? “Itam religiousness dat I’m gibin’ yer, honey. I | “* By golly, he hab better Juf dis chile alone, or Isend him to de hospitable fo’ certain.” “He says he wants a square stand up fight, dccerd- ing to the rales.” “Allright. I gib him all he want, anyway he wants it. But I'll make him so sick dat he won't know whed- der he am a Chinaman or an Irishman, shuah.% “ Of course you can get away with him easy enongh. That's all right, but if he offers to fight you brace right up.” f * Bet cash dat I will, Tommy.” With this understanding they parted, and Tommy at pace rene. 2 the laundry for the purpose of interview- ing Hop Ski. He found him looking even more serious than Josn was, and not inclined to talk much. “How do you feel this morning, Hoppy?”’ “ Belly bad—belly bad. Heade like biushel blasket flull bees.’? “ What's the matter?” “Glot dlunkie allee same like Melican man; giot ‘headie’ like Melican man, Alle play lout. See heilie an’ debles, so be.. Me no mo’ ginnie; me slsre lof, slure plop. Too much ginnie. no blaimie, bii¢ fool. Me likie opelum dlunk better.” “But how about Josh’s licking fhe bd “Me knockie stufflin lout)’ said he, with a look o: comical earnestness, ‘But he says that he downed you, and that you squealed like a pig.’? “Josh blig lie. Josh skleal; me on top; me no skleal; me no plig, me Chinaman.” = But will you fight him again in a regular stand-up ghey’? s ° ; “Me flightie stand lup, me flightie lay down. Alle same to me."* “Allright. If he Drags any more of how he made you squeal, I will bet him ten dollars that you can warm him, shall 1?" fe “Ebly time, Me flightie nigler for fun.” wae nd A Ming cid y tae pr cement Nb NS cach OA nl ni Urine cne ee ee ee swine ormndr inet meed alanine ahi iain a tated ihe s NOUN ettie ade, ‘vere myteenidnlblaatehiagltimeang) smenptined

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- TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. 29 “Good boy We'll fix him,” replied Tommy, going away in a happy mood. Yes, he was happy, for he had another “ jigger’’ on hand. and nothing in the world made him so delight- ed. There were bushels of fun in that negro and that Chinaman, and he was one of those fellows, as the reader well knows, who never. lets anything rust on his bands. . After schoo! that day he told his comrades all about the affair, and together they began to work it up. Rat he soon found that the boys had another affair with Elam, out.of which they expected to get some fan, which was this: Near the schoo!-honse on the rarm stood a Jarge chestnut tree loaded with beautiful chestuuts, now just getting ripe. They held that they Both men appeared stripped to the waist, and a more ludicrous sight was never seen than was skinny Hop Ski and fat Josh Horn as they entered the ring. The boys sent up a shout in spite of themselves as the referee called ‘‘time,” and the fighters faced each other. *Qh, see me knock him all ter pieces!’’ said Josh, as he put up his hands. **Go debel,”? was Hop’s only reply, as he put up his little fists and proceeded to act as he had been in- structed. He grinned fiercely at his black antagonist as he danced around him as a cat might play around a cow. * Why don’t yer bol’ on so dat I can smash yer all up? Dat's no way ter fight, is it?’ he asked, appeal- ing to Tommy, the referee. to get in one on the Chinese mug, and he went for it with all his might, But Hop skipped out of reach, and the force of Josh’s blow took him entirely off his feet, throwing them up so that he landed on the top of his head, with his legs dangling in the air. The boys roared; they yelled; they pounded each other in the excess of their delight, during which Josh slowly picked himself up and swore that somebody had hit him with a stone. *“ Oh, go on!’ shouted Tommy. “But I don’t want nobody ter fro’ ston’s at me.” “Go on! Nobody threw stones at you.” “ Wha’ dat hit me den? ““You hit yourself with the ground.” “By golly, I——” Bang—bang, biff ! represents three good smart blows For an instant he was suspended upon the rope and sprawled around in the air like a lobster on a fish-line, and then he fell to the ground with a grunt, had a fight to these nuts, whije Elam, as janitor, main- tained that he was the rightfal guardian of them, This had already brought one or two ructions be- tween them, and now he had threatened to shoot a charge of salt into the first boy he caught up in the tree, which of course was equal to & declaration of war, and now they were bound to have them any- way. E es Yow, fellows, wait awhile until after we squeeze Josh and Hop a little more, then we will fix old Elam,” said Tommy, and as he was the acknowledged leader of the school they agreed to his proposition. So they went to work to get Josh and Hop Shi into fighting order, telling Josh that Hop claimed to have thrashed him in the last encounter, and the Chinaman hott Josh would warm him badly in a regular ring ft. All this they conducted with great caution lest the affair should eat to the knowledge of Professor Slam, and so it was nearly a week after the hurrah men- Honed : the previous chapter that they had gotten hings into regular sha) And while this was ootae on, Bill Gunn was giving the Chinaman Jessons in boxing, he being quite an expert at it, and bythe time agreed upon for the Ugi it Hop er! show himself against almost any one and keep As for J he fet so confident in his ability to smash that Chinaman that he scorned to take lessons of anybody, and several of the boys who had seen Hop spar, bet him small sums that he couldn't beat in the fight, all of which Josh quickly covered, making & sum al ther about equal to a month’s wages. The fight was to take place Saturday afternoon, @own behind the barn, well outof sight, and in order to make it regular and as scientific as possible, they con- structed a twenty-four foot ring with some ropes, and hal a referee, seconds.-etc., chosen, following the style of regular prize fights of which they had read. i “That's all right. It’s for you to go in and hit him ifyou ean,’* replied Tommy; and while the darkey was thus engaged Hop sent in one ofhis fists on his eye that staggered him. : But before he could get at out of reach. **Am dat fa’r, Tommy?’ he called. “Yes; look out for yourself.” “ But I warn’t a lookin’.”” “That's your business; and again while this argu- ment was going on did Hop Ski dance up and paste him in the other eye, causing a shout from the specta- tors. j “Goin, Hop!’ “Make him sick !” “Plug him again!” cried the boys. “Now go in, Josh! What's the matter with you?’ asked his second, young Beaty. * By golly, I——" “Look out!” But he didn’t look out quick enough to prevent Hop from getting in on his eye so as to almost prevent his “looking ont” of it again for some time. This added to his confusion greatly, and ended the first round. Josh didn’t seem exactly beaten, but he looked dreadfully surprised. ** Josh, I thought you were going to break him all up,” said one of them. E “Just you wait, honey, I hasn’t got my fust wind yet,” replied Josh. “Time!” shouted Tommy. Josh walked slowly to the scratch, while Hop pranced up like & kitten. “Me flightie nigler flor flun,” said he, grinning all over himself. “IT gib yer all der fan yer want,” said Josh, as he toed the scratch. : They fiddled away awhilé, each trying to get “home” him in return, Hop was on the other, Finally Josh thought he saw a chance which Hop sent in at this point, and although the darkey’s hard head did not suffer from them, yet his eyes did, and he was becoming more and more be- wildered all the while. Fin he rushed in to grappie with the Chinaman, but in doing so he tumbled over his own big feet and again went to grass amid shouts of laughter. When they stood up for the third round, Hop had received instructions from his trainer, and went in to polish off his opponent in short order. The blows he Struck were not very heavy, bnt they were annoving, and worried Josh until he was as mad as a short-tailed bull in fiy time. “By golly, I—I—I smash yer all inter hash!’’ he yelled, trying all the while to hit the agile Hop. “Me knockie deble lout nigler,” was Hop's only re- ply, and at him he went, hitting him first on one side and then on the other, while Josh was unable to get in a single blow. 2 rit sans were fought nn ee same way. “Now hold on, Tommy, ts m ’ wind,’? said he, imploringty. s ra “Nonsense; the first wind has been knocked out of you long ago. Time!’ a x won't fight no mo’ if yer don’t luf me get my fus’ nd. “ All right, then yon lose the fight.” “No, by golly, I won't !? and again he rnshed madly | = the agile Chinaman, who was still as fresh as a Just then Elam put in an appearance, having over- heard the laughing, and gaspecting that something wrong was going on. “Hold on, here, hold on!’ he shouted, and lea; over the ropes he attempted to separate the combat- ants, who had now clen: for the first time. But he undertook to sop the affair at a hard time, for they were both as wad as hornets, and the most natural thing for them to do under the circumstances

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80 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. —— eae*z*qweeleluyqQvwe0—_ —OOEEESESESE OOS was to turn upon him, which they did in good earnest, knoeking him down, and setting upon him with their fists. “* Help—help !” he yelled. “Cheese it, fellows ! here comes Mr. Slam !"’ said one of the boys, and away they all ranin different di- ee the pugilists hammering away at r Z The next minute Mr. Slam was in the ring to sepa- vate them, when they all three turned upon him. —_ CHAPTER XVIIL. “Ou—oh—oh! Murder! Stop it!’ yelled Slam, as the three of them, blind with rage, fell upon him. It was the ** wind-up » of the prize fight between Josh Horn, the darkey, and Hop Ski, the ese Iaun- as the reader will remember, and in which Elam had taken a hand for the purpose of breaking it up, when they both turned upon him, and were break- ing him up, when Professor Slam put in an appear- ance, He in turn attempted to part the fighters, when they all three fell upon him. “Hold on! it’s me!” he yelled, and just then all three appeared to come to their senses. They paused in their wild rough and tumble, and gazed at the professor and then at each other. There was nobody else for them to gaze at, for the boys had ail skipped out, and were viewing the closing affair from the woods below and from other hiding places near by. “Elam Lamb, you are an ass!" said Slam, feeling to see if his “ kisser’ had been badly damaged. “*] didn’t know it was you, sir; I——" “Oh, hang it, you don’t know anything. How about this matter, an: “— What is the meaning of this affair bi demanded. “ji do not know, sir. I found them figh: here, with the scholars standing around, and I ed to separate them, when the boys fied. That was all I knew until you spoke,” said Elam. “What is the meaning of this, sir?’? he asked, turn- ing to Ji who stood looking et Sot ning “Wal, de boys git up a prize fight atween me an’ Hop Ski, an’——” . * An’ I lickee like debil !? put in Hop, triumphantly, “You vacabonds, how dare you do such a thing on my ace f ae no.” ae t “ ae a boys got it up. s Tommy Boanee an’——” “Oh, of course, you may be sure of*?nat,” said “T'll skin everybody who has had a hand in this dis- graceful afvair.’’ ae eer you hab lots ob skin on hand,” said Josh, th a grin. “Go to your work instantly. I’ll settle with you for this, sir. And yeu, Hop Ski, go to your work? ** Allee yite. Me tough @uss; me flightee like debil,”” said he, starting away. “Are you hurt, sir?’ asked Elam. ‘ “Hurt be hanged! Elam Lamb, I think you're a jackass,” said Slam. “Sir Pp? and Elam opened his eyes. “*T mean it,” said Slam, wiping his bleeding snoot. “ But what have I——” “Oh, that be haz ! You, somehow or other, are ny es ina ng om annedl —_ you too frequent- ly manage to get me up in them.”* “T explained to you how it was,” he replied, looking very solemn. “Nonsense !. There is something wro! “Yes, sir; and always will beso long a’ you keep Tommy Bounce and a few others in your school.” “I know they are mischievous, which is very natural for boys; but how is it that you, a middle-aged man, seem to be continually mixed up with them ¥? “Well, sir, it only happens when I attempt to assist you in keeping them duly within bounds.” “What do bige know about this affair?” “T Lave told you all I know about it.” “Which is simply nothing at all that I can bring home vo any of them.” “That I am not to blame for, sir.” “Now, that is all right. Go to your duties, and let me hear no more of this nonsense. It is dis@usting.” “T know it, sir; but——” The professor waved him away, and would not hear } Ell a@nother.word. ~ All right,” he muttered, as he went abont his busi- ness; “but if I don’t get even for this my name's not Elam Lamb.” had. But before t he found another chance to get into trouble with him, having caught two. or three of the thers, who were lying in wait, be- Stones and everything they could 2 i f 3 5 & get hold This caused him to beat a hasty retreat, and fearing * that he‘ had gone for a the boys ran away, and did not return again until the bell rang for supper. But in the meantime Elam had fixed a string to ple y Solent Broke Bie 8 PRS: his room if any person atterm: elim’ again, feeling sure that he would be alleto astonish thee” e never stopped probably there was achance of his being astonished If; but there F z 4 § f £ g i g a Fi ~ < and after that time Tommy Bounce set a trap for him. come in going towards the tree. gone to apprise Hop Ski of what was expected. Well, when all was in readiness, Tommy and ran up to his room. himself. pate & murder, and to skip back to the erent again. oe a shout as the boys sent up made the ig. . feel himself over to see if he had been shot. devil would savagely, but they only laughed the louder. for this, see if I don’t.” “Oh, go soak your head !’ said one, “Go shoot yourself !” put in another. “ Dry up?’? asked Tommy, pleasantly. “T’ll murder you the first one.” ~ “No, don’t do that; it might hurt.” “You've killed Hop Ski.” and you are too fresh.” - turned limping to the house, “ Good-bye, Elam,’ they yelled. “Go and put Hop Ski to soak.”’ two tramps, dry was a caution. Horn had arrived before him, and were looking in as- tonishment at the gymnasti as he came in. plied Hop, rubbing his smarting wounds and dancing. * What's the master with you?” ; “ Allee shot—allee klill !” cook. did. Faix, I thnk he’s bewitched, “Do you know anything about ity? asked Slam, turning to Josh. pen’ ter get in front ob 1t.? “But who fired the gun?” “T gubs it up, sah.’