Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1886 09 22)

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+ No. 740. } COMPLETE. { . Entered at the Post Office at Nya York, N.Y. as Second Class Matter. FRANE TOUSEY PuoBLisHer, 344 36 NontTH Moone Street. N. Y. New York, Sept. 22, 1386. IssUED EvERY WEDNESDAY. PE # & 4 4% ) ) PRICE t ‘5 CENTS.‘ Vol. I

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—) ae THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. ee ‘The subscription price for THe WDE AwaAKE Lisrary for the year #86 will be $2.50 per year; $1. 25 ie 6 months post-paid. FRANK TOUSEY, PusiisHer, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. _ x 2730. Address ~ THE BOOK AGENT'S LUCK. CHAPTER I. Many people may have an idea that the literary -work that I astound the readers of THE Boys or New YORK with weekly yields me a small fortune per annum. If such is the hallucination that they labor under I beg ‘that they will please dismiss it from their minds. I do not confidentially get over three thousand dollars oy 7908", and that is a small stipend for one of my fastidious = tastes. You see, Iam of Knickerbocker descent, and conse- quently haye blue blood beneath my finger nails, for our family have been in New York for hundreds of years. Almost, in fact, from the time when the late and lament- ed Hendrick Hudson discovered the river which bears his name, greatly to his own surprise. 1 will frankly own that I prefer quail on toast to ham and eggs, and much prefer to wash down my viands with ‘* champag-ne wather,” as our Irish friends say, than to drink plain Croton. So a little over a month ago [ made up my mind to add to my income somehow. While in this frame of mind one morning IL picked up the day’s paper and scanned the ad- vertising columns. The first one I read did not suit me. It was as follows: ‘ Wanted, 500 young men to work on a railroad. Come prepared with pick-ax and shovel. Wages large. Apply at once to O’Brien Brothers, contractors, No. — South street, city.” True, it said that the wages were large, but then I had no pick-ax. Neither did I have a shovel. And, even had I owned those useful implements of labor, - i am morally certain that I-would have had not the faint- est idea how to use them. - Besides, I did not care for working upon the railroad. Except as spotter, where you stand a chance of making an honest penny by ringing in with the conductor. The second advertisement remarked: ae ‘‘Moral young man wanted to goa little ways out int the country. Must beagood driver and know how to milk, Address, with reference, P. Q., Methodistville, N. J.” I had no use for that. All of the bill which I filled was in being a moral young man. I attended Sunday-school till I was seven years old, and I never chew tobacco. ; As for- being a good driver, Iam not. About the only animal which I think I-could drive with success would be a cow. Then I would have to persuade her to toddle by aid of a club. Speaking of cows, I do not know how to milk. Once only did J attempt to extract the lacteal fluid from the teats of the milky mother of the bovine herd. The effort was a failure. A most gilded one. : The cow remonstrated at my familiarity with her person and kicked. - Not metaphorically, but literally. She let fly with one hind leg, and when I was picked up some twenty feet from the scene of the accident I was senseless. SS _ It taught me a good lesson, however. Experience is the best teacher, and I realized that I had ought to have known better than to go monkeying around cows when I could no more milk one than I could fly. It is not always best to be too recent. The third advertisement, though, stole my heart away. “Here it is: Intelligent young man witn,small capital can make a fortune. Apply to Puff and Blof, room No. 81, Skinner * Building. Light, genteel work, just suited for gentlemen.” ms I flung down the paper. Tt was needless to read further. .# I knew I was an intelligent young man. My sole desire was to niake a small fortune. And Ss “Tight, ee work” was sos my pie, -— =

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& Dine, ~ ~ “THE BOOK AGENT'S LUCK. 3 That afternoon I wended my way to the office of Puff and Bluff, for, owing to an illegal but lucky investment in a lottery ticket, I had a small capital soaked away. The office of Puff and Bluff was on the second floor and fitted up quite gorgeously. I was impressed at its appearance. Seated at » handsome desk was a gentleman, his feet cocked up on the desk. i The gentleman was gorgeous, like his surroundings. He wore a smoking jacket and cap, fawn-colored trousers and most exquisite slippers. Jewelry seemed no object to him. Diamonds sparkled all over his person. ~Even to the extent of a cluster diamond ring, which dangled from a massive watch-chain. - Inquiringly looked he up as I entered, as he laid dowi 2 paper he was reading. ‘Well, sir,” asked he, ‘‘ what can I do for you?” I told him. ( ** Have I the pleasure,” I asked, ‘tof addressing either of the firm?” < _ He nodded: ‘¢ Yes, sir,” he answered, ‘‘f am Mr. Bluff. Have you business with us?” ‘*T would like to become allied to you, ina business sense.” — He smiled. All over, it seemed. Just walk inside the railing,” he said, as he arose and swung open a gate which gave me admission into his pres- ence. He offered me a chair. As I always make it a rule to accept all I can get free, i accepted it. And deposited my corpulency (about manetetiye pounds) into it. The chair behaved nobly. She did. not break down, but stood the weight of my physique without a creak. From one of his rockets he drew forth a cigar. No pool-for-drinks cigar. But one of those with a belly-band around its waist. As a rule, for such cigars, which generally come at a quarter, you pay twenty cents too much. I accepted the weed. T lit it. v To do it justice, it was passable, and I awaited for further news of how the small fortune was to be obtained. Mr. Bluff soon told me. : ' We,” ke suayely said, ‘are publishers of subscription books.” *¢ Yes, sir.” es ret our latest book is scoomed to create a big sensa- tion.” Saad “‘T hope so.” = ‘Tts title is sufficient to sell it on sight.” ‘s What is its title ?” SEL ES eae and Murderesses of the World.’” Judging from its title, I imagined that the book would ereate a sensation. ~ ‘‘ Now,” said Mr. Bluif, ‘‘there are hundreds of dollars to be made canvassing for this great historical work. The book I sell to you for three dollars.” SY es, sS1t ‘* You will find the price marked inside as five dollars.” ‘¢-Yes, sir.” ‘ You will find that every one will believe that to be its real value.” ‘*T suppose go.” Mr. Bluff winked cunningly. ‘Here is where you get your fine work in.” “How 2” ‘‘ Everybody, especially the ladies, like to think that they are making a bargain.” SY. es322 ‘Well, just you tell them by buying in large quantities you are able to dispose of them for three dollars, and al- ways add that now is their time to make a bargain. Tel] them they will never get such another chance in their . lives.” Mr. Bluff was EES: with the gift of gab to an unlimited - extent. I believe he could have talked a mocking-bird into a stupor. The result of the interview was that I invested in ten sample copies, just for a flyer. IfI sold them, which, begujled by Mr. Bluff’s artful taffy, I had no doubt of doing, I would be twenty dollars ahead, which was pretty el for a day’s work, for he as- sured me I would have no possible debar to selling them in a day. After an affectionate parting from Mr. Bluff, Wid prophesied that he would see me often, now that I had struck such a soft snap for the accumulation of wealth, I left, not before he, though, with business (UREA gs Blows ed me off”’ to a second cigar. In the preceding paragraph I have mentioned that Mr. Bluff was a man of business foresight. : So he was. I took things easy on my journey home. Why not? A prospective millionaire like myself gute to be able to da so. I walked up-town instead of riding, and dropped into a billiard saloon to pass the time away. ; T succeeded. ~ Not only did I pass the time away, but I passed a couple of dollars away into the coffers of a natty young man whom I met there. I had never seen him before. I never want to see him again. He roped me in nicely, because he was a regular billiard sharp, and played me for what is titled in the 1 DES circles of society a ‘‘rank gilly.” _ We played three games. The first game I beat him in a gallop. I was out before he had more than a dozen bhttons on his string. ' - He appeared nettled. As for me, I felt elated. 5 te “Say, my friend,” he alleged, “you A Play a nice gate.” Ee ; 4

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4 THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. _ “Nothing extra.” ** But you do.” “You flatter me.” **No, I don’t, but yet I have an idea I can beat you.” ‘*T have no doubt of it.” “You flatter me in turn. luck.” Yes.” ‘The balis rolled against me.” **T’jl own that.” “To prove that I .think I can best you I will play you’ for a dollar.” As TI had beaten him so easily, it was naught but sports- man-like etiquette. We played another game. I kept ahead until near the finish. I led him ten points. Then he chalked his cue and made a break. I wish he had not. The break broke me all up. He ran out most gracefully. This nettled me. I played a second contest of the ivory spheres. Result the same. Beat. Another dollar out. Maybe I might have beeninveigled into another game, and dropped another hundred cents, had not a new charac- ter appeared on the scene. He was'a man of massive build and resolute air. His first act was decisive. He grabbed the gentleman with whom I had been play- ing by the collar: Not aloue did he subject him to this indignity, but he bestowed several kicks on that part of the person which it generally takes the most cloth to cover. "His language was terse. Tersely vigorous. **Get, you infernal sharper sardine!” he ordered. ** Get!” The mandate was obeyed. He got. He stood not on the order of his going, but he went at once. The gentleman who had thus summarily disposed of him evidently deemed some explanation due to me. “Were you playing billiards with that skin?” he asked. **Ts he a skin?” Tinnocently asked. “‘Is he? He’s a regular professional billiard sharp. He can play a game equal to any of the regular professionals. How much did he collar you for?” ‘Collar me for what?” “* Cash?” ** Only two dollars.” ‘* Well, I guess you can stand that, but you can bet that When my,room-keeper comes in again—I see he has skip- ped, and wisely, too, for I feel just ugly enough to wring his neck—I will give him fits for allowing you to be choused out of your money in that way. I don’t run no brace game” = You see, I was in tough oie) i Sa — I thanked the rough-tongued but well-meaning owner of the billiard-room and vanished. CHAPTER II. THE firm with whom I had connected myself was an en- terprising one. It did not allow grass to grow under its feet. When I reached home I found a package, a bulky package, done up in brown paper and well secured by a labyrinth of cord and sealing-wax. I cut the cords and found when I Beene it that it con- tained copies of the requisite number of ‘* Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the World,” i They had sent it C. O. D., and I had to pay a.dollar for its freight, which dampened my spirit somewhat. It cut a hole in my profits. 1 reside at present with an aunt of .| mine and she, like all of her sex, is blessed (?) with an in- finite amount of curiosity. ‘* What was in that box?” she asked. Desiring to tease her, I answered: Fish.” She frowned. Her brows corrugated (‘‘corrugated” is a very good word, and if it makes a hit I will use it again), ** When I was young it was considered yery disrespect- ful fora young man to make a disrespectful answer like that to an older person.” **Excuse me, aunty,” I apologized, ‘‘I only wanted to tease you. The box contains the ‘Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the World.’ ” Af this announcement a trembling spell seized my aunt, | who is prone to hysterics, anyway, on the slightest provo- cation, ‘¢ Where have you got them?” she asked. gerous?” ‘*No,” laughed I. ‘* You must not interpret my words literally. They are in a box, but they are not alive.” My aunt, to tell the truth, is not very smart, and my uncle must have married her more for her beauty than her intellect. She heaved a sigh of relief. ‘*T’m so glad!” she said. **T am giad that you are glad,” I observed. ‘¢ Well?” ““They are nothing but books, and that is their title. I have got tired of loafing, for you,know my writing does not take up much of my time, and so I have made up my mind to turn a peddler of books for alittle while and make some extra money.” My aunt applauded my decision. - ‘*T would if I were you,” she said. ‘‘ Now is the time that you should try to make all of the money that you can while you are young and healthy. You say that you have got the kooks in the hall?” ‘'Yes’m.” = ‘* Would it be too much trouble to let me look at one?” **Not at all.” I left. the room. Soon I returned with a specimen copy. She examined it. The volume was illustrated. ‘* Are they dan- “ Aunty?” — = ‘ “li