? * Who shot you, Hop Ski?’? “Telam shootee fiull salt, cussee big assjack,’? re- plied the dancing Chinaman. “Shot you full of salt?” ** Makee smart like debil—oh !” “ Where is Elam? Bring him here.” . Josh went for him, while the professor attempted to alleviate the poor Chinaman’s suffering, assisted by en. “ Mould still, will yees? Bad luck ter ye, what der ye dance so for?” i “He is evidently in considerable pain,” suggested the professor. ; “ Howly murther! Who ever heard of a man’s danc- in’ when he felt bad?” and she laughed at the idea. Tatty no joke, Ellen, to have salt fired into a person’s Ss ” “Paix, I guess they thought he war too fresh, as they say.” “Here, Elam, come here,’ said the professor, as Josh returned with the janitor. But the moment Hop saw him he made a dive and caught him by the hair of his head, and in less time than you could say Jack Robinson, the two of them were rolling over and over upon the floor, clawing, Swearing, and fighting like a couple of cats, while the others were endeavoring to separate them. The boys were looking.in at the windows. ent tr’? yelled Slam. Pen sd put in Ellen, who, being Irish, rather liked * Hole yer hosses dar!"' said Josh. “ Quit it, I say!” again protested Slam, but finding that they paid no attentioh so what he said, he caught up a pail of water and attempted to chuck it over then. Tis he did by stretching a cord from one stake to another, about six inches from the ground, across the path leading from the door out of which Elam must After doing this, the boys gathered at the windows facing the tree, or got into other out-of-the-way places to see the fun; but in the meantime one of them had ve the String a pull, and darted into the dormitory building The moment Elam heard the bell ring he seized the old gun that he had loaded with a charge of salt, and rushed out of the door towards the tree, resolved on salting the boys, little thinking that he was too fresh After taking about half a dozen steps he found out that he was, for the first thing he knew he hit the cord and went sprawling, while the old gun went off, and salted Hop Ski, who was just then coming around the corner of the building, causing him to yell all sorts of nilding Elam picked himself slowly up, and looked around. The tumble had so confused him that he hardly knew what had happened, and the first thing he did was to But the yells and laughter of the boys soon brought him to himself, and he began to understand that he had been caught in his own trap, and made a fool of besides. But how about Hop Ski? He could hear him yelling with pein in the laundry, and knew that the to pay. Turning towards We tormentors he shook his big fist se | murder about a dozen of you young devils . You are @ good-for-nothing set of scoundrels, and “Yes, go and swap skins with him, for he is too salt “Oh, you young vagabonds !”’ said he, as a sort of a parting benediction; and, picking up the gun, he re- While all this was being said and done, the poor | LUC. 80 t0 the kitchen. Josh, seek your own Chinaman was saying and doing some of the most comical things imaginable. He once filled Elam and Slam full of salt, when they came home looking like but he never knew how it felt until now, and the way he howled and danced around that laun- Profes*or Slam, hearing the row, made his wa: to the lavudry, where both Ellen, the cook, and Josh ics. * *“Here—here ! What's the matter?’ demanded Slam, “Oh, hellee, damee ! me klill me allee blus lup !”? re- RA tred is it, Ellen *” he asked, turning to the aston- “Sure, sir, 1 d’no; I hearn him squalin’ loike a stuck , an’ whin I came ter sa what ailed him, I found m dancin’.around like a pea on a hot griddle, sol “I hear a gun go off, boss, an’ I guess dat he hap- But, alas! his aim was always bad, and instead of dousing the fighters as they scrambled, fought, and clawed around the room, he threw it all over Ellen, the cook, who at once set upon Josh, being bound ta get hunk somehow, and so there was the liveliest sort of a circus mm that room that was ever seen, during which Slam got slammed several times, and finally sent head first into a barrel of water. The boys, who had until now enjoyed the show ont side, rushed in at this point and proceeded to rescu: their principal, although several of them urged alon; the fight that was still going on between Ellen and Josh, and Elam and Hop Ski. Slam was as mad as a wet hen, “Stop those villains—stop them!” he shonted, ad- dressing the boys. “Of course we will,” replied half a dozen, and at it they went, some of them trying to separate Hop and Elam, and others attempting to pull apart Ellen and poor old Josh. : After a deal of pretending to do so, they finally got them apart, but not until every one of them had eas eyes and bloody noses, and otherwise badty ruf- up. : “ You vagabonds—you villains!” shouted Slam, wild with indignation. : Then followed a vocalshash composed of Chinese, English, Irish, and African, during which the honse- keeper, Miss Overripe, came in and demanded to know what the row was all about, and whether it was a brothel or a respectable school. A ““Me—I—you—bad luck,” came fyom the chorus again, as they all attempted to explain. At this the boys laughed heartily, making the con- fusion even worse than ever. “Professor Slam, I am astonished at you,” said the housekeeper. , Then the confusion of attempted explanation began again. : : “Shut up, every mother’s son of you!” roared Siam; “Ellen, go to the kitchen.” “Sure, Misther Slam—Professor Slam—will ye hear me out? Give me one more round wid the nager! — more, an’ I'll give yees a month’s wages,” said e. “ Professor, if you am a friend ob mine yon won’t pa Beet ob de kine. She jus’ pitch inter me fo’ nut , sab. “And as for me, sir,” said Elam, now recovering wind enough to attempt an explanation. “He shootee me; me knockee all cussee stufin lout,” said Hop, panting. “Shut up, all of you. Boys, retire to your rooms. war- ters. I'll get to the bottom of this business if every has to be discharged.” r “‘Shameful—shameful!” put in the housekeeper. “Miss Overripe, will you be kind enough to with draw to your room?” asked Slam. ’ “ But if] do what guarantee is there that I shall not oS Gsturbed very soon again by another broil?’ said she. . “A ‘broil? cannot affect ‘us—tew,’ my dear Miss Overri Be good enough to retire, and allow me to settle this difficulty.’” eet will not remain in such a place,” said she, faunt- g out. mie : “Nor I, be jabers, onless I’ve lave ter fix that bloody nagur!? ores Ellen, as she went out, shaking her arnt inal th losed, and only Slam, a! e@ room was ¢) ns rs) Lamb, and Hop remained. ! “Now what does this all mean?” : “He shootee me wiz saltee; he too flesh,” replied Hop, indignantly, at the same time rubbing himself vigorously. “What have you to say, Mr, Lamb ?”? « “Only this. It was all an accident, sir.” “Accident! How is it, sir, that these accidents are continually happening t you?” “It was all on account of the boys, sir.” **No—no! Bloys no shootee. Lelam shootee,” put in Hop Ski. “Go for a physician at once, and after his wounds have been dressed at your expense, if you cannot ex- pas this matter to my entire satisfaction, you must leave my employ.’ * But, my dear sir——” “Nota word now. I am getting tired of this busi- ness, sir, Something is continually going on wreng, and I begin to believe that the trouble is all with you. Go for the doctor at once.”’ “ Hully lup, cussee fool!’ added Hop. Elam started for the doctor,Jfeeling that the fates were against him, while Professor Slam assisted Hop Ski into a bath-tub to alleviate his wounds until the arrival of medical assistance. As for the boys, nearly every one of them had langh- ed himself into convulsions over the affair, which they pentose to be the most comical of anything that d happened yet. Poor Josh Horn! His ‘‘horn’* had been badly dam- aged by Ellen, and he was now Oat by the pump trying to stop the flow of * claret.” Tommy Bounce and Tom ae Oe out to see how ue waa getting along, but found that his nose persisted n ing. 2 “Let me pump water on the back of your head,’ said Tommy. “ That’s the way to stop it.” “All right, but be orful careful, Tommy, fo’ I’se all broke up an’ bleedin’,” moaréd Josh, as he placed his head under the meg A ut, “IT know how to do it,” said Tommy, and with an down hiz extra stroke he sent about a pailfal of water neck, and this very cold, it is no wonder the un- fortunate darkey ied murder. 4 “Hole on dar, Tommy! Yer drown me.” : ~

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TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. 31 “Keep quiet, Josh. That’s the only way to stop your nose from bleeding.” “ But it’s cole, chile.” “Well, that’s what stops the blood. Hold your head down again.” He did so, and got another dose that was fully equal to the other. ‘ “Now, hole on, chile. I’se got ’nough ob dat. I'd rather have der nose-bleed.”? * All right, but if it isn’t stopped pretty soon you can’t stop it at all, and will bleed to death.” “Oh, Lor’!; Am dat so?” “That's a fact, Josh. I have known several such ” “ Allright. Pump away,” and believing it was the only thing that would save his life, he got into the trough, and the boys pumped water upon him until he was soaked and nearly frozen as well. Of course it stopped his nose-bleed, and then they took him up to Tommy’s room to get some court- plaster for the scratches on his face. The laughing boys gathered around him with all Sorts of jokes and inquiries regarding his fight with the cook, while Tommy began to apply the white court-plaster to his scratches, putting on twice as much as was needed, and arranging it in curious and comical ways, so that by the time he had finished Josh Was one of the funniest-looking coons that ever looked sad. “ There you are,’’ said Tommy, as he applied the last Strip to the darkey’s black mug. * Much ’bliged ter yer, Tommy. I feels much better how,’’ but as he turned around the boys could not re- Strain their Jaughter, and went in on it heavy. But Josh was too thankful for what had been done for him to suspect anything wrong, although he might have done so, knowing who it was that was enacting the part of the Good Samaritan. “She went for you rough, Josh.” “Fo’ de Lor’, boys, dat gal’‘am a Tartar,’’ said he, shaking his mug. an * Cream of tartar, I guess,"’ said Tommy. Es By golly, she am de cream ob all de fighters I eber seen.” “ What set her at you ?”? “Why, de funniest thing in de world.” “Funny ?? “Yes; Elam an’ Hop war fightin’, when de ole man took up a pail of water ter frow at ’em, an’ it hit de cook by mistake. Den she aa into me jus’ fo’ nuf fin’. At fust I laugh ter fink what a sell it war, an dat she war fightin’ de wrong man, but bimeby she make it so hot fo’ me dat I didn’t see nuffin’ ter smile at.” % ‘ The boys did, however, and they laugked loud and heartily over the case. In the meantime the doctor arrived and began going over x Hop Ski, who had come out to see the ¥ and fad got more than he wanted. Elam assisted the doctor, but he had all he could do to keep Hop from going for him again, and it was not until long after the boys had gone to bed that Hop was relieved of his CHAPTER XIX. How Elam and Professor Slam ever fixed up the af- er known, or what sort of fair between them was never i meet Ve an explanation he made of shooting Ay Salt; but it was rosie somehow, an tinued in his position. Meantime, Tile Hop was getting well, the only fun the boys had for a week or so was laughing at Josh Horn with the white strips and dots of court plaster with which Tommy had fixed up his mug, leaving it, after Elam had “gone for’? him, in such a comical plight that it made everybody laugh who saw him. Bat the boys got the chesnuts, every one of pat and Elam kept pretty well out of, sight, although al the while trying to devise some way whereby he could get even with them. Altogether, however, there was & whole week of Peace and quiet at Professor Slam’s school, and the id man began to smile again, and thin : looked bright forjgood ordar and future respec! a aie oa Elam smiled and tried to look Boor na tured, although it cost him an etfort, seeing that b e had to pay the doctor's bills for freshening Hop Ski. But he seemed to be ceemranines to keep the peace just 8s long as the scholars di But, to tell the truth, Hop Ski was the only person of all concerned who did not enjoy the affair, yet the only Zrains of comfort that he was able to extract cane from the fact of his having a week’s loafing spell while recovering from the results of the shooting. However, it finally ended all right, and once mete went moving along as usual, although 4he Chinaman secretly had itin for old, Elam for some future time, x The nights were now getting cool, and the spo A hitherto indulged in out of doors were now abandone @nd mostly confined to the gymnasium during the day, and to their rooms during the evening, and, as generally long after the rules of the school re- Quired them to be a ' 5 Josh Horn finally wore off the white strips of court pension which had se long adorned his mug, and bot and Hop Ski were never better pleased than when they could get into some of the rooms evenings where the boys were having fun in various ways, and It is Safe to say that those two characters did quite as muc ward the general miecment a even Bill Gunn, or mmy Bornce, or any of the others. But once in a while Bill Gunn would astonish them With his y@ntriloquism or his imitative make-up, and Elam con- especially did he succeed one evening a few weeks af- ter the events of the last chapter. Hop and Josh were up in Tommy’s room that even- ing, laughing over the pranks and stories of the boys, when there came a sudden and ominous rap at the door. “Come in!’? yelled Tommy, who knew who was do- ing the rapping. The door opened and in strode old Mr. Slam, the principal of the school. : The boys pretended to be awfully frightened, and as for Hop and Josh, they nearly sank through the floor. ; On them did Slam fix an angry look. “How is this, Josh Horn? how is this, Hop Ski?’’ he asked, looking from one 10 the other. “Belly good, so be. Allemos’ laughce gluttee lout,” replied ion ‘“*Marser Slam, I—I——”’ stammered Josh. “Silence! There is no excuse tor either of you, not any, for being found in the boys’ rooms assisting them in breaking the rules of my. school, and you are both ischarged. ~ acon, Srarier Slam, I didn’t know dat I war a-doin’ ng,’? moaned Josh. wieyes, you did. The only thing you did not know was that I should catch you. Now goto your quarters, and I will at thant in the morning,” he added, waving his ha oftily. Hop Ski just then began to comprehend it, and then he began to feel sick. “Atlee blus lup?? he asked, with a sadness in his tone. . “You are discharged. Go!?? : Without another word theyleft the room and re- paired to their quarters. A sicker and more crest- fallen-looking pair of brunettes could not have been found, as they talked the matter over between them- selves, and comprehended the fact that they were both out in the cold. No sooner had they left the room, however, than Bill Gunn threw off his disguise and received the laughing congratulations of the fellows, some of whom were nearly fooled themselves, so ar had been his make- up in imitation of Mr. Slam. Well, the next day both Hop and Josh, in their for- lorn condition, waited upon Mr. Slam. Josh went in first, very humbly. “I—I’s come fo’ my pay, sah,”’ said he, in sorrowful accents. ze “Come for what, sir??? “Po? my pay.” “Why, what’s the matter? Are you going to leave me?” asked Slam, in astonishment. “ Why, sah, didn’t yrn discharge me las’ ebening?” “Me discharge ‘you ? No! What do you mean?” “Didn’t you tel clar out ob dis yer?” “No, sir; I did nothing of the kind. What is the matter with you?” Josh scratched his woolly head and thought he'd give something to know himself. Either he had been dreaming, or Mr. Slam had been doing so, and walk- ing and talking in his sleep. “I guess den dat I mus’ hab dreamed it, an’ I's orful glad dat it war only a dream.” ““Are you sure that you have not been drinking in- Stead of dreaming?” 5 “Yes, sah; I’s werry shuah. I habn’t drink no spirits since yer told me not ter.” “ Well, then, ne undoubtedly dreamed that I dis- charged you. But have a care and let it bea warning, for there is no knowing what ae Cea if you dis- obey me, Now go down to the barn and b me some fresh eggs,’ he added, waving him away. ~ “Yes, sah,” replied the astonished darkey as he Started to obey. ; By golly, de ole man am off his nut fo’ shuah,” he mused. “What a strange, superstitious race he belongs to,” thought the professor. He had scarcely resumed his writing when Hop Ski, dressed in his best, entered his study. “Well, Hop Ski, what is wanted??? “Come flor suglar,” replied Hop. ““Come for what??? “ Suglar.” **T don’t understand you.?? ** Flor sloap, so be.?? “For soap? Well, if you want soap, why don’t you go to the village and buy it?’ “Rhino, so be.?? “Rhino! How quickly you foreigners learn slang. often You don’t want any money to get it with. Get it and have it charged to my account as Why, xn know how to get soap; you have got it usual,’’ said the puzzled professor. “Me no. Me skedaddle, so be.’? “What?” “Flire lout.?? “Come, now, what are you driving at?” “* Lassee nightee.”? “ Well, what of last night?” - “You blounce, so be.”? “Confound you, what do you want?” ** Me money.” “Your money? What for?” ‘ reece s 1 me??? * Go! re you to leave “So be.”? ae = tte phe you aie me xt ““ Lassee nightee you me lout.” “Well, if this don't beat ‘Dutch. What do you mean, Hop Ski?’? ‘Lassee nightee, me wiz bloys, langhee tike de ou are as mad as Josh Horn is.” debel. Ycu tell me clear lout. * Well, “ Yes, Joshee bouncee, too, so be, allee samee.” have been dreaming m¢ co come heah fo’ my pay an’ ter “Go back to your work. You are either a fool or Somebody has been making one of you. Did any of the boys tell you that I had discharged you?” “No. You bouncee self, so be.”” “Nonsense. Go back to your work. I guess you catch elther of you sriiking te ataanoenicin c er of you king ‘ginnee,’ as you call it, ety Shall discharge you both. Return to your Quite as much amazed as Slam was, Hop returned to the laundry, “Heap cussee flool, ele man be. Loff nut, guess. Diinkee ginnee like flish; get dlunkee like blile low! - an’ florget. Hunklee doley ebly time! Me no fire lout. “Me alle same-washee—washee alle time,” and he felt so good over his changed prospects that he began to dance and cut up all sorts of the most gro- tesque capers, arousing Ellen, the cook, to such a de- orth hte she went in to see what the matter was “Fat the divil ails ye, onyway ?”? “Me all hunklee Soles ieee washee—washee allee same. bloy.” “Faix, I think ye are that, but yer needn’t e ther divil’s own racket because ofit 2 eae ene oa pee ree aisy. Faix, I’d not feel’as good as that wid Serer ge is cians eel go ome he added, at ing to catch her for a dance. a is a But Ellen wasn’t that sort of a cat, and before the enthusiastic Celestial knew it, he was knocked med tes into a tub of soap-suds that stood on the oor. ; ‘Bad luck ter yees. Come, none av yer hathinish friskiness around me, or I’ll knock all the dance out av yees, so I will.?? Hop Ski pulled himself together, and got out of that water as quickly as he coul , but he made no reply. In fact, he looked even then as though the dance had all been knocked out of him, and without a =e Seoes Ad his work, and Ellen to hers. eantime Mr. Slam was to solve the mys- tery of the proceeding. eae y “ Yes—yes,” he Pe side els “it must be that those mischievous boys have been up to their pranks. with them. But how isit? They both said that I had discharged them. What does it mean? It seems like that disgraceful affair down in the villa when everybody swore I was there in person. en it be possible that anybody is personifying me? That is worth thinking about, I'll settle this matter before Tam much older.” " noticed that the old man gave That day the boys them several searching looks, but they really did not t flire loutee; me oopla! Me biully . know what was passing in his mind at the time, They* © all thought that he simply suspected them of tting up the job on Hop and Jouh we oth ~ During the evening, however, they got both of there worthies up into Tommy’s room again and pressed them to tell all about how the thing worked. “ Fo" de—Lor’, boys, I am suah dat de ole man am clean off,’ said Josh. ‘Why, he swo’ dat he didn’t see me las’ night, and dat he never discha me.”? “Oh, he was probably as fall asa goat at the time and forgot all about it,?? said Tommy. * Dat mus’ be de sublution ob it.’? “Way gione loff nuttee,’? put in Hop Ski, wich was. his phic solution of the mystery. But ke didn’t tell Sead about the nice time that he and the cook had over “Fellows, let’s introduce that English school sport of “Follow my Leader,’ said Tommy Bounce. “Yes—yes,” they all replied. “What am dat, Tommy?” asked Josh. “We'll show you. Now, I’ll be the leader first, and the fellow who don’t follow me everywhere I go is no “Yes, and he must treat,” added Billy Gault. “That's so. Are we all agreed?” ““Yes—yes,’”? and they all shook hands with their leader in token of agreement. Seaateens come on,’’ said Tommy, taking up his bed- mp. Then commenced one of the wildest and queerest marches ever seen. He led them into and out of © every room in the dormitory, and whatever he did they also did in every particular. Then he led them out of doors and all around the place, doing all sorts of mischief until they were all satisfied, and finally returned to their quarters. ; All this tickled Josh and Hop Ski greatly, and it was voted a good fastime by all hands. The next night they did it again under the leader- ship of Bill Gunn, and this time they visited Elam’s room and raised the dickens with him and everything else. But he knew too much to resent it very sharply, for he generally got the worst of it when he started’ a row with the boys. : The next night Tommy Bounce was again chosen t leader, and this tire Josh and Hop Ski had agreed to join them, and to submit to the penalties-for failing to do exactly as the leader did. It would be big fun for them, they thought. weet oar Of Tommy mY Aa undress himself and put on his nighj-go and, of course, the others to ee an vs ae = ut when it came to Josh and Hop, night-shirts had to be improvised for them, aud such a comical pair as they were! Hop’s shirt was about half long enough for hi and Josh’s made him look even more comical ridiculous than he ever looked before. ;

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/ TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr Thus arrayed, Tommy Bounce took up his candle | that everybody set up a laugh, everybody but Slam @nd started. Again turough the diferent rooms and over the and Miss Overripe. Oh, professor, do take away those dreadful creat- beds he went. followed by tue others until the whole | ures!’ whined she. dormitory building had been most etfectually * done,” and then he led the way out towards the schooi- house. Once or twice around this, cutting capers as they went, and then into the room occupied by Elam Lamb, the janitor. “E—lamb—Lamb—how—do—you—do?” exclaimed Tommy, and of course they all asked the same ques- tion in the same tone of voice until it came to Hop Ski ‘way he got it, and of course this produced a laugh. ‘Lam mee—lamme—skelam—how—be ?? was the Get out of this, you rascals!’ ‘ j He attempted to go for Tommy, but he ducked in | time 12 avoid him and the others did the same thing, until i®came Hop's turn, but when the old man reached him the others were out of the way. But he bounced him in the most approved style, fir- ing him through the door in such a way that for the moment he resembled a bounced jumping-jack more than anything else. Poor Hop! more that night. strongest of them tolug him up to Tommy’s room, He couldn’t “follow my leader” any In fact, it took four or five of the get somewhat even with them but save a large amoum ve! grub besides, a thing that was dear to his dear oi eart. oo But he only partially succeeded in this, fer on ac- count of the * pull’? that Tommy Bounce had with Elien, the cook, he was enabled to provide not only for himself but in a pretty fair degree for his fellows, with- out the professor being any the wiser for it. But that racket put an end to the game of “ Follow my Leader,” and as they must have something to kill time after study and recitation hours were over, they of course had to study up something ei 5 The days were getting cold and short now,and it would not be long before winter sports would begin, but in the meantime, what should they do for amuse- ment in their own rooms? Tommy made wild gesticulaiions with hisarms and the others imitated him as they marched around the room, “Get out of here, you vagabonds!’’ howled Elam, wees he had left his clothes, and by the ttme they got indignantly. “E—lam—Lamb—say—your—prayers — and — save —your—mutton !’ replied Tommy, and of course they ail said the same thing. ‘* Lammee—lam mee—skelam—kissee—Joss—or—go —hellee,”? put in Hop. “Get out of here, I tell you.’’ “We git, E—lam!’ sang Tommy, and the others sang it in fifty different keys until it came to Hop, and fer: squealed it so comically that again everybody Toa) After tormenting the patience, and almost the life out of him, Tommy led the way towards the study of Professor Slam. This was a daring thing to do, but they were all in ‘for it now, and so they followed, Now it so happened that the professor was just then having a private and confidential vhat with his house- Keeper, Miss Overripe, and appearances indicated that it was beginning to assume a very tender turn, when Tommy opened the door and marched in, followed by about fifty of his gang. The old man leaped to his feet, and Miss Overri screamed, kicked, and tried hard to faint at the sight ofso many masculines in their night-shirts, especialy Hep and Josh. Tommy made wild gesticulations with bis arms, and “ others imitated him as they marched around the m. “ Thunder and biases!’ roared Slam. ‘“ Whatis the meatiing of this?’ ™ Show his eyes and grieve his heart, Céme like Ei rt depart,” said Tommy, and before Siam could get another chance to speak, they had all wptil it came to Hop, and he made such a mess of it Een the couplet;/ with them by m there he was just sick enough for a doctor. The majority of the boys, fearing for what they had been led into doing, got off into their rooms as quickly as possible, expecting every moment to see Mr. Slam appear in their midst. “ How is it with you, Hop?” asked Tommy, as they placed him on a bed. “Me allee bloke up,” he moaned. “Did he hit you?” “Oh, no; me no hit; me flired lout.’” “Oh, you're allright. Get on your clothes.” “Meno. Me allee bloke pleces, so be.” “Nonsense. Get on your duds and get out before Slam comes up.” “Meno. Meno care. Me hab feap fun. Me hab belly full, allee time,’’ he moaned. “Quick! Here comes Siam,” whispered Bill Gunn. “Allee same, Me no,’? “Pshaw! You are not hurt.’? “Oh, no; me allee yitee. So be. Heap flun flor bloys; not muchee flor Chinaman.” He seemed all broken up indeed, and while the ; others were dressing or retiring to their own rooms, he lay there, probably trying to figure up the amount offun he had, and what the future prospects were worth, after being ‘led’ as he had. Rut Tommy finally got him i and he and Bili Gunn managed to. worry him into his clothes, or at least a portion of them, and tucking the rest under his arm, they started him for his quarters, : That ended the nigh.s racketso far as they were concerned just then, but all hands were taken to task the next morning by the indignant professor. At first he swore to expel every boy engaged in the affair, but fin that he would only have about a quarter of his school left, he concluded to get square making them go without their break- fasts for a whole week. In this way he would not only As for Elam, Josh, and Hop Ski, they had squeezed them pretty dry, and they “kicked ”’ against anything further, wv then? ; CHAPTER XX. For a week or so after the “ Follow-my-Leader” racket, mentioned in the last chapter, were very dull and quiet at Professor Slam's school. As for Elam, he was content with having had nothing to do with the affair, so far as it would im te him, and Josh fervently thanked his stars that Mr. Slam aid not ‘fire’? him out of his situation on acconnt of the part he took in it, while poor Hop Ski concluded thar he had had all the fun he wanted with the“ Melican ” boys, and was perfectly contented to stick to his “ washee-washee ’’ in the laundry and Jet others take whatever chances they liked. As for him, he was sat- isfied ! he had a belly full Meantime Professor Slam had got upon a clew re- er the misfortunes that had attended him. He felt fully convinced that some one of the larger scholars had gotten themselves up Somehow se as to imitate him successfully, and the question now was, which one was it? Bid Gunn was the only one who had the uisite hight for the business, and he now set hi care- fully atwork to study up that ingenious youth, to see if he conld catch bim at his pranks. He communicated his suspicions to Miss Overripe, r, she being evidently as much inter- his housekee ested in clea: up the mystery as he was. And so Miss Overripe took it upon herself to watch Master Gunn, and,womap-like, hadto to Ellen, the cook, one of the best friends She, in turn, lost no time in making known to Tom- my Bounce the fact that Slam suspected and that Miss Overripe had set herself to watch his