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. ee OOoOoeoeoeeaanaeaee——e—e—e—————————— That is to say, in a fashion. It contained a series of vile wood-cuts of the illustrious eriminals mentioned, beginning at Cain and ending up at | > Guiteau. ~ Worse than all, the photographs were not true to life. Cain, I could see, was simply an old block. of some In- dian chief, while the fact could not be disguised that General Washington masqueraded as the slayer of Gar- field. : ; But my aunt did not know the difference. 3 She took them to be bona side counterfeit presenti- ments. Her interest in the literary fraud perches as she ex- amined its pages. ‘‘ How much is it?” asked she. *¢ Aunty?” <¢Yes.” ‘The right price is five dollars,” ‘*My, but ain’t that high?” “No, but listen!” ~* “Tam.” ‘sT can sell it to you for three.” ** You can?” 46 Yes. ” ** How is that?” «‘You see I am a special agent.” ai Yes.” ‘* And I buy the books in large quantities.” Indeed!” ‘Tis true, and if you want this great historical work, which is an invaluable ornament to any library, take it for , three.” Then I showed her where the book was marked five dol- lars. < That settled it. She went to a bureau drawer end took out a fat purse. From it she gave me three dollars, which I pocketed. ‘*Much obliged,” I said. ‘‘ It is ever so kind of you to give me my first start in my new enterprise.” ; My-aunt folded her hands placidly in her lap. ‘¢ Edward?” said she. ‘¢What, aunty?” ‘¢You know the old proverb.” © Which one?” ‘‘The Lord helps them who help themselves.” ** Yes’m.” * And so I thought to encourage you I would buy one, although when your uncle comes home he will snarl for a while and jaw me for obtaining it. You know what a crank he is.” Her words were prophetic. | Z My uncle, to a limited extent, is a crank. A very mild one, however. His bark is decidedly worse than his bite, metaphor- ieally speaking. zine He takes it out in barking, and never bites. In time for supper my respected relative appeared. ~ But supper did not come in time for him. Some mishap had occurred in the culinary department, ! into a chair. 8 = The first thing he did after favoring me with a brief nod was to growl about the absence of the meal. ‘Nice thing, Eliza,” he snorted, as he_fiung himself ‘‘ What is a nice thing, John?” she meekly inquired. ‘No supper!” “But you must not blame me. out.” “Tt did?” “cc Yes,” ‘¢ Who Jet it go out?” “*The cook.” ‘*She did?” ce Yes. 2 “That settles her stay beneath this roof. The idea of her permitting the fire to go out when she knows I want my meals punctually on time! When is her month out?” ‘« Saturday,” my aunt returned with the utmost of tran- quillity. ‘7 am glad of it.” ‘oWhy?” ‘¢T will discharge ter.” ‘<T would not.” ‘¢ And why not?” ‘‘ Because accidents will happen.” ‘Do you call allowing the extinguishment of the fire 4 st place an accident?” ‘6 Yes, ” ‘*T don’t, and no more such accidents will occur in future.” -‘*Oh, John, don’t fly up in a passion at a trifle.” ‘Do you call having no supper a trifle? Do you know what I have’a great mind to do?” ‘© What?” .“ Go out to a restaurant and get supper.” ‘¢ John, you must be vexed to-night.” ‘‘Vexed, indeed! Ain’t it enough to have a man's temper irritated to come home from the fatigue of busi- ness and find nothing to eat? I’Il——” Luckily for the peace ofthe family, the dinner-bell rang. Still grumbling, my uncle led the pageant down into the banquet-hall. The hapless servant girl, who knew her master’s pecul- iarities, had endeavored to make amends for the dilatori- ness of the meal by exercising extra care about it, It was cooked to perfection. When he concluded it my uncle’s face was a picture of satisfaction. He rang the hand-bell, and the domestic entered Witte fear and trembling. “Bridget?” he said. ‘* Vis, sur,” she quaked. ‘‘Supper was behind-time to-night,” ‘Tt wur not me fault, sur, but that av the foire. It wud — nayther burn the wan way or the other. Shure, there seems — a spell upon it. Mebbe the chimney needs attenthion to on account ay the draught.” sy ‘* Perhaps it does. I will have the chimney ee 2 as soon as possible, and, Bridget--——” . “SYis,-surs” The kitchen fire went

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e 6 THE BOOK AGENT'S LOCK. Sele oe = =o —_ SSeS “You asked permission of my wife, did you not, to | when they come to talk me to death I will give them it to go on a pic-nic next week?” Bridget blushed. , **Yis, sur,” she stammered. ‘‘Ye see, me steady com- pany, to whom I am going to get married in the fall, isa Son av Temperance, and it is but nathural that his family and himsilf should want me to go wid thim.” ** Perfectly natural. You can go.” ‘Thank ye, sur, a thousand toimes,” and with a giggle she retreated. The repast concluded, we adjourned up-stairs again. Uncle John took his coat off and sat down in his easy- chair. He drew a cigar-case from his pocket and offered me one. E I accepted it, and we puffed away in tranquillity for a few moments. Until Uncle John, arising to skirmish for a cuspidor, discovered on the center table the copy of ‘‘ The Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the World.” © He glared at it as if it were liable to explode. Gitgerly he picked it up. He turned its leaves over. “Where did this cheap compound of, villainy come from?” he asked. _‘*T—I bought it,” faltered my aunt. **You did?” Yes.” ** Who from?” ATA Of ly 6 What?” ceY¥es:2 - My uncle turned to me in amazement. He seemed at first as if he did not conjecture that he had heard correctly. ‘* Ed?” he asked. * Yes, sir,” I promptly replied. **Ts this true?” “What?” “That which my wife just said about her purchase of this trashy volume from you?” Airis. ‘* How much did it cost?” ‘Three dollars.” te Ed?” SS F2Y-e8, sir,” ** Give her the money back.” “Hold on, uncle. You're a business man, ain’t you?” st¥eg.2 «Then harken to me for a few seconds.” Withont giving him a chance to interrupt me J explained about my idea for spending the summer, combining busi- fess with pleasure. At the conclusion of my explanation my wee thawed visibly. **T am glad to learn that after all you have a little busi- _ hess in you outside of your nonsensical writing, and to en- _ courage you I will buy a second copy. There are a lot of _ friends of mine who call on me at my office when I am busy. I'll take this second copy down to the office, and | of mirth in it. read till T am at leisure.” CHAPTER III. I WILL own that I was greatly pleased at the auspicious opening of my new enterprise. Swei copies of my valuable volumn sold already, and, better than all, the cash gobbled. The next day could not be called a summery day. The weather, with one of those unaccountable freaks so common this year, became almost cool enone: for Oc- tober. Indeed, a spring overcoat, instead of being an article of luxury, was almost a necessity. The weather, however, did not crush my ardor to get rid of my ‘‘ Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the World.” I started out bright and early with a specimen copy under my arm. The first place I stopped to make a sale was at a brown stone mansion. I rang the bell boldly. A servant responded to my appeal. She looked inquiringly at me. **Can I see the lady of the house?” asked I. ‘Please give me your card, sir?” she requested. ‘* Just-tell her a gentleman desires to see her on busi- ness.” Somewhat dubiously she retreated, but soon returned With the intelligence that Mrs. Douglass, which was the name of the mansion’s mistress, would receive me. I followed the menial into a parlor. A lady sat on a sofa. She was no delicate fairy. Contrariwise, she was a lady of massive architecture, and must have tipped the scales at about two hundred pounds avordupois. Her upper lip was ornamented by a mustache which would have reflected credit on a grenadier, and the im- mortal son of the Bean City, John L. Sullivan, would have been jealous of herarms. Her attire was, to draw the description as mild as pos- sible, decidedly anomalous. She wore a wrapper of a vivid red hue, immense slip- pers, and encircling her fair forehead was a circlet of straw. I was so surprised at the spectacle she presented that I stopped and stared at her very impolitely, I am afraid. But she attempted to put me at my ease. _ ‘*Sit down, young man,” she ordered. I obeyed. I deposited my corpulency on the edge of a chairs “Now, young man,” asked she, ‘‘ your name?” Eendenstal reasons prevented me, ‘* My name is Norval,” I answered, ‘‘ although I do noes hail from the Grampian Hills.” : This brilliant rejoinder pleased her. She laughed. Then I noticed a peculiarity. Her laugh, though boisterous, had not the genuine ring % : be < t ‘ ’ 5

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World.’” THE BOOK aGEN’’S LUCK. T Rather was it the fleeting merriment of one partially bereft of one’s senses, ‘* Now,” she said, ‘‘ what can I do for you?” ‘J would like to see you on a simple matter of busi- ness.” ** Business?” ‘* Yes, madam.” ** Of what?” ‘* Bxcuse the seeming flattery, but you seem tome a lady ‘of superior education.” Tam.” ‘¢T thought so.” ‘You are perfectly correct. I was educated at Vassar College.” “One could see that ata glance. Now as to my busi- ness with you. You are very fond of literature?” T om. ‘*Then I will explain the purport of what you might deem, I being a stranger to you, an invasion of your pri- yvacy. Ihave for sale copies of one of the greatest works of the age, elegantly bound and superbly illustrated.” Her eyes lighted up. ~ With a fitfal fire. ‘¢ So you are a book peddler?” enlercornted she. ‘¢Yes, madam.” **Do you know what I generally do to book peddlers?” “No, madam.” ‘*T settle their hash very quickly.” ** You do?” tees.” ‘‘ How?” 2 «Do you see that bell-rope at-my elbow?” **T do.” 6 Well, I just pull that!” ‘*Yes, madam.” “The pull is responded to.” “‘ Doubtless.” ‘Do you know who by?" “ce No. ” U ‘My footman, Richard. Richard, is a youth of muscle.” ‘* Richards generally are, all except Richard the Third, and all of his muscle must have been concentrated in his hump.” She laughed that same maniacal laugh again. ‘‘Richard,” she said, ‘* would come up here, seize you by the collar, and hurl you into the street. Butin your case I will make an exception. What book are you selling ?” ‘‘One of the greatest works ever published, replete with sensation.” She looked pleased. Her manner changed. **T will tell you,” she said, with a wary, shifting look in her eyes. _ “I like sensation. What do you eall it?” *€*Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the She clapped her hands in ples ‘*How much a copy?” asked she. ‘* Five dollars,” I boldly answered.. ** How many copies haye you?” ** Only a couple.” *¢T will buy them, for I am very fond of anything. sensa- The Wye tional, and judging from its title I should judge that it would be something decidedly sensational.” ** Just what it is.” The words were scarcely out of my mouth before the front door opened. There was no ringing of the front door bell necessary, for ‘‘he” entered with a latch key. . : By ‘the ” I mean a gentleman about six feet in height, who could have picked me up like a bull-dog picks up a cat and dislocates the feline’s neck by one vigorous crush of his powerful jaws. At the sight of’the new arrival the feminine purchaser of my books entirely changed her demeanor. 5 She cowered down on a sofa. “Qlarry, Clarry,” she whined, ‘‘ don’t kill me!” ‘But what means the presence of this young man here?” ‘* He is here by accident.” **T'll accident him.” Whatever else my maligners, if I have any, which I sin- cerely believe I have not, may say, lam no coward. (This: goes for effect. IfI had been I would have taken to my heels.) I faced him boldly. ‘Excuse me, sir,’ I queried, in as dignified accents as I could assume on the spur ef the moment, ‘‘ but really I cannot utderstand what you refer to. I simply am can- vassing for a book, called the ‘Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the World.’ I sold her two copies.” At my answer his whole demeanor changed. ‘Ts that so?” he asked of his wife. ‘e-Yes.7 This succinct answer cooled him off somewhat. ‘¢ My friend,” he said, ‘‘maybe I have been a little too- hasty with you, but you must excuse me. Will you step: aside with me into the smoking-room?” : ‘*T did so.” ‘‘There is a family skeleton,” he said, as he indicated a. chair, ‘in every family closet.” ‘¢ Yes, sir,” assented I. ‘You sold her tayo copies of your book?” **T did.” He assumed a confidential air, one that I could see was. not assumed. ‘* My wife,” he said, ‘‘ while leaning out of the window one day with the only child that ever blessed our union, accidentally overbalanced herself, and to save her own life she had to drop our boy. He fell to the sidewalk, and he: was killed. It occurred the day of Guiteau’s hanging, and it occasioned the partial loss of her reason. . Ever since, by one of those delusions so frequent to people out of their minds, she associates the two events together, and the mere sight of the assassin’s picture would be apt to cause her to associate the two events together, and she would go. into hysterics and be sick, perhaps, for weeks.” I felt sorry then that I had made the sale, and apolo- — gized. ‘*T would not have done it for worlds,” I apologized, ‘and I am perfectly willing to refund the money.” ‘‘ Qh, by no means. She cannot remember anything more than ten minutes, and already she has forgotten ths _ purchase of the books, and has hidden them away in one of ©