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‘the dictation. TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. 33 actions, and. Tommy, of course, communicated it to Bill Gunn. ; ““Oh—oh! I see.it,’? said Bill, placing his finger alongside of his nose and looking wise, “Where is it?” = “In a nutshell.” : ‘“Well, where’s the nutshell 9? “The old man has tumbled,’’ ““How ?”? %: “ He suspeets me. “Do you think so?” “Jt must be. He has been cogitating over all these rackets, and suspects that somebody has been imper- sonating him, and as lam the only fellow in school who is tall enough to do it, he falls back on me as the culprit.” oe : = = = SS = “ Go it ” said Ellen, sah was on the tiptoe of excitement at the prospect of a fight, while Josh and Hop Ski looked on in amazement. *Well, are you going to stand ity? “Not long at a time.” “Well ??? said Tommy, laughing, “He may find it out eventually. “Welt?”? ; “But I’m going to have a racket able to prove it.” Mod How?’ “With the old gal.” {Qverripe2” “e Well, that’s allright. There aren’t much meat on her, but'l think there’s ‘ meat’ in the racket.” “Wait and see, Tommy.” “ only 7 Ms time ; I ma ~ a short time ; : but don't ‘ou make any mistake, I will make, Slam and iis housekeeper sick before I weaken. _- “Good boy ?’* 3 at Now beef area good penman, Tom like this—” 2 They were in Tommy’s room, and he took up & pen to follow dictation. or two before he is > r services, require you Moth my. Write some- Iw enti- arbor to-night, and I will put my sen to 8 formal shape with a view to matrimony. 5 er, ; Youre. PROFESSOR Siam, A.B.” “How's that?) he asked, as he saw Tommy finish large ments Red hot, Bill. What are you “ Send it to Miss Overripe—sen it by Josh; he'll be & good messenger.” ; : Right: but then???» Hl We! Wy We ail ing to do with it?” | pel “Then I'll fit up to personate the old man, and the way 1 will make love to that old maid will be a cau- tion, I willhave an engagement of marriage fixed before I get through with this racket’? * Good boy!”? they all said, “ And then we will seesome fun. We'll have the old man dead to rights, as the detectives say, and then look out for snakes. What do you say?” - “Good as wheat! .Go ahead,” Only a few of the boys knew of the racket anyway, for neither Tommy Bounce nor Bill Gunn would run the risk.of having too many in the affair. So it was arranged that only about half a dozen of the thoroughbreds, the regular toughs of the school, should see the circus carried out on this particular oc- casion. Ho a LEA DEA A Hi “You are my guiding star, Miss Overripe, and have been for months. Oh, how I have loved you! Say that you love me in return} say that you are mine, as Iam yours.” Oh, professor, I thank Heaven for'the night that hides my blushes. Yes, I do love you; I have always loved you. Heaven only Knows how much,” “Oh, yum—yum—yum |’ said Tommy, while the thers repeated it. “What was that, profesor?” she asked, starting just , @ little. “What, birdie?! 7 ‘Those expressions.” “How ?? ‘ ~ ** Well, it—yes, it—but did you not hear it, profes sor?” she asked, clinging to his arm. Miss Overripe received the missive of love and read it attentively. It was the very thing she had been waiting for for years, and therefore she rejoiced. , She sent up glad * hosannas”? and things, and felt that she should not long remain an old maid. Great happiness! And she longed for night to come. Oh; would it never come? And the days were so short, too. Well, it did come at last, and anxions Miss Overripe was ready and waiting. ' ‘How romantic of him!” she sigh “He wants to meet mé inthe grape arbor. And thongh it might have’ been more romanti¢ had he* enacted the per- formance when the blossoms and ‘leaves were young and fresh, yet taking our ages—his age—into con- sideration, perhaps it is more emblametic that we meet for love-making and proposals in a bower de- nuded of both leaves and flowers.”’ ‘ Thus she meditated until about sevenio’clock, when she threw an opera cloak over her head and shoulders and walked out into the garden, in the path leading to the grape arbor. A Bill Gunn was lingering around in that same local- ity, dressed so much like Professor Slam that his own mother could not have sworn to the difference, while Tommy Bounce and five or six others ‘hovered around where they could see without been ‘seen or beard, Presently Bill Gunn and Miss Overripe met; Bill was as sober as a clam and she was all excitement. “ Ah ! moonlight angel | allow me to thank you for this meeting,’? said Bill, at ‘the same time taking and + sul kissing her hand. : : ot on professor, this’seems too much!" she whim- red. . : “Too much! How?” : “Too much happiness.. Do you then really leve mef’? she asked. “Tonly heard’ my sentiments echoed from the hille and crags beyond,” * Do you think it was only an echo ?? “Tam sure of it, dearest.” “* Heigh-ho !? she sigh Such a cunning littie sich. “ Wherefore?” “Nothing, oaly——” 3 “Only what, dearest?” ee “IfT were only sure it was only an echo !’? “* Wherefore ?”’ . **To set my mind at rest.” “How 7?” Ass To feel sure that none of the scholars were listen- 2. “Oh, birdie, they are long ago asleep.” - “T hope so, professor.” “ “ Be sure of it, darling,’ and once more did he visit her waiting lips. ; “Yum—yum—yum !’’? came again from’ the -boys, but exactly from whence it came was not easy to determine. ie ? But it certainly was somewhere. Bill Gunn looked indignant. * — want blood !? said he, savagely. “Oh, professor !”” - “*Don’t restrain me, dearest.’” * But only think.*? : : -** Yes, I have been thinking. Blood is the only thing that will appease me !? “Ob, professor! Think ofme 1”? © : wet T always think of you, but I have been in- “But by whom?” * Some of the scholors, I suspect.” “It may be, professor, but after all, it might be as well to let them know it,”” a : “Yes, darling, but I don*t like te have them quite so previous.” ,

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34 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. “* What 9"? or to see that she had eyes for nobody in the room but{ ‘“ We have been making fools of ourseives,’’ said he, “ So sweet by-and-bye.” .| Slam. in a moderate tone of voice. J “ Oh, explain, professor.” The professor was sober and silent, and ate his| ‘‘ Speak for yourself, sir,’’ said she, pote: “4 trifte too fresh.”? ‘ breakfast without a word to anybody, not even be- “ We have both been made fools of, rather, let me ** How !” stowing a look upon the housekeeper. say; both been made victims.’’ 4“ Wil you never tumble? If I must descend to| ‘Poor dear man,” she thought, “‘he is go bashful} “‘ Well, sir, I would like te have the thing explained,” plain, every-day talk,’’ said he, indignantly. that he don’t dare look at me. He is waiting for | said she, bitingly. “ Are you afraid of the boys? night to come,” and so she solaced herself during} ‘‘ There is a scoundrel in school.” “No, Tecan stand it if you can.” “Never mind their rudeness, dearest. Goon with what you were going to say.’’ “5 What was I talking About?’ . *“J—J—don’t Know exactly, but you were very sweet and tenderin your remarks,or at least, you talked as though you were going to be so.’’ “Oh, now Il remember. Confound those boys. Yes, I was about to ask you to become mine,” saying which he fell upon his before her. echoed through the feet. race business until to-morrow , hastily. is, I—yes, professor. I will be your »” said she, anxious to finish such an important piece of business while there was a chance. ‘ aaa it. We'll consider af settled, but Raia ae night Same place we will ratify everything an ulars. Good-night, now, dearest. One nectar-laden lips.”’ they indulged in if he hoped to escape. last!’ she exclaimed, as she prepared “ My agony is almost oyer; oh—oh— to her feelings, the old hen act- breakdown on the floor of her mischievous boys know how in their shout of f course he that I take snuff, end I am really glad discovered @ correspon: weakness I wish he wasn’t quite so old; but then he’s much better than no husband at all. I'll never tell him how oldIam. Hark!” She listened just then to the melody of a pair of sore Solem were telling each other something out in the ga verily believe that that is the dear professor me,” she exclaimed; but. as the trees grew old beHowses, and made herself ture husband, and finally fell asleep, only to dream of weddings and orange wreaths. The next morning she was up earlier than usnal— bright and smiling, and as chipper as a hen with a double brood of chickens...She never seemed so happy before. In fact, she smiled on everybody with whom she came in contact, and it created much sur- prise among the help. Hop Ski and Josh grinned at each other after she had ken so exceedingly pleas- @nt to them, and wonde’ what had come over her. “ Feelee belly good, heap,” said Hop. , guess dat de ole gal hab swaller de sugar- bowl dis mornin’, replied Josh. But, woman like, she couldn’t pee ence big news as = to herself, and so she told aboutit. . hey? .Well, well; that @ believed the ould ask ye, sol TS, | floor and breakfast-time, fully believing that the old man only wanted an opportunity when no one was around, and she made it a study to find such a one. An hour later she managed to meet him in the re- ception-room, and uttering a glad shout, she flung her arms around the old man, kissing, cho! ly pipeniEg to death. “Ha—ho—ha! Ough! Stop! What the devilare you about?” yelled he. : “Oh, my own darling!” “Get out! Go to thunder—ah! Now, madam, what the devil do you mean? Are you crazy?’ he demand- ed, indignautly. * Yes, darling, crazy in love with you.” “What do you mean?” “Why—why, last night,’ said she eancne hoe and then looking at the astonish “Ene . ** Why, don’t you. know?’ ‘No, Till be hanged if-I do.’ “Why, professor!” “You are crazy, madam.” _ ‘* Have you then forgotten so soon?” “Forgotten! Why, damit, I never knew.” “And you’ deny meeting me in the arbor last . I do.” “Oh—oh—oh! I’m going to faint,” saying which she tumbled over into his arms. -_* oa “ Help—help! Here, Ellen! Come quick,” he called, as he struggled with the limp Overripe. “Here I am, sur,’’ said Ellen, entering. = Sy aes pene reer vn some va or pop aaa ler and blazes, 1 don’t care w. ou get, so long as you bring this old fool out of her hint. 2 Be “Is that ther way ye spake ter ther woman yer goin” ter marry?’ “Go to the devil! Marry thunder! Who is going to marry anybody ?” ; “Feith, she wor only just after tellin’ me that ye wor goin’ ter marry her.” “ Oh, thunder! oh, bosh! oh, bah! Let her come to the best way she can,”’ said he, laying her down on the to go out of the room. But this movement roused her better than ‘ of water; and she leaped to her feet. Josh and Hop Ski came in to see what the trouble was. x * Professor Slam!’ said she, savagely. yy “Well?” “Do you repudiate your agreement to marry me??? “Good heavens, woman, you are mad! I never was crazy enough, or drunk enough, to propose such a “Monster!” she screamed, going for him with her claws, “Go it!” said Ellen, who was on the tip-toe of ex- citement at the t of a fight, while both Josh and Hop Ski looked on in amazement. “Be careful, away. “No, sir, you area wretch. You promised to mar- ry me, sir——” “It is false, madam!” “Go it, ther two av ye! foight?” cried Ellen, dancing around the room. “Not so false as you are, sir. And perhaps you will va having written this letter?’ said the now terribly excited housekeeper, producing the letterthat Tommy Bounce had written. “I never wrote you a letter—never!” “How can you tell such falsehoods?” “You are ¢ . Go away from me; to—to—gzo to the devil!” and he made another dive for the door, Hen fae caught him by the coat-tails and pulled him “Foy the blazes don’t somebody foight?? again put in Ellen, and by this time being so worked up as to be unable to restraim her passions, she puches into Hop Ski, who yelled all the bad English he knew at once, and lit ont, closely followed by Josh, who probably thought it would be his turn next. “Whoop? she yelled, after clearing the room. “Der yees want any help, ma’am?” turning to Miss Overripe, who still held on to Slam. ‘No; go to the kitchen at once,” and away she went with another whoop. “Let go my person, madam!’ howled the pro- rr. n, the cook, all | feaso “No, sir, not until you do me justice.” “Justice! Want me to knock you down?” You shall not trifle with my fond heart in this way. Behold your letter.”’ or Ietwe see it,” he said, taking it from her. “Can you, dare you deny it?” A queer look came over the eld man’s face as he a over the forged letter, and then he clenched fist. She proceeded to tell him all about it, with tears in her eyes, and then he “ tumbted.” CHAPTER XXI. , and near-- a barrel madam!? and Slam triedj to back | Vigo Why ther divil don’t ye “ Several of them, I should say.’’ ** You have been imposed upon.” “] should say so, sir,’? * But not by me, madame—not by me.” “Who, then, pray?” | » “That remains to be found out. But this I will say, I never met you, and never in my iife promised to marry you.’* ‘*] will not believe it, sir. Here is your letter asking me. Not my letter, but a forgery, madame.” “Not my Tr, but a fo : 2. “But I am not to blame for fat” “ Of course not.” om r. “ And my feeli “ Of course, I feel for your feelings.” : “T think not, or you would—that is—you would— well, you would make the forgery gaid she, * Me fc = ke a forgery ! tf Pp? fe make a good im “ Then you care nothing for my treccrhg heart”? * TJ did not break it.’? “ Yes, you did.” a « Even though it be a forgery, I ven though it be a as you say, I must still protest that it was your name thas ‘wrought the mischief.” ; ** My name?” ““ Yes, in connection with the words that were in the letter.” “ Who brought the letter to you?” Balan iterle the Clot” sald Sam, ringing us in’ lew the a bell that would bring him. — “ Oh, itis such a shock; such a disappointment to my—my trusting heart,” said she, casting still another mashing glance at him. “ It is a piece of dire rascality, madame.” “ But yet it seemed so natural,’? “*J_I dare say.” i a fon know we have always Den very god ‘ou know we have friends, professor?” “ But what has that to do with this?” a iS Pier Dep TADS nothing. Yet my fond young heart » was so = so charged in your favor, that when I re- ceived that letter it went out to you with all its maiden Tr. : * Nonsense! You were imposed upon. Ah, here comes Hop Ski. Now we will get upon the trail of the ” said he, as Hop entered the room, “ What trail 9’? oe trail of the dastard who has been imperson- a me.” “ But how will that affect me?” : “ Will it not be satisfaction to catch the culprit?” “Not halfso much as it. would be to catch a hus- band,” said she, earnestly. s a “i see, Hop Ski,” said he, addressing him. “ te Be “Who gave you the letter which you handed to Miss Overripe ?’ “Tomly Blounce,” said Hop, promptly. “Ah, Tommy Bounce! Just as I expected. He is the rascal.” : Ho te th rascal'who has been im: ting » “He e ‘who ma: said Slam, triumphantly. sre ae: “That cannot be, sir. He is nowhere as tall as you ate, to begin with, and I should have known his voice. ; “But he is such a rascal that he can make himse2y appear like almost anybody.”* “Ah sir, that is a weak excuse.” “Bxcuse! The rascal has probably the boys say. He probably wrote you “But who made the love" ; This “stuck ” the old man. _ “No, sir, no other man could make love to me with- pak knowing it. If it was not you, J am not Miss ve! “Ts that all you know about it, Hop Ski’ “So be.’ : ; “Then return to your business,” and Hop meandered out, all the while trying to think what had to do about anything. “Do you see, Miss Overripe ?"” “ What?” “That we are both the victims of a rascally joke?” “T see that I am,” said she, seeing that the oid man would not take his cue from all her manifested disap- (Ske pointment. oes “You will remember that I spoke to peanesting: this matter once before. We Inust Bid OO the “Oe be will be all the . ‘for what ur reven the sweeter for we ‘have paffered. >