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cree THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. her various hiding places. That is another mania of her’s. Every new purchase that she gets she hides away, poor soul, always in the same place—tvwo closets. She will soon take her morning’s nap, and I will obtain the nore and put it out of her reach.” ; *‘I am doubly obliged to you,” said I. “Not at all. Good-morning.” He bowed me out and I congratulated myself on get- ting out so politely. At one portion of our interview it had looked very much as if I stocd in great danger of being kicked out. The next place I invaded was a pawnbroker’s shop, It seemed a queer place to tackle, but I have nerve enough, as a rule, to do most anything. The pawnbroker was alone in his stronghold. He was an old usurer. Weazened in the face, and a perfect living skeleton in the frame. Really he looked as if he were only posing where he was ‘to save the expense of a funeral pageant. He wore a black skull-cap ape made him look more ghastly than ever. : His hands trembled, and it was with difficulty he ad- dressed me: ‘Vell, misder 7?” he asked with a smile which was about as pleasant as that of some festive ghoul, ‘‘vat can I do for you? Young vellers vill get in drouble, und I vill ad- vance you more money then dat Irishman on de next plock on any amount of bersonal segurity.” + What do you call personal security?” *‘Diamonds, vatches und brecious stones.” ‘Tam very sorry, Mr. Mr.—what is your name, any- how?” “* Cohen.” “‘T am very sorry thatI am not gifted with such possess- ions, Mr. Cohen.” He looked grave. He uppeared to look like a resurrected corpse. _ “*Maype you vant to hock dat coat. If you vos, I vill gife you forty cents on it,” he liberally offered. **No, I don’t vant to pawn anything at all. make a sale.” **'A sale?” hse CE St As I said this I accidentally winked to remove a piece of dust which had obtraded itself without an invitation in my eye. : His whole demeanor changed. The demon of Avarice seemed to take possession of hime “Shakey?” he cried. In answer to the call a sleepy-looking boy came out of a _ back room, excavating his frowsy hair with his long, filthy * finger nails. : “Shakey,” he commanded, ‘‘ tend to peezness for a mo- ment. This shentleman und I vas got imbordant peezness, und we will dalk it ofer in the brivate room. Shoost valk in. ” The ‘‘ private room” alluded to was a filthy apartment, simply curtained off from the store. = Its farniture was very succinct. I want to It comprised a sofa in thelast stages of consumption and a rickety chair. I selected the chair as a suitable roost. Mr. Cohen inhabited the sofa. ‘*Now,” he said, ‘‘lisden to my sbeeches. you vas got in dot pundle.” **You do?” meaY-CSe ‘Then tel! me what it is?” **Sdolen broperty.” “What?” serY CS-ttee ‘* What are you giving me?” ‘Fact; I can tell py your guilty manner. pe easy mit you.”, ‘¢ Thanks.” “* Some men would send right avay owit and gife you in sharge auf a boliceman; but I vas not that kind. You swiped the goods, vatafer dey vas, and you know it.” **T did not.” “All righd to say. Listen again!” ‘bam The Hebrew bent his mouth down to my ear. He almost hissed: ** My poy?” Well?” ‘*T vill pe easy mit you.” ‘* Merci.” “*Yes, I vill hafe mercy.” He squatted closer than ever to me.” ‘“‘Young veller,” he whispered, ‘‘I vo more than a money broker.” ** You are?” EN ET ‘* What else besides?” ‘A fence!” I know vat But shi I vill , CHAPTER IY. You can bet that Iam not the sort of a huckleberry to disregard the significance of the word ‘ fence.” ‘* Fence,” I grieve to say, is the criminal slang for one who receives stolen property and disposes of it, The fence never gets left. The atmosphere is never frigid for him, because to make himself secure he generally ‘‘ stands in” with the police and ‘‘ whacks up” with. them. ‘This may seem a slur on ‘the finest,” but ‘ allee samee,” as the almond-eyed Celes- tial says, it is true in a multitude of cases. I arose. _I pnt on as fierce an air as I could assume. He looked surprised. **Vot vos the matter?” asked he. ‘‘ Vos there bedbugs vhere you vos that makes you fly ub so gwick?” ‘*No,” I said, sternly, ‘* but little you know who I am.” ‘*Who are you?” ‘Nothing more than a simple peddler of books. Look}” To prove this assertion I undid my package. I slammed a copy of the book down on the dusty counter with a vehemence that made Mr. Cohen jump. a Ce =

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. o SS eS rn nnn ee Se ee a a te SS ee a ** Now, you gristly old Death’s Head,” I emphasized, *€T have you at my mercy!” ‘** How?” he quayered, collapsing at once. **T intend to lodge a complaint at Police Headquarters against you.” His face grew more livid. ‘* Holy Moses!” he ejaculated, ‘‘ for vot?” “* Have you not acknowledged yourself that you were a ‘fence??”’ * “* But that vos in gonfidence.” “*Confidence be hanged. I know that you have been up before in several questionable transactions before the courts,” Actually, I never knew anything of the sort. A total stranger to me was he before our meeting; bug, as it often happens, the chance arrow-shot hit home. ¢Sh!” he nervously said. .‘‘ How much vos the vork ?” ‘Ten dollars,” I answered, raising the ante on skin- flint, for I well knew he could well afford to part with some of the wealth that he had accumulated from those unfor- tunates who had to seek assistance from him, It almost seemed as if he would fall apart as he called out: ** Shakey,” he yelled to the uncleanly youth, ‘‘come here.” Jakey came, “Shakey,” he said, ‘* vas dere ten tollars SL the till?” As he inquired he winked. But I was onto the wink. IT tumbled to it in a flash. ““That is all right, Mr. Cohen,” I said. ‘‘ You know very well that there are tens of ten-dollar bills in your till, not to speak of the boodle in the safe.” At the mention of the word ‘‘safe ” the old Shylock ap- peared to have an attack of chills and fever. ‘How do you know,” he queried with chattering teeth, ‘dot I vos own a safe?” ‘7 know well enough, andI know just where it is. You better look out, or I will come around and crack it, Iam an honorary member of the Burglars’ League.” Of course, as the reader can judge for himself, this was the rankest of nonsense. But a guilty conscience, as has been frequently aM, makes cowards of all. ‘‘My poy,” he said, ‘‘I puys that pook about dem ‘Murderers and Murderesses mit America,’ but I only vish for one ding.” ** What's that?” “That you gets plowed up py dynamite.” Then he called for his menial, ‘‘ Shakey,” to bring him in ten dollars. ~ Jakey did. He arrived with the amount requested. The fortune embraced no greenbacks. Tt was all in silver. Ten silver dollars were deposited into my paw one by one by Mr. Cohen, who groaned deeply as he dropped each one. ‘*Now,” said he, ‘‘ vos you satisfied?” ‘‘Not much,” I answered. ‘‘ Youare a more diabolical skin than i imagined.” “Me?” ee eSous ‘© Why?” **Oh, you don’t know, do you?” **T am sure I vos not.” ** Well, it is too bad about you. dollars?” “Yes,” he owned: ‘‘They are lead!” He made a pretense of examining them. He shook his head dolefully. ‘Daniel in the lion’s den,” he uttered, ‘‘I vos ruined, I thinks I vos go owit py the peezness altogether. I vos getting old and feeble, and I vos cheated on afery side. My tear young mans?” SSY ess 810i. ** Vot you subbose?” “€ About what?” = **'Vot occurred to me last Vensday come two veeks.” “I’m sure I don’t know.”’ *‘ I vos sitting here, vhen in comes a nobby veller, and he asked me how much vould I give him on a diamond of the fairst vater. I examined the stone.” ASSY OS s22 3 ‘Tt seemed to me all righd.” te Yes.” ‘And I, oh! vot a fool I vos, lent him one hundred tol- lars on it,” ‘‘And got a bargain, I’ll bet.” At the mention of the word “ bargain ” the venerable Shylock had a trembling fit. He shook all over and threatened to fall to pieces on the floor behind the counter. ‘CA pargain!” he cried. yeller vas a schwindler,” “ He was?” SESYes-2 ‘In what respect ?” ‘«The diamond vas vashed.” “Washed ?” SOP Seon ‘What for’ Was it dirty ?” Mr. Cohen made an impatient gesture. > ‘* You vas not dumble ?” said he. I frankly owned that I did not, ‘* A vashed diamond,” he informed me, ‘‘vas a diamond fixed ub py some chemical preparadion. It is really a snide diamond, but the deception cannot be detected un- less the stone is vashed in soap and vater. Like a mad- man I let him have the monish, pecause I thought that it vas sdolen, and he vould nefer come to redeemit. That night I happened to think vot a fool I had been not to yash it in soap and vater.” ‘* Proceed.” **T vashed it.” <-Yes. At the remembrance of the harrowing event he was seized with such a violent fit of trembling that I had a Do you see these five “Oh, it vas a pargain. - The x good mind to rush out somewheres and aS a pail of water = to throw over him.

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10. THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK, However, he did not expire, but presently recovered his mental equilibrium. ‘‘The diamond,” he said, ‘‘after it vas vashed, I found out to be a snide sdraw-colored stone, hardly vorth forty tollars. I felt just like going oud and drownding myself peneath a sbrinkling cart.” “Mr. Cohen,” said I, ‘‘my time is valuable.” “Tsh that so?” sc Yes. ” ‘* Vell, den hurry evay. Peezness vas peezess aller- wile.” “That is so, and as my business lies with you, I want you to do me a favor.” ‘‘ With bleasure, my poy-” ‘** Just give me a ten-dollar bill for these lead dollars.” +‘ Lead tollars?” poy GS **You must be vild!” ‘¢ Well, I ain’t. Fork over!” Evidently he considered that fate was against him. After a series of appalling moans he produced a greasy wallet. : He handed me a ten-dollar bill and I restored to him his spurious coin. I turned to leave. ‘* Much obliged to you,” I said. ‘*Good-day.” And as I passed out of the door I heard him mutter: ‘‘That poy vill either make his mark in the vorld or pe hung on the gallows. He vas too smart for his own goot.” ' - CHAPTER V, » HavincG sold my two books, Inaturally felt elated. I went home after more. It was dinner-time when I arrived, and I found Deacon Grabber at the table. I like the deacon. He is 2 truly holy maa. That is in his own opinion. He is one of those Christians who believe that all of us, except a few of the elect, like himself, will when they die be gobbled right up by his Satanic Majesty, and gloats over the belief. _ Edward,” he said, in sepulchral tones, ‘‘ how are you?” ‘* Fine as silk.” : ‘By that I sappose you mean that you are enjoying ex- cellent physical health?” **Yes, sir.” ‘¢ Why will you use slang?” ‘Tt is all the fashion.” ‘‘Edward?” «Yes, sir.” ‘«] interrogated you about your physical health.” ** You did.” *‘Now I have another question to propound to you. How is your religious health?” ** Booming.” “T am sincerely pleased to pear it. When were you to charch last?” x paniay night.” ‘*T am pleased to know it. How did you enjoy the ser- mon?” ‘*T did not enjoy it at all.” “cc What?” ‘* Did not you hear me*twitter?” “That is strange. It was a most powerful theological discourse.” ‘*No doubt of it.” ‘‘Then why did not you like it?” “For a very simple reason.” ‘¢ Which was?” “¢T never heard it.” The deacon looked puzzled. ‘¢You never heard it?” repeated he. = ‘No, sir.” ‘*T trust you did not commit the gross impropriety of falling asleeng in the sanctuary?” 4 ** No, sir.’ ‘* How was it that you were in the sanctuary and did not hear the discourse?” ** Deacon?” : z “Well?” : “You are a little rattled at my statement of being at church.” “‘ Rattled?” : ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘‘Rattled is more slang, I conjecture?” §¢ Yes, sir.” *‘ What doesit mean?” - ** Confused. I said I was at church, butI did not Bay I was in church.” ‘¢ Where were you?” ** Outside, sitting on the stoop.” ‘* What doing?” ‘* Waiting for church to be dismissed.” ‘* What was your object in waiting for the expiration of divine services?” ‘‘J wanted to hook on to her wing and hurry her home before any of the dudes had a chance to brace her. Sheis a daisy, she is, but I would not introduce her to you. They say you are a regular masher.” The old man’s face relaxed. ‘Yon would not?” he said, with a wintry smile. - ‘‘ Decidedly no.” ‘Why not?” ‘¢ Because I know what a masher you are.” At this rather irreverent speech he appeared to be hors rified. But I could see that he was not. He was flattered. “Edward,” he asked, ‘‘ how dare you accuse me ofsuch a misdemeanor?” ‘* Because it is true. Never a Sunday night do you walk home without one, and more oftener two of the sisters on each arm.” At this the deacon looked confused. Especially as all around the table laughed. He hurried to shift the subject. ‘* Edward,” said he, *‘ what is your occupation at pres- ent? Have you, except writing deceiving trash for that trashy story-paper, anything else to do?” : ‘ | tH hayes :

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. il _ What ?” ‘¢ Deacon ?” te Yes 72 **You are my oyster. dollars.” “Three dollars!” ‘*-Yes.” ** What for ?” ** A book which will please you.” «Ts it a scriptural work?” ‘¢ Partially.” ‘What does it contain about the scriptures?” ‘‘ Cain was a scriptural person?” I mean to open you for three SOY 8.22 ** Well, he’s in.” “Ts he?” 3 “eis. He is held up to the rising generation as a horrible example of the consequences of jealousy. Would he haye laid out unsuspecting Abel with a club had he not been inflamed with the demon of jealousy?” ‘No.” ‘* But as yet you have not mentioned the name of the ~ work.” ‘¢* Famous Murderers and Murderesses of the World.’” More horror was depicted on his face. ‘*You do not mean to tell me,” he queried, ‘‘ that you are peddling such vile literature?” he demanded. ‘*T beg your pardon. It is not a vile volume.” ‘¢Tts title would so imply.” ‘Say, deacon?” ‘sWell?” “You don’t condemn a book without looking at it, do you?” ‘*No.* ‘Then just take a look at a copy.” I procured one and placed it in his possession. . At first he shammed to turn over its pages with dis- gust. The pretense of- aversion only lasted a short period. When he had read a couple of the lives of the illustrious criminals embraced in the book he forgot himself. I could see that he was deeply engrossed in its perusal. I ventured to interrupt him. ‘* Well, deacon,” I asked, work?” ‘© Ye—es,” slowly confessed he; ‘* but you should not sell them indiscriminately.” ‘*T do not.” **You must exercise judgment.” ac iT do.” ** Not sell it to minors, or those disposed to be hyster ical.” **T never do.” “hat is right. And now, ahem, how much is the book?”- I told him the same old gag about the price of the book. He bit. ‘*The volume,” he said, ‘‘in judicious hands, may be a great moral engine for good.” Of course it is; and, deacon——” ‘‘ain’t that a real moral =] er - y2 a £6 Well 2?” ‘¢Tt could not be in better hands than yours. Well you know how to depict in your glowing oratory the EEE consequences of crime.’ The taffy took. He pulled out a purse. That is, one of those ten-cent apologies for purses car. ried by dudes and skinflints in general. Carefully he counted over the three dollars. It was all in silver. ' Quarters and fifty-cent pieces, and one of the quarters was plugged. a I did not growl, however. My profit was enough on the transaction. “T am very much obliged, deacon,” I said, ‘‘and I doubt not that your burning eloquence will snatch many a brand from the burning embers.” ‘*T sincerely hope so,” he answered, ‘‘and I trust— ahem—that you will succeed in your new enterprise.” I thanked him and chuckled to myself. There never was a truer saying than Shakespeare’s ‘What fools we mortals be?” ‘* Taffy ’ in this world is a powerful factor, and the dea- con and I parted on the best of terms. He even asked me if he could dispose of a few copies on his own account, would I allow him a commission? Cheerfully I assented. {saw anew field open to me, with him as an intermediary, in church Circles. ‘‘- Yes, deacon,” I said, ‘‘T’lltreat you square. ‘I'll give you fifty cents on every copy of the work you sell.” His little avaricious eyes shone with delight. ‘Twill try ie Hees "he said, ‘*to dispose of as many volumes as I can.’ My uncle that night. was in a wonderful good bu- mor. He had made certain successful business ventures, and he felt at harmony with himSelf and everybody else. After supper, as we roosted on the front stoop in the time- honored New York style, he presented me with a cigar and inquired how my canvassing was getting along. I know pretty wel! how to take my relative, and so I winked. Splendid,” I said. **You did?” SOY es371 ‘¢ Who?” ‘¢- You could not guess if you guessed for a century.” “Probably not. Who was it?” ‘Deacon Grabber.” : My uncle looked incredulous. ‘‘What are you giving me?” asked he. “Facts.” ‘You don’t mean to say that that dried up old fraud bought a copy?” ‘He did.” My uncle burst out laughing. And when he does laugh it does you good to pean ne ‘‘T had a new customer to-day.” “Eliza,” he said to my aunt, “ifthat don’t beat the’ deck. ‘The idea of that. old miser buying a book.” “You blamed me for pes my es eek re- —— Fe

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12 : THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. joined my aunt, who for once felt that she had the bulge on her somewhat despotic pene ‘fand yet a religious man like the deacon purchases one.’ My uncle sniffed. ‘¢ His religion don’t amount to much,” he vociferated. ‘Sh! Ain‘t you ashamed to talk that way ?” ‘*No, I ain’t. He is a regular old Pharisee.” Oh!” ‘Don’t! about. Ed?” ‘Yes, sir,” I answered. * You ain’t such a born fool as I have always taken you to be.” ** Thanks, monsieur.” “¢ And hanged if I don’t buy another copy of your book.” He was as good as his word. He forked over the rhino like a perfect gentlemen for an- other ‘‘ Murderers and Murderesses.” CHAPTER VI. THE next day I thought I would visit the business dis- tricts of the city, and try my luck with the TERE I did go. I chartered an Eighth avenue car and got out at Vesey street. I was not particular what kind of a merchant I buzzed, _ 80 I entered the first building I came to, which chanced to be a wholesale seed store. A dapper clerk came briskly forward. **Good-morning,” he amy saluted. for you?” I did not think it worth while to brace him to buy a copy of my book. Young gentlemen of his age do not go in for literature to any great extent. ‘¢ What can I do They prefer to expend their_cash on perfumery and hair’ oil. **Tg your employer in?” I asked. -‘* Mr. Sprouts?” he said. “Yes,” I answered, although I did not know that was his name. But it was. A very appropriate name was it, too, as I found out to my sorrow. He: put me through a course of ‘‘sprouts.” ‘* What name will I state?” asked the clerk. ‘* You need not mention any name. Simply state that a gentleman wishes to see him on private business.” ** All right, sir.” : He departed. He came back laughing. ~ **The old man has got cher again,” he explained as a cause of his mirth. His language was a little enigmatical for me to compre- hend. “ Really I don’t tumble,” I said. ‘*Oh, Sproutsy, the old duffer, is a regular crank, and something has gone wrong in business this morning, and he is as cranky as a bear with a sore Heese Say, sir?” Ob, I guess i know what I am conversing “If your business is not very important, I would give you a word of advice.” ** What?” ‘Don’t trouble him.” ‘ ‘¢ Why not?” “ He is liable to kick you out.’? , ‘Kick me out?” SaY e8su I smiled incredulously. I was muchly too previous in smiling. ‘*T guess not!’ I answered. “ All right. Try your luck.” ‘* T mean to.” Poor I. Wouid that I had taken his advice. Decidedly better would it have been for me had I never encountered Mr. Sprouts. But not being a clairvoyant, I could not lift the veil of futurity. (The last sentence is a very nice one, and I hope it will be appreciated.) ’ I went to Mr, Sprouts’ private office at the rear of the store. - I knocked at the door. ‘*Come in,” I heard from the inside, in a muffled Sete I did so. > I beheld a gentleman with a very red face and a nose to match. His hair stuck straight up like the quills on the back of a porcupine, and he was very stout. **You say you want to see me, young man?” he asked. ‘Yes, sir,” I replied. ‘‘ You are Mr. Sprouts, are you ; not?” “ IT am.” **Tt affords me great pleasure to meet you.” ‘“‘Humph! Why?” _ Because I can see at the first glance that you are a gentleman of superior education.” - ‘““Humph! Go ahead.” 2 ‘«T have with mesa book which you will assuredly ap- preciate.” ** A book?” Yes, sir.” ‘What sort of a book?” ‘One of the greatest books of the age.” ** Indeed!” “Yes.” “Tts name?” : ‘¢ $ Celebrated Murderers and Murderesses of the World,’” ‘* How much?” ‘Three dollars; but the right price is five; but on ac- count of my buying them in bulk I get them cheap. -The book’s real value is five dollars.” Ts it?” “ec Yes. ” ‘Young man?” ** Yes, sir.” ‘* Have you a family or a widowed mother depending on you for support ?” ** No, sir.” ‘* It's lucky.” “cc Why ?? yi ed op

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. ; 13 (ee a ee TE ‘*For one cent I would fire you through the door.” ‘© You would?” “Yes.” This belligerent declaration astounded me. ‘‘ Why?” asked I, in surprise. ‘You sent word in that you had private business with me, ” “e I did. n ** And is eae private business?” ’ ub ‘Yes, sir.’ He arose with his face—which, as I mentioned before, was red enough naturally—redder than ever. Its hue resembled that of a boiled lobster. § “Tf you know what is good for you, you will skip,” he said. Would I had skipped. It would have-saved me considerable inconvenience and loss of personal dignity. But I did not skip. I considered it deregatory to my bravery to do so. ‘*T do not see,” I began, ‘‘why I should be chased out like a dog*for simply pie to make an honest living by selling books.” ‘*You don’t?” S5No;” ¢¢ Well, I'll show you, thatisall. Mike!” In reply a great, big, brawny porter appeared. He had the build of a Hercules. “Mike?” said Mr. Sprouts, ‘© Well, sur?” *<See this young man?” ‘* Yes, sur,” answered the individual with the cognomen of Mike. ‘*T want you to do some work.” ‘Yes, sur.” ‘See this fresh young man?” “¢The bye ye are spaking to?” sYes.” **T do, sur.” ** Boanco him.” Evidently Mike was accustomed to implicit obedience. He wasted no time in asking what I had done that I should be ejected. Instead he acted promptly and vigorously. He caught me by the collar. And before I was really aware of what had taken place T found myself sitting on the sidewalk all in a heap. And a most unpresentable heap I was. My coat was nearly ripped from my back and and my pants were lacerated. My collar and necktie were literally torn from my shirt. When I recovered from the surprise into which the por- ter’s energetic action had thrown me it was but natural that I was indignant. Nay, I was more than indignant. I was mad—mad as a hornet. I resolved to see if canvassers had no rights which fiery- tempered cranks were bound to respect. Just then a policeman approached. Any one could tell at one glance at his face that he was an Irish policeman. o He looked astonished at my wretched condition. _ “Young man,” asked he, ‘‘what have you been doing to get tore up loike that ?” ‘* Nothing,” I replied. ‘Well 2” ‘*T want you to make an arrest.” ‘© Ye do?” SEY esse * Ay who?” “ You see that feed store?” **Ould Sprouts’?” “Yes,” ‘Well, what av it?” ‘¢ Sprouts is the man I want arrested.” ‘What for?” ‘‘He assaulted me and flung me out of the store.” ‘He did?” Yes.” ‘‘ What did ye do?” ‘“‘Nothing at all.” ‘‘That’s quare. Ye must have done something to pro- voke him.” ‘¢T simply went in to sell him a book.” ‘ A shrewd look came into the officer’s eyes. “‘T see it now,” he said. ‘‘ He did not want to buy the book?” ‘°No.” ‘* And ye kept tasing him to buy it until he fired ye out?” ‘Yes, and I want him arrested.” The officer nodded his head in dissent. “Tt is not me that will doit,” said he. “Why not? He assaulted me,” ‘«He had a roight to.” ‘Td like to know how you make that out?” ‘¢ Very aisy.” ‘* How?” ‘He ordered you out, did he not?” ‘He did.” “Ye didn’t go?” P ** No.” ‘‘But gave him chin music instead.” “‘T only tried to argue with him that he ought to buy the book.” ‘‘Then he got mad and foired yer “He did.” ‘‘ Which he had a perfect right to do, seeing that ye wur making a nuisance ay yesilfto him. Now let me give ye a tip.” ‘¢ What?” ‘Go into the saloon on the corner and fix yourself up.” I considered the advice excellent. I followed it. I repaired to the saloon. _ The bar-keeper was alone behind the bar. He was ajolly young fellow, and when I entered he gave a whistle of suzprise. ‘Young fellow,” said he, ‘ you look all tore up. How did it happen?” I thought there was no use of disguising the facts of the case, so I told just how it did happen. cL Officer yu { .