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TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. 35 “And revenge is all that it will amount to?” she | NELSE SEYMOUR. ...00eeeeeeecncccceces Banjo. away on his banjo, and this caused a langh,whether asked, despairingiy. BILLY EMMERSON -- Guitar, those in front knew he had a pig-tail or not, for it was “What is sweeter than revenge?” JOHN HART......- --- Violin, well out of sight under his hat. **Not to be deceived in sucha case as this.” DAVE WAMBOLD = ++» Tenor. * Be quiet !? w! red Tommy, as he stood behind “Oh, but time will heal aH wounds and make ample DAVE REED. «0. «0 se0e +s eee+ neee es ees o - BAS30, the wing so that J could hear. “Go on with your’ » ; And a full chorus. business,’? . sompensations. “}—1 don’t care for time, I have had enough of it, rs : “But who knows what may happen ?” “T do; a blight,” said she sadly. “Miss Overripe, I will stand between you and all harm, and see that you do not suifer. on account of all this.7 ~*~ ** Will you swear to that?’ she asked, quickly, as a drowning man snatches at a straw. “Yes, [swear it. Now, itis evident thatthe rascal er rascals who have imposed upon us are——” “Oh, but it was such a sweet imposition.” “Are members of our school. _ 1 have long suspected it, and have almost made up my mind thatitis William Gunn, asI Ma Rd before. If I can only catch him at some of his villainy, I will dismiss him from my sohool. Now, let both of us watch him, feeling that revenge will grow sweeter all the while.” “Yes, professor, if you say so,” said she, now wholly recovered from her late wrath, “and you swear that I shall not be the loser by the delay.” “ Certainly not.” . “ And my delusion may yet assume a truthful shape and tangible form?" “Tt shall,” replied the old man, glad to escape from his troubles thus easily. And so this difficulty was patched up for the time being, and again did hope expand the bosom of Miss Spar ae : But how about the boys. Well, a nicer lot of fellows than they were for a week following that racket, described in the last chapter, never graced even a Sunday-school. Of course they had their private laughs over the snap, but they laid very low and seemed to be trying to get RAS phe for behavior, although tee vigil professor nor his housekeeper relinquished r lance. : But calms almost always succeed a storm, especially at school, and in this case it was not long beforea new racket was on foot, but this time an entirely new one in all respects. It so happened that a darkey minstrel show played a night in the village, and a majority of the boys com- prising Mr. Slam’s school managed to steal away and attend it. : : t ite a fanny show, and it at once developed a t eof imitation tm the boys. Josh Horn and Hop <i, who attended it, were carried away, and some- thing like a desire to me performers took posses- on even of them. aroauny Bounce was just the boy to put all these as- piratious into shape, and so the very next night he se- eretly organized an amateur minstrel company, to be ~ known as “The Slam Bangers.” The boys entered into it with t ge? spirit, and not a - week elapsed before they all ha instruments, and be- gan to practice. - Five or six of them possessed excel- Jent musical abilities, peta little practice every day them into ‘orm. eras Bounce is the manager, and for his part played tambourine, while Bill Gunn knocked any quantity of music out of a set of bones. Even Josh developed much musical ability, always ha been a good player on the banjo, and so he occupied a high place in the Slam Bangers, while Hop Ski was taught to dance a jig that was simple fun taelf. : ‘And for weeks did they play together on the sly, all the while perfecting themselves in the business, I say “on the sly,’’ but Elam knew something of what was ng on, although he concluded that if he attempted to break up the racket that they would be sure to work into something that was perhaps ten times worse, so -he concluded to say ee atallaboutit. ~~ Finally Josh and Hop Ski were learned to do an act between themselves, something like the one they had seen the minstrels do, consisting mostly in banjo and song by Josh, and dance and funny business by Hop. This was decidedly funny, and-after awhile Tommy Bounce got the idea into his head they could give an exhibition that would not be so much of a slouch. This notion was shared by all the others, and after binding them all to secrecy, he assured them that they would yet have a racket. - ” Once having decided upon it, Tommy and Bill Gunn worked it up for all it was worth. They got show-bills printed at the next town, 80 as not to excite suspicion, as it would have done if they had got the work done in the village where they were so well known, and finally they got a man to hire the hall in which the lar show had been given. rd P or e was Semmothing to be remembered, being the joint work of Tommy Bounce and Bill Gunn; and think ng the boys will be interested in it—perhaps ‘want to imitate it some time—I give it entire: HERE THEY COME! 9. For ONE NicuT ONLY “GS BURNT CORK AND RED HOT JOLLITY. ‘THE Frvest BAND OF MINSTRELS THAT EVER TRAVELED FUN ENOUGH FOR A MONTH! Comz AND HAVE A LAUGH. THE GREAT, THE ONLY, THE. ORIGINAL SLAM BANGERS. WH. BEHOLD THE WELL KNOWN Names =a wee e BONES, ‘enough to pay for the The Great and only SANDFORD & WILSON in their in- cemparable eccentricities. The wonderful ventriloquist, Harry KENNEDY, in his renowned deceptions. The kings of dance, : THE BIG FOUR, any number of other first-class charac Soe bination will have the honor of tickling the of this village at ters and ribs LYCEUM HALL, SATURDAY EVENING NEXT, and don’t forget that it’s all for A QUARTER APIECE. As may well be imagined, such a bill, with a host of great names, produced a sensation in the Manas and by arrangement the boys blacked up before leaving home and were all ready. ‘A large wagon had been hired’ to take them to the village, and one by one they stole out to where it was wating until everything was ready for a start. Josh and Hop Ski were in their glory, although they had a quarrel during the afternoon, Josh maintaining that no man could play a darkey if he wore a pig-tail, as Hop did, while Hop held that the pig-tail would be all the better. “Who eber seen a nigger wid a pig-tail?” Josh asked, contemptuously. ‘Pig-tailee knockee wool allee dam,” replied Ho In fact, Tommy had’all he could do to keep this sate of artists from fighting on the way to the village. But Josh had the advantage of them all in one respect—he didn’t have to use any burnt cork, On arriving at the hall they found it already packed with people. It was not often on a show of any kind visited the little village, but when’ such ilustri- ous people as were down on the bill condescended to give a performance, they were bound to turn out strong. . The boys had not calculated on making more than and the printing, but here tat & found quite a fobtune awaiting them above They were a little timid when the curtain first went ni but the cheek displayed by Tommy Bounce and Bill Gunn soon assured them, and the first portion of gee prota aiee went off nicely, for there were really good singersamong them, and they rendered some of the most popular songs of the day in very creditable style. rommny7s comic song, “The Jersey Mosquito,’ was | ura! demanded twice, as was that of Bill Gunn, “* Cock-a- doodle-do.” . In fact, they alldid first-rate. They did not know it, but Professor Slam, Elam, Miss Overripe and Ellen were in front, enjoying the entertainment hugely, each having stolen away with- out expecting to meet the others there, % Well, after the first part of the bill had been filled, there came a banjo solo by Josh; and although he was slightly nervous at first, he managed to get through with it so well that he wag recalled. And it was while playing the second time that he discovered the professor and Elam in: the audience. and after making it known to the others, all sorts of “gags? were extemporized for their benefit. What puzzled the victims was to know how the Pee formers knew so much about them. In fact, while Bill Gunn was giving his yentriloquial part of the show, he got up sucha laugh at their expense by re- ferring to that never-to-be-forgotten Fourth of July racket of Elam and Slam, that those two worthies felt like jumping out of-the window. Nothing funnier had ever been seen in town than was this portion of the entertainment, that is to say, funny for all but Lamb and Slam, and the villagers yelled their delight as Bill made allusions to the affair. Meantime Josh and Hop Ski were getting ready for their double act, but as Josh had already made a hit. he put on a great many airs with the Chinaman, and Tommy had all he could do to keep them from getting ae a regular riot regarding that pig-tail worn by op. “ We'll just fix those fellows,” said Tommy, after finally pacifying them. “TI say, Bill, do you see that rope there on the other side of the stage by the wing? Well; see the hook on the end of it? There’s one on this side just like it. They run over puilies up aloft there somewhere to hoist scenery with, I guess,’? and he finished what he had to say in a whisper, which seemed to tickle Bll Gunn very much, Well, finally Josh and Hop went on to do their double act. . Josh went on first with his banjo,and be- gan playing a jig, after which Hop Ski, gotten up as the most impossible darkey that ever was seen, went on and began to dance in his wooden shoes. These, of course, for clogs, and so_ utterly ridiculous was his style of dancing that it brought down the house, and this made Josh awfally mad. He furnished the music, and be thought he ought to have the applause, In fact, he forgot the lines that had been taught him to Speak while the dance was going on, and be- n*to blackguard Hop Ski, which, of course, made m mad. “Look at dat pig-tail nigger,”’ he said, as he picked | * Thus rebuked, Josh obeyed, although he had raised Hop’s dander already. Finally the language of their act brought them to- gether, but it was evident to everybody that they were red t their feelings to get the better of busi- ess. Tommy whispered toe Bill Gunn, and he ski around to the other side of the Mage! ae . “We'll put a climax on this scene,” said he, with a chuckle. Bill stole softly out upon the stage, as did Tommy, and fastened the hooks into their clothing. Just then the row between them had broken ont peed and they were ready to clinch each other for Each felt the hook in his clothing, and each sup- Posed the other to be playing some game, and so they The next instant they disa red up in the flies, clawing and fighting as they went ss ; This produced a tremendous laugh, and as it was the last act on the programme, the audience never knew but that it was a part of the business, and so the ares from ay ea table nis with laughter. rtain went down, e r with the well “ audience. Heh went ek 0! ig accustomed to performances of that ki the villagers pronounced the whole thing very pon’ and went home ‘vith each a grin on his mug, while Tommy and his friends pocketed the proceeds, and had the biggest laugh all to themselves. Returning as stealthily as they had Jeft home, they all managed to get into their rooms without being seen but it was very late before they went to bed, of course. ; : Meantime, Slam, Lamb and Overripe stole home, each one purried to understand how * Slam Bang- ers’? co ssibly have known sO much about them; the only Station being that some of the boys had: posted them. : CHAPTER XXII. THE next ys Seated the show being sunday, the hoys had a chance to talk over the affair in whieh some of them had figured so conspicuously and others as auditors, Josh and Hop Ski m: to settle their difficul ties, and with the five dollars apiece which: they got they felt so well satisfied that ee. were ready to go ht into the show business for a living. ut | Meta course, Tommy Bounce and his chums had no notion of doing. They had gone inte that one nights show just for fun, as they been into many gs before. « , But now the holidays were at hand, and very nat- uy occupied the ‘attention of the boys, a large number of whom were going home for a wéek’s vaca- tion, while those who were not expected, received presents and pleasant reminders from their friends. And, being so happy themselves, they set about mak- ing others so, and the day belore Christmas they began to bestow the presents. To ys Slam they sore cise et copy 0: es) 's works, é and; and which pleased him beyond measure. 4 To Overripe, the housekeeper, they gave a handsome set of jewelry, and also anether set-‘to Ellen the cook, they presented with a pair of od boots, or rather there was one boot and one shoe. But he was just miser enough to wear them, you bet. Josh received a pen-wiper and a plug hat, and to Hop Ski they gave a red flannel shirt, which pleased him so much that he put it right on and wore it foran overcoat, This distribution of presents made much fan for the boys, especially Hop’s overcoat and Elam’s old shoes, although he knew, of course, that the present was say intended to make tun of him. en came the holiday vacation week, and the happy visits home. Well, boys all know more or less about such joyous occasions, and so there is no need of tell- ing them anything about this one, But when they returned to school again, then the fun commenced, of course. Nearly every one of them had. a pair of new skates, and so they spent much time on the ice when study hours were over. One day they got Hop Ski out with his funny red overcoat on, and had heaps of sport with him. He couldn’t skate, of course, with his wooden shoes; butthey pulled him along on them with a speed which astonished him, and now and then he got astonished by pong heels over head, e returned from this sport one afternoen, and Mr. Slam caught him with a bleeding nose, and mad enough to fly,» .. - “ What is the matter, sir?’ he demande pected that he had been away from his wor! “*Cussee bloys!” “Well, what of them?" Rye! down Sets poke ane all au “Serves you tight, for you no business to be with them. Go to your work,” was all the a fot ee him, oe consolation “Heap cussee Tlommy Blounce. ” tered, as he went to the laundvee xe See ee rae And the way he fixed him was this: : He starched: his shirts together so that he conlda scarcely work his way into them, and when he did'suc- ceed in doing so they were exceed: une and produced much amusement for the boys. s $ for he sus-

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36 TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. Bea Se to iy ta es Se ch a en ee eS SSS Soe Hap we ere wae voted a good one, and it was the: general op! feet. During these winter eveniugs Elam used ‘to have a great deal of trouble, for the boys would co’ tein each other’s rooms and carry on high. This he re- ported to Mr. Slam, who, in turn, took the boys to task for their disregard of the rules, and finally told them that he should give Elam permission to punish any of them that he might catch breaking rule “ Guess he'll have a nice time doing it,”” sald Tommy Bounce that evening, when they were talking the mat- ter’over. : ““You bet he won’t tackle more than one of us ata time,” said another. a “Well, it’s just what the old-ragcal would like, to catch ene of us alone.’? : “Nonsense! he won't attempt to do more than to re- port us to Mr, Slam. He knows us too well for that,” oeinere. he f diffe: f opini rd ere was, of course, & rence of opinion regard- ing what the janitor would do, but they all! felt that he Was Mean enough to do almostanytbing, and they also felt certain that they would manage ‘in some way to give him quite as good as he gave them. 7 : And’so they gave themselves little concern about the matter, and nightly there-would be a party, consisting of from half a dozen to a dozen, assemble im some one ofthe rooms, where they ind in all sorts of antics, and not over cular rega the amount of noise théy made either. Not Jong after the threat had been made. there was a gathering in Bill Gunn's room one night’ Tommy unce and several others were there, and it being a full hour after the rules of the school provided for the lights being out, they were all in their night-shirts, the better to be able to get out of the way if Elam should find them out. : Ure “Has anybody seen the duffer to-night?’ asked Tommy. “ Guess he’s asleep.” “Why ?”? See : “There’s no light in his room.” “That's nothing. He may be k dark." and he loves his “No fear of him. It’s a cold bed too well.” : “ rg teal But belore ven minutes were passed, a! utes were wed Fie fevows,” fata. tae whls ¥ on, Ws, aw. . “What's up?” “ are ; “Elam’s coming up.” “How do you know?” - ae | saw the fraud sneaking up the stairs in his stocking feet, oe is cantie with his hand.” All right; we'll give him all he wants,” said Tom- my; while Gunn and Sam Himple leaped into bed, intending to carry out their part of the racket by mak- ing believe asleep. ° , Three or four’ others crowded under the beds or got ig eens O42 ht beneath the blankets. They had ly got thus arranged, when the door was pushed suddenly open, and Elam Lamb stood be- re them d “Who is in this room ?’’ he demanded. They all began to give out sounds of heavy snor- “ Ah, that won’t do. You cannot deceive mein that manner. J shall find out who is here that does not be- long here, a upon it.’ Just then Tommy caught one of’ Bill's: boots, and flung it at Elam. It strack his candlestick, knocking the candle into his water- -Taised it above the door, and poured its contents down fall upon the nitor. *Oh—oh—oh! What—I—I—— Here, what are you oing ?”’ yelled Elam. “Gitr? said Tommy, sending another boot in his “direction. “J's a thief! Kill him—kill him!’ put in Bill, and the others took up the ery, and began to pelt him with boots, shoes, books, an they could lay hands on, while Harry Wilson seized a pillow and began to whang him with it. * Murder the boys. “Hold on, boys; let me try my pistol on him,” said Tommy. But he didn't wait for Tommy to make afarget of bim: on the contrary, he got out of that on the double- quick, leaving the boys conquerors, as they usually were in Such encounters. And such a laugh as sn ere ** 1 gness he has got his belly-full of this gang,” said “ You bet he has, and his eye, too, for that candle hit him square in his ogier.” : “ How he gid light ont into the dusk when I spoke of my, : * Yes; he vanished like a shadow.” “Now, if he makes a complaint to Slam, all we have to do isto swear that he came sneaking into the room, and that you fellows thought he was a robbei, and called for our assistance, and when we came we just went for him.” : “ Yes; that will be a bully way.” PERS oN ser ae around to Well. after talking and laughing over the matter for i a time, they finaily went to their beds and got to sleep. sir ‘As for Elam, he looked sick and very lonesome the next morning. One of his eyes was black and nearly closed, and there was a piece of skin chipped off the end of his nose as large as a ten-cent piece, while various swellings about his homely mug attested the accuracy of the aim the boys had taken in that short, sharp battle. Yes, he really did look sick. So Vn Sy Professor Slam when he saw him, and when the filed in to breakfast, he knew by the glances which they cast at him and at each other that there had probably been a meeting between them the night before. . 5 “ What is the matter with you, Mr. Lamb?” “Matter, sir, Matter! I was attacked last night by some of your ruffians,”’ said he. “Be careful, sir; that you are not libelous; I have no ruffians.” “J beg pardon, sir; but I must disagree with you;” and then he proceeded to give him an account of the last night’s. encounter. } : This made the professor look serious, and so he summoned Bill Gunn before him. Bill in turn told the story that had been agreed upon, for the truth of which he referred to all the boys, who sprang to his assistance when he cried for help, Slam was puzzled. Finally, he called Tommy Bounce up for a private examination. : ** Master Bounce, I don’tsuppose I shall astonish you in the least. when tell you that I believe you to be a very bad boy.”” : “Me, sir?? asked Tommy, looking at him with his big, innocent eyes. . ‘ * Yes, sir, you.’? ‘ “Yes, sir; you would astonish me greatly.” “Have I not often told you so?” “Well, sir, haven’t you made more or less mistakes in your life #?” hay “Not in my estimation ef students. Now, how about your attack on Mr. Lamb last night?’ ** Well, sir, I was awakened by hearing Bill Gunn call for help. I rushed, with other fellows, to see what the matter was. When we gotinto his room, there stood somebody, and pu was crying out, ‘It’s a robber; kill him? So we all began to throw things at him to drive him away.” ? / “But did Aa not know that it was Mr. Lamb?” “Not until the mischief had been done, sir.” “ Weill, sir, it may be that you speak the truth. Be more careful in the future.” ; » * Please tell Elam to be more careful, or he will get his head knocked off seme time. It’s nO joke, str, coming into a fellow’s room in the mid of the night.’ * ‘ “But-he says he heard noise and langhter there. How was that?’ , “T heard none. I guess he’s crazy, sir.” “Now, I wish to speak to you upon another subject. Do you know of anybody, either in-my school or out of +; ‘Low has personified me at any time?’? “No, sir.” “Think again, Master Bounce.” “Tmpersonating you, sir?’ “Yes. impersonating. me at various times and places.” Well, all I _know.is, that we have often mistaken Mr. Dunn, the ei of the school at Birch Grove for you,” said Tommy, and he looked so serions and honest that he might have deceived himself, if/he had been looking in the glass. “ What, Mr. Dunn?’? “the sir, Have you never noticed how much he looks like you when he is dressed like you?” “Now that I think of it, I think I have remarked it. And he is just unprincipled enough to injure me in such a way.”? oo We boys saw him at the village once, and thought it was you.” “Ah! that tends to clear up the mystery. He wishes to break up my school, and so has undoubtedly been around traducing my character while assum: it. Nay, more.” I am sure that he has invaded my very grounds to carry out his miserable ands,”? “Can it be possible, sir?? “T am almost sure of it. Now; Thomas, if you will take particular pains and watch for this man Dunn, |, you will do me a great favor. Will youY’ “With the greatest pleasure, sir.” “ And { will stand between you and all harm if you punish him severely.” “He deserves it, sir.’? «Do anything you like to him, and then bring him before me, will you?’ **Yes, sir; he shall not escape us? Shall a him, sir?” - we pound him, sir? 2 ; “You cannot be too seyere with him, and I will see you held harmless.” . “It is agreed, sir. We will watch for him continu- ally until we find him.!? a ¢ Ey doing so you will earn my thanks. ? “Which will make us all happy.”? “Now go to your study, and report to me from time to time.” “T shall do so, sir.”” With this they parted. Slam was happy, and 80 was Tommy. In fact, he had started the biggest racket yet, and he lost no time in communicating the matter to Bill Gunn and the other boys. They all regarded it in the same light as he did, and they began at.once to work it Pp ‘As for Elam, Slam consoled him by telling him that he was an ass. and advising him to keep away from the scholars in future, a thing he was quite willing to do, although he was bound to get square with them he received at his hand: he-he-he! her first question. guess if the b’ys an’ learn one of for the jigger they had worked on him, even if it took a year to do it. Hop Ski had it in for him always after that. salting and when he saw him the next morning he began the wildest laugh at his ap- pearance. ““He-he-he, boys!? said he, pointing to Elam’s damaged mug. t “What's the matter with you?” growled Elam. “ Bloys knockee stuffin’ lout, so be allee blokee lup, Goodee bloys.’’ “You had better mind your own business, if you know when you are well off.” ‘“* Goodee bloys! Cussee flool, so be! Too flesh allee time; shootee sat in me like sluttee piggee, so did. Goodee bloys! “You too flesh allee time,” Elam turned and walked away, only to encounter ‘Ellen, the cook “Hello! Fut the divil’s the matter wid yez?’ was “ Did yez play wid a mule?” “None of your business,” he grow. “Well, ye are a beauty, an’ no mistake, rra!. I e truth was known that ye went foolin’ wid t what ye well deseryed; maybe yell the arbor, so ye do,’ said she, ladghing heartily. Oh, go to blazes!’ said he, erate away. But her ringing laugh sounded in for the next five minutes, and Elam began to ; was dead. i “Now, fellows,” said Tommy Steere | the next Saturday evening, ‘the thing is working all right” “ What thing?’ they all asked, “Why, old Slam.” * What about him ?? ‘“ He’s going to the village to-night.” ** Good!"? “Now we want to wait until he has gone, and then lay in wait for him on his return. . See?? **Oh, won’t we warm him??? ) “You bet. We will all keep up. the racket that he is Mr. Dunn, dressed so as to personify him, and we have his consent to knock tar out of him. See?” They all saw it, for ever since the old man had given Tommy and the fellows permission to bung this sup- posed impersonator of himse matter over, and concluded just how they would work it the first chance they got. they had talked the So they watched until they saw him leave the ho: and then about twenty of them, under the lead Tommy Bounce, started slowly out behind him. Reac a good shelter in some. bushes that stood near the road, they halted to make up a bushel or se of snow-balls, and to wait for the professor's return. They waited and watched for an hour or more, when finally the fellow that was posted on the look- out announced that his nibs was appreaching. It was moonlight, and they experienced no dixmi- culty in disti hing the object of their solicitude, and they soon came to the conclusion that it was either very slippery, or that the professor had been taking something to keep the cold out. ; Every boy armed himself with an armfal of well- made snowballs, and stood ready and waiting for his near approach. ; : Presently he got within hitting distance. “Now, then, go for “Hold on! Now let him 4 up,” said Tommy, ana the old fellow stru to his feet. , ‘ “This is a terrible outrage,”’ said he. “No, itisn’t. It serves you just right. what you haye done to our beloved Bill Gunn. ” “ But I tell you I am——” “Run him [? shouted Tommy Bounce. ,”" said ese foine days to moind your own busi- ness,. Good for the b’ys!. Troth, yé Jooks some loike ag did when yez attempted ter make love ter me out