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4 — ** Ain’t at all surprised. Sprouts is a tough customer, and he generally keeps pretty full.” ‘Does he?” ‘Yes, he’s an awful lush.” "Ts he?” ‘¢ Well, I should smile to blush. He had three whisky cocktails with absinthe in them this morning.” “Indeed! Hearing you talk of whisky cocktails, I am not a drinking man, but I do not think a little stimulant will hurt me now. Make me one, will you, please, but omit the absinthe.” ‘Cert, Ofcourse a cocktail won’t hurt you. reverse. I will build you a daisy.” He was as good as his word. ** He did *‘ build me a daisy.” -** How is that?” asked he, with professional pride, ‘*I am great on cocktails, Ever heard of Major Buncombe, who lives at the Hoffman House?” Really I never had. But, to humor him, I said that I had, ‘¢ Know him?” asked the barkeeper. \ ‘* Not personally, but-by reputation.” ‘* He is a rare old sport.” *¢So I have heard.” ‘* What he don’t know about drinks ain’t worth finding out.” **T should think so.” The barkeeper leaned over the counter with a confi- dential air and remarked: ‘Would you believe it, he comes all of the way down from the Hoffman House, which is supposed to have the finest cafe and bar in the world, to have me build him up a cocktail? Ain’t that a compliment?” **T should say so.” Just the CHAPTER VII. THE answer pleased my new-found friend. ‘Let me build you up another cocktail?” he requested. ‘‘Much obliged,” I said, ‘‘but no, thanks.” ‘“ Why ?” *«Tf I should imbibe a second cocktail, you would have to send me home in a coach.” He laughed good-naturedly. ‘¢ Well,” he said, ‘‘it is very seldom that I drink myself, and never behind the bar. But about once in every six months I get started, and then look ont. ‘“ Why? yap ‘*P'm gone for a week, until the boss collars me some- where and lugs me home.” “He does?” “Yes. He thinks all in the world of me because he knows I am popular, and he pays my fine, for generally I have tried to paint the town red and tried to lick a couple of the cops, and he usually finds me in jail. But I rete while chinning that you want to fix yourself, ” Yes.” **Go right through the door you see marked ‘ Private,’ and you will find towels and soap and a hair-brush, and here’s a paper of pins with which you can hump yourself together again.” I thanked him and entered the private room. 14 THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. I found the articles he named and managed to fix myself up a little decent. When I returned the bar-keeper expressed his approval at my altered appearance. “You faked up quick, young feller,” he said, ‘‘and you're all right now. Say!” ‘¢ Well?” I answered; ‘‘ but first you must have some< thing with me.” SoNOs ‘¢ Why not?” ‘‘ Oh, I ain’t that sort of a leech. Because I done zoe a little favor I won’t stick you for poison.” ‘¢ But have.a cigar?” ** Young feller!” “Yes.” ‘*T see you are a sticker.” ‘*T hope so.” ‘¢ Bound to keep your end up.” Ttry sotodo.” _ ‘That is right, I will take a cigar with you, and IN bite the end off now, so that you can see that I won’t put it in my pocket, pretending that I don’t want to’smoke = now, and sell it over. Say!” 6t-Yes,” ‘‘While you have been away I was taking a liberty.” eats What?” “You left that book which you are selling with me, didn’t you?” SSY ess ' ‘‘T had the nerve to examine it without asking your per- mission, which I know ain’t according to manners, but I did not think you would care.” ‘Oh, that is all right. He looked a little offended. **T guess, young feller,” he said, ‘that you needn’t lend me any. I can buy one. I didn't read much, but from what I did read—you see I never went to college—that the book is a scalper. How much?” I told him. ‘*T am your watermelon,” he uttered. He did not pull ovt any wallet. Instead, he pulled out the till. He counted over the money which it contained. ‘*Sixty-three dollars,” he said. time of the year. Here!” As he spoke, he handed me over three dollars. ‘‘The boss will never miss it,” he said. ‘*He is the most careless man I ever saw about business matters. That is down here.” “ What do you mean about down here?” ‘He has three places.” - ‘Has he?” “Yes.” < ‘¢ Where ?” : : ‘One up-town, this one, and a lum-tum place on Consy Island. Come to think, I’ll put it down in the book.” ‘¢ What book?” ‘‘T have to keep an expense book, of course.” ‘* What is that?” ‘An account of everything I pay out.” Yes.” , Tl lend you one if you want it.” ‘¢Pretty good for this — S y \ Spee ee

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SS ae ae THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. 1& ‘‘ And I will enter my purchase in the expense book, and before he shows up in the morning—to-morrow—I will buy a big brass chain and hitch it to a big pillar up in the reading-room.” ‘Have you a reading-room?” ‘‘Well, we call it a reading-room, but generally it is used to read only one kind of literature.” ‘* What is that?” “The cards. Tumble?” I did not. ’ I avowed the fact. ‘¢ What kind of cards do you mean ?” I asked. ‘¢They ain’t cards of buttons, or carte de visites, but real playing-cards, and there is a lively game going on in the reading-room STAGE is called poker. Can you play it?” I said that I had never played it but once, and then I “held four queens. One of the players, who was fooking over my shoulder, told me I could not we beat and urged me to bet. T did so. I was called when I had almost my last chip on the table, and I laid down my hand. To my astonishment my opponent laid down five kings. I nearly had a fainting fit. ‘* How in thunder is that?” I made bold to inquire. ‘¢'There are only four of any kind in an ordinary pack.” ‘But this isan extraordinary pack. It is Spanish poker, and Je Js played with four packs of cards, oe it is a great game.” The barkeeper grinned all over. **Did you kick?” asked he. ‘‘No,” I replied. ‘‘ What was the use? I had not stipulated what kind of a game of poker it would be, so they had me at their mercy.” «That's so,” reflected the barkeeper; ‘‘ and if you had made a muss you would have got the worst of it.” ‘*No doubt.” ‘*That shows you can balance Srieelt on your toes when necessary, and the day will be eo cold that there will be icicles on the sun when you get left.” ‘*T sincerely hope so, and the same to you. so much obliged for your kindness.” He pretended to be busy washing his dirty glasses be- hind the bar. ‘<That’s all right, young feller,” he said, ‘‘ but I’ve sort of kindled up an affection for you, and if you come around to-morrow I will take an agency. You give a commission, don’t you?” I could well afford to. “Yl bring you six to-morrow,” I said, ‘‘ and all that you sell I will give you a dollar on.” He snapped at the offer. ‘But, of course,” said I, ‘‘you must work them for five dollars.” ; , ‘¢ Will I?” he said. ‘‘ That is what I calla square deal. Bring me down a dozen, and J will work them off. A dollar for me and a dollar for you. You bet I will gather in some ducats.” “T hope so.” - ‘*You can wager that I will. Tam ever There are 2 lot of old sports who hang around here who owe big bills. They are rich old cocks, and the only reason they don’t pay cash down is because it would break their hearts to do so, they are so mean. Ofcourse they pay in time, for they are all as good as gold. Now, I'll stick the books on them by putting on a long face, and telling them that the reign of tick’ has lasted long enough, and if they don’t settle up : I will kick to the boss and have the credit system stopped. The news will paralyze them, and then I will work my little game.” ‘Which is what?” ‘¢ Work in the book.” ‘¢ My book?” SEY C52 ‘ “That will paralyze them, because the boss don’t allow , no hanging up, and he would raise thunder ifhe knew that. I was running the distillery on the ‘ promise to pay ’ prin- ciple. But I'll tell them that as for me personally I don't care how big an amount they put on the slate, but that they ought to do me a favor for not splitting on them.” Here my friend paused. To take breath. He needed it. From the yvolubility with which he had rattled away his throat must have been parched. ‘“CQan’t I induce you to try another cocktail?” “cc No. ” He produced a seltzer siphon. He set ont two glasses. ‘A little seltzer won’t hurt you,” he said, ashe squirted , the mineral water into the two receptacles which he had placed for them on the bar. a don’t mind seltzering,” T said; “seltzer is innoc- uous.’ ‘* A what kind of a drink?” he asked, looking puzzled. ‘¢Tnnocuous.” ‘* Ain’t that a foreign word?” be No. ” ‘¢ English?” “Yes.” ‘¢ What does it mean?” ‘ Harmless.” He smiled. and chuckled to himself. ‘¢T’ll work it in,” said he. se What?” ‘The word.” “*Tnnocuous 2?” “Yes,” “ How?” ‘‘Well, I am engaged to one of the prettiest little cigar- ette-makers you ever saw, and when I shoot that word off at her she will think that I am a college graduate and be stricken dumb with admiration, for, though she is the best little girl in the world, she hashad to work all of her life.” _ ‘‘ How is that?” ‘Her father is a regular lush, and spends most of his time on the Island.” ‘¢ Has she a father?” SY ess2 ‘¢ What does he do?” ‘‘He waits till the old lady gots sober—she drinks, too Sean se etree ts | ; § . =) }

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16 : THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. and then they change cars. He gets paralyzed and takes her place on the Isle de Blackwell.” By this time I felt weak. If ever any one was in danger of being talked to death it was myself, ~ “Tmust go,” I said. ‘‘How many copies do you want ?” “Twelve. Want the cash now?” *‘No. I guess you ain’t going to run away.” The answer pleased the barkeeper. He presented me with a handful of cigars. Say!” he called out, as I was leaving, ‘‘I’ll raise the ante on the books,” “ How ?” ‘Bring me fifteen.” » *T'll send them over in the morning.” ** Don’t forget.” SeNOsts Then we shook hands and parted. side, but by the bar-side. Not by the river- CHAPTER VIII. TuHatT afternoon I sent over the books requested to the barkeeper, whose name, I afterward found out, was Gus Burgess, by a messenger boy. He sent me back a receipt for them, which I have pre- served. Evidently Gus was not as handy with the pen as he was with the bottles, for I had hard work to decipher what it meant, but by aid of a magnifying-glass I finally made it out. [ laid off work the rest of the day and went to see a ball- match. On my return home another surprise awaited me. My uncle purchased another volume. Not for himself, as he was careful,to explain, but for a country customer. ‘*T could have sold him my office copy for two dollars more than I paid for it,” he avowed, ‘‘ but of course that would not be square.” Oh, mine uncle! I don’t want to insinuate a word against the business integrivy of my uncle, but I would be willing to wager not a little that he charged his customer five dollars. Reason why, that night he was in an exceedingly good humer for him, and he tossed my aunt a couple of silver dollars, a proceeding which nearly caused her to fall from her chair in surprise. ‘* Here,” said he, ‘‘is two dollars I made unexpectedly to-day.” : Shrewdly he had dropped to the way the books were marked, and made a couple of dollars himself. That was his business, not mine, however, and I sold him sauother copy with the utmost of pleasure. The following day I invaded Canal street. The first establishment I went into was a Yankee notion _ store kept by a Yankee, and he was a Yankee indeed. Also did the store not belie its title. It contained all sorts of duds from a rusty old anchor {what mariner in the world, unless he was half seas over, would think ef buying an anchor in Canal street?) down to papers of pins. The proprietor’s name was Jedediah Clutterback. AsTentered I beheld Mr. Clutterback taking things easy. He was lolled back in a rickety chair, and had his feet perched on a desk which once, alas! had been hande some, but now was in the seer and yellow leaf. In his mouth was a big cigar, a ‘‘ranker,” which smelt most diabolically and must have cost at least a cent. « When he beheld me he started up with a jump, which sent the chair flying to the floor. ‘‘ Good-morning,” he saluted. ing?” ‘*Charming!” I answered. “The air so baliny.” “ Yes. ” ‘¢Ts not this a fine morn- ‘ And the sprinkling cart which passes every hour lays the dust most beautiful.” ‘*So it does. This is one of God’s own days, as the French poet says, and we ought tobe thankful that we are allowed to live and enjoy it.” ‘So we had. And now, young man, what can I sell you?” I laughed. But somewhat uneasily. I did not know what ground I was treading OD. He might be a second Sprouts. : But I threw out my chest and answered: ‘“The shoe is on the other foot:” “How?” asked he. I had learned that it was better not to be too fresh, so I laughingly said: ‘¢T want to show you something.” **You do?” e-Yes.” ‘¢What is it?” ‘¢ Here!” As I spoke I showed him the book. . I did not waste any taffy over him, er IT knew he did not need it. Isimply made a plain statement of what a wonderful bargain he was securing. He bit at the book bait of the cheap price, but he bit me worse in the end. However, as all great novelists say when the printer's imp is waiting for copy, ‘‘let us not digress farther.” Of course not digressing farther has nothing to do with the story, but it spins out the book ‘‘all of the samee,” our Celestial Kingdom citizens iterate. ‘*See here,” said he. ‘Yes, sir.” ‘‘ Business is awful bad.” ‘*T hope not.” ‘But it is.” ‘‘Tndeed. What is the cause?” ‘¢ Strikes.” “Strikes?” * SRY-G8 1 ‘* But how can that affect you?” ‘‘T sell cheap goods.” ‘¢ Yes.” “And deal with the lower classes.”