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TOMMY. BOUNGE, ‘Jdr.- ~ 37 “Run him! they at cried, in chorus. _ “Ron, now, towards the school, or we will give you some more.” “But you are mistaken, I—-” “And se are you, if you think you are going to get away from us, Mr. Dunn.”’ “Thomas Bounce, E—” ** Give it to him some more!” “No, holdon [ll go.’? “ Go lively, then.’” “Skip 1” “Run, or you'll catch it.” “ Oh, Lord!’ groaned Slam, as he started at a lively zun towards his school, closelyfollowed by a pack of shouting, laughing boys, who every now and then threw snowballs at him to accelerate his gait. in astonishment as he faced the badly-used-up pro- “ fessor. “ Who am [??" * Golly, I should fink that yer war Professor Slam, jus’ come out ob de tail end ob a frashin’ machine,” said he. * Of course I am Professof Slam.” * Can it be possible 7? said Tommy. Hop Ski next put in an appearance, “ Here, Hop Ski, who am 1?” “Some Slam, some slammee, some all bloke lup,” replied Hop. Por oases it is Protessor Slam,” said -Miss Over- ripe. “How could you beso mistaken—and what is it all about?” “Js it possible! Why, sir, I trust you will pardon body else laughmg. Meantime, Professor Slam was giving vent to his agony, and to explain the matter to his house- keeper, Miss Overripe. But that tender maiden didn’t take much stock in the idea of a mistake being made. She Let ote ita ae) job, pure and simple. - ave got a terrible bad school, professor,” said she, BME oe ‘But you do not understand,’?. said he, applying a = 2 TT an \ SS red Tommy. ‘Ruan him home, &nd there we will ask pardon, telling him that we thought it was old Dunn that he told us to go for. * All right,” and they did keep it up. So aid isa, He Kept it up until he reached ee house, and all out of breath and pationce he rushed study, closely followed by the . +“ Mr. Siam Where is Mr. Slam? Gome here, sir, Please; we have found the scoundrel who has been Dersonifying you,’ called Tommy Bounce, still artfully Pretending that he did not know the’ professor. “a “Yes, and we have caugnt the rascal,” added B Gunn, also calling. Slam groaned aloud. * You young rascals, you, re ee ook demanded Slam, im. In truth, he at that moment resembled almost any- body but Himself. « “Don’t yon know me?" he again demanded, glaring at _ tormentors. : oe * Yes; you are Mr. Dunn,” said they. whine ; nuidert 7 he exaalnya) Seizing the bell summoned the servar “* Where is Mr. Slam, 1 wonder?” again asked Tom- ously. , “Just wait a moment and I will show you where he is. x 2 *Youwhad “ Keep it up?’ whis is it possible that you do aa the others crowded ““No—no, it is Mr. Dunn, who is going around mak- - ingup like Professor Slam! and antag mean things for _ him,” said Tommy, earnestly. . Just then Josh came in. : “Whe am I, Joshua’? asked Slam. Baie Gracious me!” exclaimedjthe darkey, starting back == “Put me back into my eoffin!” came from the closet, while the skeleton kept up a wild, rattling dance. us all this, for you must know that we mistook you for your enemy and served him as you requested,” said Tommy. Slam groaned. “We were sure it was Mx Dunn, sir,” said several of the honest-looking rogues, now approaching him anxiously. “Oh, humbug! oh, bosh! you knew all the while who I was,” said he, bitterly. “Oh, no, sir!” said they all. “We supposed you was Mr. Dunn.’? “Well, lam done.” “ We are so very sorry, sir.’ “ Undoubtedly.” “Butit shows you, sir, what we would have done if we had only chanced to light upon the right party.” said Tommy. “ But why did you not make sure?” . ‘ “Simply because when Dunn is fixed up he looks more like you than you do yourself almost, and not knowing that you were going to the yilaas but learn- ing that he was to do so, we lay in wait Jor him, so 1 hope’ you will forgive us, sir,” said Tommy, with all his seriousness. “Well, you may possibly be telling the truth,” said the old man, glancing from one to the other. “ Oh, .yes, sir,’ said they all. “ Well, go to your rooms now, and we will confer further upon the subject at another time.” “Too bad!) they said, in a chorus. “Well, go to your rooms now,’’ said he, waving them away. With doleful looks they filed out of the professor's study, giving him a chance to repair damages; Josh and Hop Ski went out with the others, all the while wondering what the dickens it meant, anyhow. “ Once outside of the room each one set ont at a run for the dormitory, where they might indulge in the long pent up langit, and congratulate each other on the entire success of the racket. FRA CMCRASAEON RCRA ELMER TAAL AESLLAD UAMATRA | Hy A wet spo to one of his that was into mourning. ores Fis REO. going “Are you sure that you do, professor?” “Certainly; it is as plain’as the nose on’ my face, Miss Overripe.” F Then it must have been very plain, indeed, for by this time his smeller was swollen to twice its natural size and was looking very red and angry. ~ “Well, Iam glad you do understand it, for I cannot. Why it is that your scholars should waylay and fall upon ou in tnis ruflanly manner surpasses my under- an 4 ra “ Butdon’tI tell you that we have discovered the wretch who has been impersona me; the rascal who went to the village and ordered all those things in my name, who got drunk in my name, and who made love to you in my name.” ._ : “Who is it, pray ?? ee F a : “Who but Dunn, the keeper of that one-horse schoo! at Birch’ Grove, or somewhere just below here. The boys discovered him and repo: the fact to me, andI gave them permission to handle him as roughly as they thought he deserved the first time they caught him masquerading. Well, they did not know thatI was So lay in walt Yor hia aa they: supposed. “Now we as” su) N see how it all happened.” A : 2 seni: “But I do not believe it.” © iF Why no ue Because I know Mr. Dunn, and he leo like you than I do.” ples “But when he takes pains to dress’ ike me, how then ?"? ““T never saw him in such a shape.” as Yes, you have, for he once made igt to you im that “But his voice is not like yours.” Soe ek Oo not, but be has the faculty of imitating my “Them ke must be a very good actor.” — ot ee tera *. eo 5 - =

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88 ~ TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. * He probably is. But just wait tilI catch him. I in, and then let’s see which will send him to prise school will be broken up first.” But Miss Overripe did not half believe this fairy story. She believed that somebody in the school was wor all the mischief, and so resolved to watch even closer in the future than she had yet done catch the adroit rascal. Professor Slam’s dreams were not very rosy that night, although his nose was, and when he examined himself in the giass the next morning, he concluded that he wouki take a short vacation and remain in his own room. The next day Elam heard about the “circus,” and like Miss Overripe, did not believe as the professor did, nee insisted upon it that the whole mischief lay in the 00) 1. He did not communicate his suspicions to the pro- fessor, however, although he talked the matter over > and they resolved to find out guilty parties. As for Elien, the cook, when she heard of it she swore by the toe-nall of St. Patrick that they were the neatest set of boys that ever graced a school, and as many of them were her personal friends, she resolved with the housek the to assist them in any way she could. Elam had his suspicions that Bill Gunn was the guilty party, and he resolved to search his room on the lirst occasion to see if he could find anything to strengthen those suspicions. Ellen overheard him telling the housekeeper what ig This, of course, put them On their guard, and Bill’s he was going to do, and she lost no time in info: Tommy Bounce of what was going on. disguises were all put into a safe place. But in the meantime Bill and Tommy were working upa job which they at first intended to play only on Skiand Josh, but now they resolved to go deeper Eat ramen @ dose. Some years before, Professor Slam had taught a class in physiol although he did not have sucha Class then. But Bill and Tommy had discovered an old human skeleton up in the store-room, which had lain there for many years and most likely forgotten. After working for some time they at last managed to get on of this, and took it to Bill’s room, where it was snugly hidden away for future use. . -fitted u called sired.” that is, all the bones were joined to- “I wish you would thrash ’em for me,” said Ned, eeAVint aid chee ‘base you for?” < a ou “ Because I wouldn't join in their rackets, and they sei Well, Edvrard, wre will soon be rid of both of these s we 800) $4 oid Elan. “ How so ?? “Well, if I can only find out certain things, I will haye them both expelled. Did you ever see Gunn dressed up to look like any other person t” “] don’t you.” “Has he got any dresses that he don’t wear, or any or false whiskers?” “Well, if yeu won't give me away—”’ . = Oh, Tl) never say a word that you tell me, _Beneet CF word, Edward.” give ‘ou my be lemce saw some strange things hanging in his lose, and I am sure tat Isaw a gray wig there, “Bs es ati vt ee) Os away?? ‘ou Mm e yr - Zertaialy not. Where did you say they were?” “Tn his clothes closet.” ’ ; “But he always keeps it locked.” “T know it.” ‘ “Don’t you suppose you could manage in some way to steal his Key she ak “Perha -: rss =r on wil. Vil give you @ quarter of a dollar and rin feat all events.” os a ~ “Good Work careful and I am sure that we shall catch them both.” = a understanding they pa ey once reported the conversation to Tommy cluded,” said T ese : “So do I; but he is the old shellbark we are after pat Pam we ried the thing just as.they wanted it, a wo afer all. for the next when Ned took the key to him, he at once called Josh and Hop Ski. : __- “want you to go with me to Master Gunn’s room ee to search it, Now, what you want to do is to each offer any resistance you can assist me in putting them down. Do you understand?” They said they did, but neither one of them could get the thing through their heads. What he was going to search Master Gunn’s room for was beyond their ne aden Sit unless he was suspected of stealing something. But Elam was their superior, and all they had to do was to obey him. The skeleton had been hung up in Bill’s closet. The bones had been rubbed with phosphorus. so as to make them glow in the darkness, and the whole thing had been fixed so that by pulling a string in Tommy’s room, which was next to Bill’s, the skeleton would jump and dance and cut up all sorts of boogerish antics. This was all prepared before Ned carried the key to Elam; and Bill, who, it will be remembered, Was a good ventriloquist, blew out bis candle and got into bed with his clothes on, while Tommy and sey- eral others stood ready for fun, but out of sight, Elam took alantern and led the way, followed by Josh and Hop Ski. Arriving at Bill’s door, he opened it without so much as a knock, and marched in. Going at once to the closet door, he applied the key, but the moment he did so there was a strange, rattling sound from within, accompanied by shriek Jaughs and groans. But Elam was not to he daunted by what he sup- posed to be some trick of the boys, and although Josh and Hop Ski looked wild and frightened, he threw back the bolt. * Seizing the knob he pulled the door, and foran instant stood paralyzed befo t illuminated, danc- ing skeleton. “Oh, Lord!’ yelled Josh, and then he attempted to fly from the place, but ne fell over Hop Ski, who was saying all the prayers he knew, while diving under a Beware, rascal, beware !’ the skeleton seemed to say, but it was Bill who said it, of course. *Oh, Lord—oh, Lord 1? moaned Elam, falling upon his knees. = “Put me back into my cofin!” came from the closet, while the skeleton kept up a wild, rattling dance. “ Oh, dear—oh, dear; I—I didn’t do it!” “ Yes, you did. Put me back!” While this was going on, Josh and Hop were strug- gling together on the floor, each of them trying to ae behind the other in order to get away from the horrible apparition. And it also proved too much for Elam, and sum- moning all the strength he had, he crawled on his hands and knees out of the room. badly mixed up with the frightened darkey and Chinaman all the while, and finally all three of them rolled over to- ther down st yelling all sorts of murder, and umping heavily on every step. According to instructions the boys. all joined to- ther in giving the most unearthly groans from their Rarkened rooms, and if those three invaders were him. | frightened before, they fairly bellowed now and strug- gied to get away. After tumbling over each other and everything else they conld find, they finally got out of the building into the open air. But they had scarcely done so when Elam was left alone; for both Hop Ski and Josh made quick time to their quarters, and a thousand dollars apiece could not have tem them to go out again. Elam red around in a terribly frightened way and finding himself alone, he also took to his legs, and t into his room as fast as his long legs would carry And then such a shout as went up, as the boys gath- ered in Bill Gunn’s room, might have been heard far away. But all three of the frightened ones were by — ae so completely under cover that they failed to r “The best. racket ever worked!” said Tommy Bounce, and of course they all agreed with him. They laughed and talked over the matter for an hour or more, but neither Elam nor his assistants showed themselves. Finally the skeleton was taken down and packed away where it could not be cantly. Suns; and they all went to sleep with a big grin on faces. —— CHAPTER XXIV. Nerrner Elam Lamb, Josh, or Hop Ski slept much, if any, that night after seeing the dancing, talking, and ilinminated skeleton in Bill Gunn’s closet, and three sicker-looking men than they were when they did show up the next morning were never seen, Elam’s smartress had overleaped itself as usual, and he felt like a fool, knowing that he had‘been im- posed upon in some way by the boys. but he then and there made up.his mind to bave nothing further to do with them, or with attempting to find out who it was who had been so successfully impersonating Professor Slam. Neither had he any notion of reporting his advent- ure to the princtpal of the school, for he knew that he would ony get ridiculed on account of it. He had hoped to redeem himself by discovering the toggery ‘with which Bill Gann made up so like the professor, but he had been balked, and he felt like saying as little about it as possible. » Ned Field was most likely in the conspiracy, but it ‘was impossible for him to prove it, and so he resolved not to make the attem So he first sought Hop Ski and Josh, in order to against saying ker oer affair. warn them As for Josh, he had not yet got ove about fright, and still one of you take a stick along, so that if the boys/ H felt as though he had been robbing a grave-yard, while op was paralyzed. r c But when the boys got at them during the day they managed to get at least an expression of Sao from each ofthem. Tommy quizzed them both in his jolly, bantering way. “What was it, anyway?” he asked of Hop. “Oh, cussee deble, me no,” said he, looking anx- iously around as though expecting to see the terrible specter again. “What did you see, Hop?” “Man, no meatee on bones, so be, alle yellee damee hoopla likie deble.” Who could help laughing at this d of what he had seen? But they pretended not to under- stand him, and turned to Josh, who was quite as frightened. “ What did you see, Josh ?”? “Tommy, fo’ de Lord, I—I feels skittish like *bout talkin’ on dat subject. Elam he wanted us ter go with him ter search Bill Gunn’s room, an’ we go. He open a closit do’ or sumfin, an’ dar war a skeleton ob a man dancin’ un a-yellin’,’’ said he. They left the mystery just where it was, only warn- ing them both never to take part in such dirty work again. But this they needn’t have done, for there wasn’t the slightest danger of their doing anything of the kind again. This racket only made the boys all the bolder in their mischief. Bill Gunn especially led off stronger and stronger, and on one occasion soon afterwards, some of the pore were talking about the old gymnasium, and wishing they had a new one, This gave Tommy Bounce an idea, and he and Bill Gunn worked it up together, and at the tirst favorable opportunity Bill dressed himself up to imitate Profes- sor Slam, and in company with Tommy, stole away from school one afternoon, and made their way down to the village, the scene of 80 many of their uproar- ious jokes and pranks. : Going to Mr. Jointer, the ee and builder, he acquainted him with the fact t he wanted a large extension put upon his gymnasium, at the same time exhibiting a Say upon paper of the alterations. After figu’ me Wor some time, Mr. Jointer informed him how much he would do the work for, and the sum — did nota to be too much. “ But here is one thing that must be understood: I wish you to get everything prepared and all in readi- ness before you come to eas ivup, and then send men enongh to do the whole in a day.’ _“ But is this plan of yours accurate, so that I can on re by it?’ asked the nter. : “Most undonbtedly, sir. I never make a mistake, and sf guarantee Now, can you agree to my terms “Oh, certainly, professor. I will prepare every- thing so that the whole thing can be put upina mat y. =. “ When it is up, you will get your money.”’ “There can be no doubt about that, sir. I only wish all my customers were as prompt pay as you are.” “Prompt pay, sir, isthe rule ef my life. And an- other thing: you must know by this time that I am somewhat eccentric in my ways. scholars have been very good of late, and I'am doling this for their benefit. But now and then they trouble me dread- fully, and if by the time you come to work should t me cross, I may say, to punish them, that I will not ve the improvements made; may even go so far as to order you away. But of this you must ava bs take no notice. Just keeprightalong. Understand?’ The carpenter said he did; in fact, he knew the pro-_ fessor to be a very cranky sort of a man, al per- fectly good for any contract he might make, so the whole thing was understood and agreed upon, after. which the two rogues took their departure. After getting away from the village, Bill Gunn Te- moved his disguises, and put them out of sight under his clothing, so that he was now simply Bill Gunn. “ Bill you’re a brick,” said Tommy. “ Well, if I get ‘ broken’ for this racket, I shall then be a brickbat.” ‘ “Oh, no danger, I guess. You worked it so nicely that I would almost swear that you was old Slam him- self. “Allright. Now if Jointer doesn’t have to go there to make any measurements, or ask any questions until he commences operations, you will see some fun.” “Well, even if he does go, we shall most likely see a little circus business.”” “ Perhaps so.” . And so they langhed and talked over the affair until they got back to their rooms, where they found a party of their friends awa them, for whenever they saw Tommy Bounce and Bill Gunn going away together, they knew there was fun of some sort up. a nai patna aa they kept tel ves only exp! n4 i , ing they ead most likely see a circus without hav- to pay. — : : nd during the next two or three days a nicer lot of ag were ays! seen, and apres haaee. 5 ine of them, and to co: that they sown their wild oes for that term, at least. Even Elam began to fee] more at ease, Hop Ski ceased to go around with his eyes peeled all the time to look out for mis- chief, and Josh, lost the grin that had almost fastened itself w his sooty mug. : re it wasonly the calm that preceded the coming On the morning of the fourth day, and almost before a oan Rov the place was up, Mr. Jointer sent a wagon-load of material, followed by his foreman @ dozen carpenters, to the school, They at once set to work and began to rip out the end ~f the jam, preparatory to building the addi- on making improvements.

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} TOMMY BOUNCE, Jr. > "The noise of hammering and ripping things aroused /the wholeschool Elam, the janitor, was the first one }to inqwire what it all meant, but a few words con- |: ~ yinced him that they were acting under Mr. Slam’s orders, and he walked away, wondering why the pro- fessor had never mentioned the subject to him. The foreman had been posted by the boss to take no notice of it, if Mr. Slam forbade him to continue the work, and so by the time the old fellow. was aroused and dressed, they had tnings well under way. But, amazed and confounded, Mr. Slam at length appeared upon the scene. “In the name of all that is good or bad, what are you doing here?” he demanded. “Why, sir, we are following out your plans for the enlargement of yout gymnasium,’? sald the foreman. Slam was dazed. He thought he must be dream- ing, hor he pinched himself to make sure that he was awake. Meanwhile the scholars had gathered around and _ were talking abont what was most likely fo be done, and to congratulate each other om the improvement. “¥ don’t understand you, sir,’’ said the professor, re- covering himself a little, at length. “Well, if you do not, I don’t Know who does,” re- plied the foreman, ripping off a board and mashing in an old window. “Hurrah! Going to have a new gymnastum?” cried Tommy Bounce, swinging his hat, quickly followed by the others. Slam turned to frown upon them. Bn a good man Professor Slam is,” said Billy ault. “Yes—yes,’? replied they all. “Shut up, you young vagabonds! Go back to your -rooms at once.” “Can’t we see "em build the new——” ~7onnds! Stop it—stop it, I say!’ he yerled, turn- g boys to the carpenters. don’t mean that,’ said the fore- ed nters. “Well,” said he, ‘come to think of it, I guess you may keep on. I am apt to be very much out of temper in the morning, and often forget what I have said or done. Excuse me, but it’s all right—go ahead,’? “TJ thought it was all right,” said the foreman, smil- EDon't mind what I said. Go on and finish the job as quickly as possible.” It was somewhat confusing to the carpenters, as well as comical, and after laughing a few moments, they resumed work. But it wasn’t half 3 penters resumed work. is Professor Slam came suddenly upon Bill Gunn and Tommy, Both he and the boss carpenter stopped as though hit in the head. Ih Which was Professor Slam, and which the counter- feit?. The old teacher was puzzled, and could scarcely speak, and so was Bill. The jig was up now sure enough. Tommy cut and run, and Bill attempted to do the same thing, hoping to get clear. somehow; but as he turned, Slam, who comprehended the situation, seized him and tore the wig and whiskers from his head and face, “So, my fine fellow, you are caught af last, are you??? said he. The carpenters all stood in amazement, for they seemed to understand that a frand had been discov- eredwearin; ctly upon the work they were on. Poor Bill ha nt a wordto say. The jig was up and no mistake. é “What does this mean?’ asked Mr. Jointer. “Tt means, sir, that this ne rascal has been per- sonifying.me, not only in t is instance, but in various others, and now he is caught,” said the professor, trembling with rage. “Those two fellows were together at my house, and made the bargain for this work; but I would have sworn it was you, sir.’? “Yes, and so others haye been veady to swear when he has assumed to be me. What have you to say, you : rascal Pp nat.the devil is the reason I don’t? 27 another board. of marauding lu- mcome.here and ss not,” and off came say you are; you are a.set y whose authority do yo Own my building?” ’ . Jointer sent us, sir.’’ ..WNng Mr. Jointer! What business had he to do saci ® thing? Who told him to come here? Who— who— Who?’ “ Yoin did, professor.’? “Great Scott! Now I have the law for ne : ht.. We are act. — “Thats all spassing 0% 4 roperty, and are meade : know you are lunatics. Iwill snder‘the orders Bill laughed rather a sickly laugh, but made no re- ply. Infact, he had nothing to say. “From this moment both you and Master Bounce are expelled from my school, and hereafter the law shall deal with you.” 4 “ All right? said Bill, turning sullenly away. “The ingenious rascal!’ “You may well say so, professor; I never saw such te ee ae both in voice and dress. It is remark- able.” “Yes—yes, He has given me any amount of trouble, and I haye always been puzzled to find out who was doing it. Think of the scandal that he has raised at my expense!’ *« He ought to be severely punished. But how about this work, professor ?”? P “Let me see,” and he examined the plan which Bill had prepared. He was surprised at its ingenuity; but after talking matters over for awhile, he concluded to allow him to continue it, but fully determined that the parents of the two rogues should pay for it. But when it was known that Tommy Bounce and Bill Gunn had been expelled, it created intense excite- ment in school, for what a dreary place it would be when they were gone. Elam, however, was never so happy in his life, neith- er was Miss Overripe, when she learned that it was only a disguised school-boy who had humbu and made love to her, while Josh and Hop Ski felt that aceful days would be theirs again, although they could not expect much fun. On the assembling of school that morning, Mr. Slam announced to the boys the expulsion of Tommy and Bill, and then he proceeded to explain the enormity of boss, professo: lam “J guess you di m't be doing it: Go ad per Mr. Jointer, 2 why, ; t; but we can only Moses! was the p at once, or [ will hold you personally the damage he have done or may wait until I can send: for-Mr. * a2 ety iy _ they conch them any, and so.they ** knocked off.” _ Just then the breakfast-bell rang, and all-hands went on ati 354 t 34 & 36 NORTH MOORE STREET, 3S their crimes, andj what bad boys they had been ail through, after which he wrote long letters to the parents ofthe “wicked partners,” giving them long and graphic accounts of what he had tried to do for their sons, and how they had repaid his kindness, at the same time in- ste their bills, including the cost’of the gymna- m. As for Tommy arid Bill, they felt rather sore over it at first, for they were greatly attached to the school where they had had so much fun, and where they had so many friends: They hated to leave it, for there was no knowing how their parents would feel or what they would do-with them next. Sorrowfully they proceeded to pack up their trunks and boxes, and to make ready to take the afternoon train for New York. Bill Gunn lived in Boston, but he had to go to New York on his way there, and the thought of what might happen to him made him feel quitebad. At all events, the fun was all knocked out of him. With grim satisfaction Elam superintended the load- ing of their trunks upon the wagon that was to take them to the depot, while the scholars gathered around wom Jong faces and saw their leaders getting ready to eave them. ‘ Worra—worra!’? moaned Ellen, the cook, as she saw them about going, “divil a bit of fun there’ll be here now. Tommy!’ she called, and he ran to where she stood, “I’m sorry ye’re afther goin’.”” “So am I, Ellen,” replied Tommy, soberly. * Be good to yerself, me bye,” and catching him by the hand, she nearly shook the arm off, Then Hop Ski came along grinning. “Me slorry, so be, but elan’t cly,’’ said he. “Oh, nobody wants you tocry. Dry up.” “Tommy, l’se almos’ sufferin’ in my min’ dat yer’s gwine away,” said Josh. ‘Dar won’t be no fun heah no more.”? “Oh, yes, there will; all the fun you want,” replied Tommy, laughing, and then turning away to shake hands with his school-fellows. And this portion of the parting was the Lardest of all for those going away and those remaining. But it was soon over with, and both he and Bill mounted their baggage, that by this time was loaded and ready to start. “Three cheers for Tommy Bounce!” said Ned Field, swinging his hat, and not. only-three, but three times three were given. eo Three a vg for, = Gapnls rae another, and ey were also given with a w atly to the disgust of Elam, who wanted to kick ‘enroute “Good-bye, old beeswax,” said Tommy to Elam, and: the boys shouted. ‘Good-bye, Hoppy, old man. Take gpod care of the ‘washee—washee,’ and don’t starch ‘the flaps of the boys shirts. Good-bye, Josh, old boy.. Don’t work too rd, only when you get a chance to stepon Elam. Good-bye, Ellen—good-bye, everybody, and send word to the rest.”” “Whoop! Good luck go wid ye,” said said. “Don’t make love to Elam.”? “Och, the devil fy *way wid him. I guess he don‘s want ter make love ter me,’? said she, at which there was a merry errs ;. “ Good-bye!” they both shouted, as the wagon start- ed, and they swung their hats as those leit behind were doing, and amid a shower of “‘ good-byes” and a flood of. cheers, they rode away, leaving Slam and his school forever.. 5 The ride to New York was not & very merry one, for neither of them felt much like talking, as can be readi- ly understood. At the depot they were to part. Bill to take a boat for Boston, and Tommy to go to his home, = “ Good-bye, old fellow. Write to me when you get home, won't you?'? said Tommy, taking him by the hand with a hearty grip. “You bet I will. Good-bye. Tommy. We have had lots of fan ther,’? said Bill. “Bushels of it, my dear boy. I am sorry to part with you, but one thing we can say, Professor Slam’s school doesn’t owe us anything, and it'll be some time before they forget us,” and with another hand-shake, the two. friends: parted, their regretful good-bye being the “tag? of Tommy BouNCcE, A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK, [THE END.] THE DAY. (all through, and is‘also inclosed in an Illustrated Cover. - Price 10 Centss.~ _ ~ Price 10 Cents. | - Price 10 Cents. - Price 10 Cents. -— aS : Publisher, GES NEW YORK. —

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