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. 17 EEE ————————— SS IE “* Naturally.” The chapeau was of dazzling whiteness, and ornamented ‘‘ Now, l’ve sort a took a likin’ to you and I'll tell you | with a black band. what I’ll do.” ‘¢ What?” “‘The lower classes ain’t apt to be supplied with any soo much surplus cash, so I have bargains which will make your eyes bulge.” ‘‘ What species of bargains?” “ Clothing.” ‘© What of it?” ‘‘T don’t mean to offend you, but you ain’t much ofa dude.” ‘*T know it.” «And that is where you make thej mistake. Good . clothes frequently go a good deal farther than a good kerecter.” * Often.” ‘¢ Suppose we swap?” ‘¢ How?” _ * You give me four of the books, and I will give you a suit of clothes.” : Now I needed a suit of clothes quite badly. The one I had on had done me good service all winter. I had a secret consciousness that it ought to be shot. So I Consented to the proposition. He walked me into a curtained inclosure at the rear of the store, and began to bring on the suits in tiers. He piled them down on the floor. ‘Take your pick,” said he. I did. Very soon. There was a suit ef shepherd’s plaid, which 1 thought would about suit me. : ‘‘ Now,” he said, ‘‘you want a hat.” **T do?” as Yes.”’ ‘‘ What ails this hat ?” ‘Waal, you do have a nerve.” “How?” ‘¢ Asking such a question. Why, the crown is all crack- ed. I'd be ashamed, if I were you, to go out walking with such an ornament to my head as the one you have got. Give me another of them ‘ Murderers ‘and Murderesses ” and I'll give you a hat for it.” “That's kind.” ‘Of course it is. I’m a liberal man to, deal with; and that is more, Iam sorry to say, than I can say of my ‘neighbors in the same line of business. Take that old He- brew across the way. If you had blundered in there he would literally have robbed you.” “‘ Would he?” “cc Yes. ” ° ‘< Well, bring on the dicer,” I answered. “‘ Let me be- hold it.” % He disappeared down in the cellar, I guess, for I saw him eyaporate through the floor via a trap-door. But, like the harlequin in the pantomime, his disappear- _ ance was very brief. _ He bobbed again very soon serenely. He held a stoye-pipe hat in his hand. 2 I tried it on. It was my size precisely. I looked at myself in the cracked, fly-bespecked glass. For a wonder, it fitted me. Never before had I had a high hat. Because, to disclose a private grief, Iam tall and thin, and am frequently called the ‘‘ Walking Tongs” by some of my friends of a jocose disposition, on account of the un-. abridged condition of my legs. It seems to me sometimes as if they must originate beneath my shoulder blades and float down to the ground, and I considered that if I donned a high hat I would be a subject of constant derision. But I determined to risk it. The dicker was made. The hat I put on. Also my newW suit. Both fitted me. That is temporarily at the time. They did not before I reached home. I bid Mr. Clutterbuck farewell, and in a burst of grati- tude he offered me another bargain. It was an umbrella. Dirt cheap, he assured. One dollar only. All silk. I concluded I had bought enough, and did not purchase it. ¥ I wish I had. I needed the ‘‘bumbershoot ” before I reached home. For with diabolical suddenness a thunder storm came up. One of those confidence thunder-storms which do not give you any warning of their approach, but spring them- selves on you without any warning. : It caught me unawares. Down came the rain in regular sheets. J ran for the first place of shelter I could find. I choose as a haven a grocery store with an awning over it. ~— ———_ CHAPTER IX. I SUPPOSE the purpose of the awning was to keep the sun’s rays away and exclude rain. Whoever built it ought to be shot. His vocation plainly was not that of ap awning maker, It was not big enough to cover half of the space of side- walk which it was expected to protect from a down-pour, and the result was Isoon found myself becoming gradually drenched. I tried to enter the grocery store. I could not get in, however. Its proprietor was wise in his generation. He did not want to have his store mussed up by a lot of dripping people, who would not buy anything if he did let them in, but only muss up the floor by their dripping gar- ments and the inky water which oozed from the ferrules of their umbrellas. I was doomed. ‘ To stand outside.

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18 THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. And when finally the shower passed over I was a nice- looking sight. My noble white hat was completely soaked, and my new suit of clothes was in an equally pleasant condition. And the worst of it was, I had to walk home. From no lack of funds, but one of those periodical nui- sances, a car-drivers’ strike, was on the bills just then, and Shank’s mare was my only method of progressing. I would not have cared so much about the pedestrian exercise, had I not before I had goue many blocks made two startling discoveries. My elegant white dicer had lost its stiffness. It sogged over my eyes in a helpless sort of BE and water from it dripped over my face. As for my clothes! That handsome suit of Shepherd’s plaid. They shrunk with such alarming rapidity that I began to be afraid I would be exposed to public view clad only in my underwear before I reached home. Public attention was attracted to me, Men stared. Women giggled. Boys hooted after me. Such flattering hoots as: ‘¢Took at the dude!” ** Ain’t he a dandy!” ‘¢ How nice his clothes fit him.” ‘Tock at the hat.” ‘* Don’t look at it. Rather get a gun and shoot it.” *¢ Poor man! he’s been drunk and got caught in the rain.” Tam not naturally of a blood-thirsty disposition, but I felt that it would give me a good deal of satisfaction to wring all of their necks. When I reached home the door was opened by my aunt. She was horror-stricken at my appearance. I do not blame her. When afterwards I caught sight of myself in the glass I felt that she had good cause tobe. -~- If eyer a young man had cause to feel totally demoralized it was myself. ‘‘ Edward,” groaned she, “ this is a terrible blow to me.” 6 What is?” **Coming home this way.” ‘What way?” You don’t know, do you?” No.” ‘Oh, Edward, my heart bleeds for you!” ** Aunty?” SCY en.” ‘¢ What in the world are you driving at?” *T see it all.” **See what all?” **You have yielded.” To what?” “The demon of drink. It is bad enough for your uncle to go to the club nights and meet with a lot of dissolute old roysterers, who send him home some nights long after midnight, and open the door for him because he is not able to open the door himself. But come in the house, but don’t come in tke parlor. You would drip it all wet from the water contained in year clothes. Go up in your 2 room and change your clothes. Oh, Edward—Edward, that you should have made the acquaintance of the ser- pent who lurks in the wine cup.” I gct out of patience at her speech. ‘‘T have not drank a drop to-day which would affect me.” “Do not add hypocrisy to your other vices.” ‘ Aunt?” ce Yes.”, ‘¢ What do you mean?” ‘‘You have been looking on the wine cup when it was red, as I said before.” ** Aunt?” < “Well?” ‘That ain’t fair, and you know it. I never drink, ex- cept on rare occasions, such as marriages and births.” : Then, as I did not desire to téase the good old lady any more, I told her just how I happened to be in my present unpresentable condition. She believed me. ‘¢ Well,” she said, ‘‘ we are all liable to make errors. 4 make them inyself. " “You do ?” ‘Yes. For instance, to-day I got caught in the sudden downpour of rain myself.” ‘ ‘You did?” . “e Yes,” ‘‘ Careless on your part.” ‘And it, I am afraid, will ruin my new dress, and I only hope that it will not run the colors together ; and if they do, oh, what a time I will have. Your uncle is so awful peculiar. He is like all of his sex.” ‘* Excluding none?” SSNOu ‘* He’s selfish.” ** Good.” ‘* Avaricious.” * Better.” ‘He thinks only of himself.” ‘¢'That shows he has a great head. If you don’t look out for yourself, no one else will.” My aunt, for a wonder, saw the force of the logic. ‘ “T suppose,” she said, ‘‘that if I were like John I | would be thought more of.” ‘No doubt about it, Why don’t you give Uncle John thunder the nexttime that he jaws at you?” ** Would you?” ify Yes. ” ‘«‘ What can I do?” P ‘© Put on a little spunk.” ‘* How?” ‘Go for-him with a broom when he pains his vocal- isms. Just tell him that you’ve stood his abuse long enough, and go for him with the broom.” She looked with fear at the RepEpe so: ‘*T would never have the courage LaF she said, ‘Yes, you have in a certain sense.” “© How?” 2 ‘You're a naturally brave woman.” 3 ‘*T'm afraid that I am not.” : =

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. i9 ‘“‘T say you are. He is always blowing about his cour- age. ” ‘cc Yes. ” ‘‘ Boasting what a fighter he used to be when he was young.” : oe Yes. ? ‘* How he beat and pounded the Hie out of the other young men with whom he associated.” “«Seems to mé I have heard him go on in that way.” ** Aunty?” SE YVessi “ He’s all guff.” ‘¢ What's that?” ‘¢ Why, he really himself is a coward at heart.” ‘¢He is?” ses.” ‘* How do you know?” ‘¢ Are you aware what his business friends call him?” “cc No. ” ‘Old Fireworks.” , My aunt looked surprised at this veracious piece of in- formation. ‘¢ They do?” ‘*Yes’m.” ‘And don’t he knock them down?” No.” “ Why not?” ‘¢ Because he’s afraid to.” ‘ Why?” ‘They would knock him down so quick that he would never know what struck him.” “You don’t tell me!” ‘Indeed, and I do, and ifhe begins kicking around here like a wild man, take the advice of not your mother, but your nephew, and go for him.” ‘¢T believe I will,” she said, with an animation that sur- prised me. ‘‘He has bullied me long enough.” ‘“That is the way to talk.” Really I had not the faintest idea that my aunt would follow my advice. I would just as lief thought that she would have tried to set fire to the house. But you never know how to take these old ladies, Would you believe it; when my uncle came in she kept her word. Sbe went for him at a lively rate. He came in growling as ustal. ‘‘Hum,” he said, as he flung his umbrella in one corner, ‘what is that horrid smell of cooking ?” She did not answer. She sat bolt upright in her chair and hummed a psalm tune. Not the slightest notice of kis presence did she take. He looked ‘dumfounded at her conduct. “T would like to know what you mean by not answering me?” he inquired. She was mute. _ Then my uncle got mad in earnest. Tl find some way of opening your mouth!” he blus- tered. This not very courteous remark was all that my aunt wanted to set her a-going. There was a small broom, such as ladies use to brush up their room with, standing in one corner. She grabbed it. “Til teach you,” she said, ‘‘to insult me. You have , bullied me long enough, you great, big; overgrown ruffian, You would not dare to speak a word to a man, but you come home and vent your spite on me. ‘Take that, you great big coward. ‘Take that and feel how you relish it!” - As she spoke she brought her weapon down with full force on his back. CHAPTER X. NEVER did I behold such a surprised man as my uncle. He looked pale as a ghost, and stood for a second as if inert. : He did not have the chance to do statue business long. My aunt gave him a second dose of the broom. I was right when I told my aunt that my uncle was @ big coward. He could have easily twitched the broom from her feeble hands. But no! Instead he turned tail. He fled for his life down-stairs. My aunt pursued. x She got in several lively blows in the course of their downward journey. They kept on until the kitchen floor was reached. On the floor is a small closet where coal is kept. The door was open. 7 In the closet for coal my uncle descried a haven of refuge. He rushed inside of the closet. Just in time to escape a blow which, if had taken effect, would have made his head ring for many a day. Tt did not. He was too quick for her. He got the door shut just in time, and its vim was wasted on the panels. He gave a triumphant laugh. ‘Ah, my dear,” he cackled, ‘‘you ain’t quite as smart as you think you are.” ‘¢ Aint I?” said she. SONO=s “Why?” ‘¢- You did not hit me after all, my dear.” SOWell (tie: ‘¢Do you know what you had better do?” ‘¢ What?” ‘Go up-stairs and ccol off.” ‘* Weil, it will be a long time before you, ruffian, get's a chance to cool off.” “Tt will?” 5GYV x22 ‘ Why?” “You've forgot one thing.” “ What?” ‘The door has a spring-lock.” So it had.

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20 THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK, seascape Se Se a My uccle felt more broken up than ever. A spring-lock. And he on the wrong side of it! TUndeniably bis wife had him at her mercy. *‘Tet me out,” he bellowed. She only laughed. One of those sarcastic laughs which aggravates a man more than a blow. ‘*Not much, ” she said. «You won't?” 4*No,” 4¢Why not?” 4¢ You know the reason.” $¢ What?” ‘¢ Because you are such a loving husband. teach you a lesson. Ta! ta!” This cool reply started my uncle off again. ‘Tl break down the closet door,” threatened he. ‘You will?” calmly remarked my aunt. 40Yes.” «JT would not if I were you.” pan, wouldn't?” 46 No. ‘Haven't La right to break down my own closet door if I want to?” “ \ But I'll tell ye wan thing.” by

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- THE BOOK AGENT'S LUCK. 22 - **T’d lave him down there all noight, and it wud only serve him roight if the rats wud ate him up.” - - **Ton’t talk that way,” said my aunt. ‘*He may have his faults, but he has a kindly heart.” *Yis. That moight all be, but many a man wid a koindlier heart thin him has been hung.” My aunt was well versed in the peculiarities of her faith- ful servant. “Don’t talk that way,” said she. ‘‘ Don’t you know, to say the least, it is a very ungrateful speech to make about a man from whom you earn your living?” Jane was not crushed yet. --‘© And if it was only himself, it is meself that would not earn me living here foive days. Ye well know that I only stay here wid ye on account av the way he thrates ye.” Then Janz, impulsive as all her race, burst into tears. “‘T would not.” “Why?” 2 ‘¢She says she is apa with you.” ‘*Through with me?” ‘¢Yes.” ‘“<T don’t know what she means.” ‘‘ Why, it is easy enough to tumble to. leave ‘you and go to her brother Jim’s.” **Get out!” **Tt goes.” : ‘« But what does she want to go to her brother Jim’s for?” ** Because she means to apply for a divorce,” ~ I could hear my amiable kinsman groan in a stupefied sort of way. ‘Great Scott!” ejaculated he, ‘‘ what have I ever done She means to : *¢T am sorry if I have said anything which moight have |,that she should sue for a divorce?” ' hurt yez feelings,” she said, ‘‘ but the boss is enough to ‘‘She says she can prove that almost since the date of provoke the temper of a saint, and he will get punished | her marriage you have treated her with studied cruelty.” for the way he acts toward you, maybe not in this world, but in the next.” : Artful Jane! Wasn’t she the conjurer for you! Very well she knew that her loudly expressed sympathy for my aunt would meet its reward. So it did. Next day she was presented with a dress nearly new. “T’ll go down,” said my aunt, ‘‘and let him out myself.” ‘¢TIndade and ye won't,” said Jane. ‘‘The oidea av ye cowering yesilf to that ixtint! But I tell ye what ye can flo.” “What?” ‘Tf ye are co bound in releasing him, sind Masther Eddie down to do the deed.” I jumped at the suggestion. ey I saw a chance for some fun. “Tl go!” I eagerly said. CHAPTER XI. Go I did. , = . My uncle heard my approach, Hope revived in his heart once more. He began a perfect fusillade of kicks and blows against the closet door. ‘‘ Hey there—hey there!” he shouted. They’d there. I paused in front of the closet. ** Anybody in there?” asked I, in the most innocent ac- cents I could employ. _ ‘©Yes,” came an answer in muffled tones from the closet. 6 Who is it?” ce Me.’’ ‘* Who’s me?” ‘Your uncle.” - Nonsense!” “But it is.” “But how in the world did you Ri in there?” ‘¢ She done it.” - ~ Who's she?” - “Your aunt. Won’t I make her pay for her nae bit of pesny pune : - i tae ie -e. ee / os —— a ‘‘Thunder and lightning! Ed?” “Well?” ‘¢- You know that is an infernal lie!” Purposely I hesitated before replying. The great man in the closet grew impatient because E did not answer him at once. ‘¢ Have you lost your tongue?” he shouted. ‘*No,” I said, “ but, uncle——” ‘oWhat?” ‘¢-You know the rough way you have of talking to her?” ‘‘]t’s only habit. She acts so silly at times that I can’t help scolding her. I do not mean anything by it.” ‘¢But a referee would not believe that.” ‘¢ Why wouldn’t he?” - ‘+ yer know a referee yet that in such a case was not on the side of the woman? ‘There’s more money in it.” Uncle John was forced to ccnfess that such was the case. ‘The big fools let themselves be carried away by spuri- ous feelings of chivalry or gallantry, and give a verdict ig her favor. But, Ed?” ‘¢ Well?” “How long before you mean to let me out?” Right away.” I kept my word. I opened the door. Uncle John did not present a picture of cleanliness as he walked out of the closét. He was besmeared with coai dust from head to foot, ‘What do you think I had better do in this dilemma? asked he. ; ‘*Go take a wash the first thing.” He thought the advice was good. He went in the kitchen and laved himself, When he got through he looked better. More like a white man than he had previously. ‘‘Now,” he said, ‘‘I guess I will try BY make up with the o!d Jady.” ‘“‘T would,” I advised; ‘and doit as quickly as possible, or beware of Jim.” ‘“My brother-in-law?” isi Yes. ” ‘¢ What has he got to do with it?’ ‘¢ A good deal.” ~

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99 na <'h ow THE BOOK AGENT'S LOCK. Ti es ee a ar ne §* How 2?” ‘* Aunty hasn’t any parents living, has she?” “No, they died long ago.” ‘‘ Well, Jim, as you know, is a regular sport.” ‘¢ Puts himself up for one, perhaps.” ‘‘He’s a good rower.” . “TJ never saw him row, and can’t tell.* ‘¢ A fair shot.” ‘¢T never heard of him bringing any game home.” “But worst than all, that is for you, he is a superb boxer.” ‘«T don’t care if he is a regular Sullivan.” ‘But you will.” “When?” “When he tackles you.” “Tackles me?” 6 Yes.” ‘‘T’d like to be told what business he has to tackle me?” ‘‘ Aunty’s father and mother both being deceased, he is the head of the elie is he not?” ‘‘T suppose so.” ‘‘There is no supposing about it. ‘‘ What do I care one way or the other about it?” “But you will. When he finds out how you treated your wife, do you know what he will do?” “ What?” ‘‘ He'll just come around here and pay you a social call to try and adjust family matters.” ‘‘ Well, he needn't do it. I don’t want to see him.” ‘© And you'll had that you never had seen him when he does call.” “cc Why?” *¢ As the Supposable nead: of the family it is his duty to avenge his sister’s wrongs.” “But, blast it, she ain’t got nowrengs. She’s got areg- ular picnic.” I delighted in teasing the old fellow. It did me good to aggravate him. “Can’t tell what public opinion will decide. Jim, of course, will take aunty’s story that she is a regular martyr, and he’ll travel here with velocity.” * He be hanged!” ‘‘ Unfortunately he will refuse to be hanged, but he will be liable to hang you.” ‘© No, he won't.” ‘ Have it your own way.” ‘* But can’t I explain things to him?” T laughed sareastically. ‘Not much. He'll listen to nothing. He is as head- strong as a mule,” I assured. “That is so.” ‘ And he would listen to explanations, like fun. Instead, he would sweep the sidewalk all up with you, that is if he happened to meet you on the sidewalk.” ‘“T don’t doubt the young ruffian would if he got the chance, and glory in the deed. What is your advice?” “Go up and apologize to aunt at once before it is too late.” He sulked worse than a bear with a sore head at the suggestion. Bas aad his good sense ees X\ z+ 1? He saw that it was the only thing to be done, if the dove of Peace was to be desired to hover over the household. ‘<T’ll do it,” he said, making a wry face, ‘‘ but you can - bet it will be the at and last time humiliate myself be- fore any woman.’ ‘Tt won’t be aene ‘*Tt won’t?” ‘tNo,” ‘* What then?” ‘¢ Reparation.” ‘‘ Putting it in this light seemed to be alittle balm to my uncle.”’ ‘‘That’s true,” he said; ‘‘perhaps I am too “hasty at times,” ‘Of course youare. Now just you and aunty kiss and make up.” 5 At the door of his room he paused. Turning to me, he somewhat sheepishly said: ‘Don’t you come in.” ‘¢ Why not?” I asked. ‘‘Because I don’t want any one to see me make an old fool of myself knuckling down to Eliza.” ‘All right.” He shut the door lightly. At least he thought he did. But he was mistaken. He left it just a little bit ajar. I will own that I feel ashamed of myself when I make a confession. Curiosity is the curse of us all. I am not free from it. Rather am I cursed with it to a very large extent. Almost as bad as a woman, : I committed a grievous breach of etiquette. I listened to the conversation of the happy, connubial couple. Likewise did I commit the crime of peeping through the key-hole. * Uncle John’s arrival was a complete surprise to my aunt. Poor woman! Already had she regretted her rebellion, and was trem- bling almost for fear of what its consequences would be. It was a wonder she did not burst out into tears and beg his pardon. However, she didn’t. She sat bolt upright as a pile-driver, and looked as im- placable as a Gorgon. (Gorgons, I believe, were mytho- logical females who only had one eye, which was situated — in the middle of their foreheads, and who, by common re- pute, were said to be holy terrors.) Uncle John nervously deposited himself on the edge of a chair. He looked a perfect emblem of despair. CHAPTER XII. EVIDENTLY he had expected his wife to burst out with some violent denunciation of: him. He seemed disappointed that she Big not. Five long minutes ensued. My aunt showed about as much signs of life as a dummy. At last my uncle made a desperate effort to break the frigidity. , Pah are ey ee sae Ue tas Stee pes Si amie oe ee ne ee ae

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of that before. THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. An by SN a i nt ee ‘‘Hum!” he said, in a deep, bass voice. She no more noticed him than if he had been a thousand amniles away. ‘‘ Hum!” he repeated. No attention paid. For the third time he “‘hummed” in a voice like the roar of a lion. This time Mrs. John noticed it. Unfavorably. ‘Mr, Clutterbuck,” she remarked, ‘‘is that you?” *¢Yes,” he replied. “How dare you?” +‘ How dare I what?” «‘Tntrude on my privacy.”

‘* My brother James.” This is what they call in the vernacular of the prize-ring ‘a facer.” He loved his brother-in-law as dearly as Brochariiawe generally love each other. That is to say, he almost hated him, and the two barely — exchanged civilities. My uncle got red in the face. ‘‘Well,” he blustered, something like his old self, I would sae like to see hit or any other man living put me out of my own house. They’ll have a pretty tough time doing it, let me tell you. Illcallina policeman and settle the hash of that rowdy brother.” My aunt laughed. ‘You're talking big, ain’t you?” asked she. ‘*T mean what I say.” ‘* Well, what you say is rubbish.” “ Why?” ‘Tn the first place you haven’t any house, and you know it. It belongs to me.” This was ‘‘facer” number two. ‘“Yes,” continued my aunt, ‘instead of Jimmy being put out when the policeman came, it would te you who would make an involuutary exit. I would tell him you were raising a disturbance, and you would be put out with surprisiog suddenness.” At this ‘‘facer” number three my uncle gave in. He sank like a crushed tragedian into his chair again. Gradually he was realizing that bis wife was not such a fool as he had always considered her to be. : ‘‘ Eliza?” he said, in as tender tones as he eould assume. “¢ Eliza?” ‘J don’t want to listen to you,” she said, but with a milder voice. “Oh, but you must.” > Must t 2?” “és Yes. ” ‘‘T would make an Sains to you.” “<Tt is about time.” coy can own that I have not treated you right in many ways.” At this confession, which must have galled my uncle’s pride awfully to make, my aunt relented. “John,” said she, ‘let this be a lesson to you. Remem- ber that he who ruleth his temper is greater than he who ruleth a city.” ‘‘ Which I suppose is true,” responced Uncle John, ‘‘al- thongh it is awful tough work sometimes. And say, Eliza?” “Well?” 2 ‘* We'll all go to the theater to-morrow night.” By this. time I felt that it was time to appear on the scene of the happy reconciliation. I knocked at the door. ‘¢ Who's there?” asked he. ‘t Me,” I answered. 6d?” Yes.” ‘What do you want?” “Can't I come in?” ‘‘ Well, I suppose so, tye behave Meee SS I ghtered. te.

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24 THE BOOK AGENT'S LUCK. I saw at the first glance that all was well, and thata reconciliation had occurred. “ Bless you, my children,” I remarked somewhat irrever- ently. ‘‘This is as it should be, uncle.” ‘* Well, you saucy young jeckanapes,” he said, ‘‘you mind your own business.” I suppose that I had ought to, but I could not resist the temptation of teasing my respected relative. I struck ard sang in my own sweet thrills: ‘There is Beauty all around When there’s Love at home, Peace and Plenty do abide When there’s Love at home.” He did not appreciate my carol. **You impudent young scoundrel, I've a Bood mind to break your neck!” ‘‘ Don’t,” I requested, ‘‘ put yourself to any sich trouble. Besides, oa you might get excited over the neck-break- ‘ing operation, and have one of those spells of yours, and fall down. Don’t you remember that day last summer?” ‘* What day?” ‘«The day the policeman brought you home, and all the neighbors said: ‘¢ € Poor old Clutterbuck!’ ‘¢* What a pity! he’s drunk again!’ **¢ Full as a goat!’ **¢Can’t hardly walk!’ s¢ (See him stagger? **<He’s a disgrace to his wife! ** +The sot!’ ‘¢ ¢ How his poor wife must feel!’ ‘¢* Why did he not wait, and not come home till it was after dark?’ ‘** Why, he seems proud of his shame.’ ‘¢<Ton’t seem to care a rap about appearances !’ ‘** Him! No. What does he care for appearances? They say he has been lushing it like that for fifty years.’ ” These reminiscences did not-seem to please my uncle. He scowled at me. ‘¢That will do,” he said. ‘* You are always lugging up that infernal mishap, I suppose you told everybody you knew that I was drunk?” ‘© No, sir.” ‘* Well, it was a wonder, and you ought to be re- warded.” ‘* Of course I ought.” * And I'll do it.” “cc How bbb ‘*We are all going to some show to-morrow night, and - Ql take you along.” **Good! Uncle ?* “Well?” ‘Your shanty is only equaled by your gocd looks.” - ‘“* Taffy!” he replied, courteously. ¢ CHAPTER XIII. THE combination of ‘‘ Murderers and Murderesses of the World” and myself got along very finely until one un- ‘fortunate day, having canvassed New York and Brooklyn Acid well I went to New tee cS - There I met with my first scrape. - At Jersey City I sold several copies, selling by sample, C. O. D., and at Newark I did well, too. It remained for me to get into-a scrape in a little town, which I will Skinville, which was a very proper title for it. At least in my case. For I got skinned there. By the law, too. They talk about ‘‘ Jersey justice.” Bah! They don’t know what they are isin about. I do. I call it Jersey injustice. Experience is a good teacher, andj I got my experience of *‘ Jersey justice ” right there in Skinville. I entered the bar-room of the only hotel the settlement boasted. The bar-room was no gilded aril of debauchery, but simply a rough-and-ready sort of a place common to HOSE small country towns. The bar was a plain oak one, and it was not set off by an array of fine cut glasses. Not much. Its only ornament was a bunch of withered lilacs stuck in a broken pitcher. They had been there a week prob- ably. The bar-keeper lolled with his elbows on the bar, talking to a fat man with a dirty red beard. I went up to the bar and-braced the couple. Taking off my hat, I wiped the perspiration from my brow. I knew the way to reach the hearts of the rustic Jer. seyites. It is very simple. All you have got to do is to treat. Never, though, expect them to treat in return. Such a proceeding would be little less than a miracle, and if by accident he did while drunk he would be apt to kill him. self in an agony of remorse when he sobered up. “Gentlemen,” I remarked, ‘awful hot day.” ‘*Terrible,” said the bar-keeper. ** Awful,” said the red-bearded stranger. ‘Tt is a wonder people can live in the city,” observed the barkeeper. **Good weather for business?” ‘* Well, yes,” admitted the barkeeper. ‘* At least it ought to be.” ‘* Ain’t it?* ae No. ” ‘*Why not?” ‘¢ Ever hear the old rhyme about beer?” “No, Let me hear it.” ‘‘Tt’s short and sweet, and, better yet, it is true. Here goes. No bouquets, please : ‘¢ Tf you ain’t got no money : You can’t buy no beer; - And ifyou ain’t got no money You can’t buy no beer here. - That’s true the world over. ‘Folks ain't got no Deane

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. 25 “You're right,” I acquiesced. ‘‘In these hard times we “Who by?” all look to our dollars and dimes. And speaking about ‘* All of the boys. They know my failing, and they get beer, will you join me in a glass of that delicious beverage | me up in front of the bar and keep pestering me te or anything else you want?” . treat until, just to get rid of them, I do so. There is a Would they? Wouldn’t they? : They accepted my offer with alacrity. _ ‘* Whisky straight, and give me the right bottle, Bill,” requested the red-bearded stranger. ‘‘ The last time you tried to work that old rot-gut stuff on me, which was a very mean trick to play on a friend, for if I had swallowed it it would have ruinéd the coating of my stomach.” >. “That is all right. It would take nothing less than Pod jiquid dynamite to ruin the coating of yous stomach, 2 sheriff.” = s couple of doliars gone in a wink for drinks.” Here the sheriff stopped to See a flood of to bacco juice over the floor. ~ « But don't they ever treat back?” ** Them!” politic to ring in with him. (2#n passant he rung me in.) soy ky The barkeeper mixed himself a delectable concoction ‘I’m sheriff of this town.” which he called a ‘tansy sour,” and was very anxious to “They could not have a better.” have me try one. “Hum. You're a stranger to this town.” I declined. “T am.” : With thanks. ‘‘Hum. It is my duty as the sheriff to ask you where I felt that I was too wicked to leave this world just | you hail from?” then, and I had a strong foreboding that such would he “New York.” the result should I swallow that ‘‘ tansy sour.” “Hum. And what is your name?” I modestly took a pony of beer. “ Montague Fortescue.” ~ ‘It was brought, and it proved warm and stale, _ -4- © What?” I only took a few sips of it, and that was sufficient for ‘Montague Fortescue.” . / me. ; ‘* A very suspicious name.” ~ I felt that if I swallowed the whole beer I would “‘T do not think so.” vomit. ‘¢You do not?” The sheriff noticed that I did not get away with my ‘No. In my opinion it is a dandy.” beer. ‘In my opinion it is an assumed ofe.” He asked me.the reason. I could not imagine what he was driving at. I told him frankly. . I asked him point blank. : ‘¢'That’s so,” he said, ‘‘ warm beer ain’t very palatable, ‘‘Steriff,” said I, ‘*I do not really understand the mean- se especially in hot weather, and the ice all ran out yester- | ing of all this catechism of me.” ~~ day. .Why don’t you try some straight whisky?” ue fixed what I suppose he would call his ‘eagle eye” *‘ Much obliged, -but it is very seldom that I touch any | Upon me. ; kind of ‘hard stuff.’” ‘Young man,” he said, in a stern voicé—a voice which The sheriff looked sad for a moment. I suppose he imagined would thrill my guilty conscience ‘Young fellow,” he said, ‘‘I wish that I could say as with terror, ‘‘ I consider you a suspicious character.” much, But I can’t.” This was a pleasant announcement. ‘© Why not?” Coming from a sheriff! ‘I’m too liberal and whole-souled. Rumeosts me thou-| And a Jersey sheriff at that. ~sands of dollars every year justin treating.” But after the first shock of the announcement I thought ** You don’t mean it?” that I could well afford to laugh it off. aE “Yes, I spend thousands of dollars every year in| ‘* Nonsense,” I said, “ there is nothing of the usp weious treating the gang.” character about me. I have a legitimate business.’ ‘¢But don’t you think it is a foolish habit?” “You have?” ” I don’t think so; I know so.” “Yes. : : “T gj but you will have to prove it, or “Then why do you keep it up?” Dain carey Hope 20s ees, P bear *©Can’t help tae : ‘Oh, it’s all my own fault.” “*How?” «I’m too good-natured.” Tn what way?” “Treating. I’m imposed upon.” ot = Canvassing is a legitimate business. e “Sheriff,” I said, ‘‘ 1 can do so in a minute.” Most certainly. ite ie

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28 THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. CHAPTER XIV. ‘*T aw glad to hear it,” he said, although he did not look a bit glad. My sample copy of my work I carried ae up in a nice leather case, which I had had made especially for-it. The case reposed just where I had put it when I entered -thesaloon. It was on a small table, nobody having dis- turbed it. ° I picked it up. I returned with it to the suspicious official. I placed it on the bar. My next move was to open it by sliding the clamps which held its edges together apart. The bag flew open. Its contents was revealed; viz: one harmless book. The sheriff looked very much surprised. Well might he be. No doubt he fully anticipated that the public exposure of ' the bag’s contents would reveal a whole kit of burglars’ tools. ‘But he was left. Most decidedly. He took off hishat and scratched his head. No burglars’ tools. Not evena cheap jimmy. It was tough luck. ’ Especially to the sheriff, who, Juankhead ashe was, thought himself a born detective instead of being what he came within an ace of being, that is a born fool. After considerable cogitation a brilliant idea occurred to him. : 5 ‘‘Young man,” asked he, ‘‘ where did you steal that book?” That was a little too much. To be accused of stealing my own book. ‘* Look at here!” I hotly said, ‘‘I don’t care whether you are sheriff or not, I do not allow any one to call me a thief.” - He weakened. ‘‘ But where.did you get the book?” ‘¢ Want to buy it?” » ‘What do yott mean?” ‘*Tt is for sale.” “T don’t understand yet.’” ‘Then you must be very dull of comprehension.” “ Why 2” ‘*T am a canvasser, and thisis the book I am canyass- ing for.” ‘Let me look at it?” ; «Certainly. Just put your name down for three copies and I will let you have them cheap.” He picked up the book. The moment he had itin his clutcb, his whole manner changed. ; © Ah, ha!” he chuckled. The tables were turned. It was my turn to be bewildered. ‘You have me now?” I echoed, mechanically. “ Yes.” ’ ** What do you mean?” ‘* You are in the strong grasp of the law as represented ‘*T have you now!” _a stop to at all hazards. by me, and the law don’t mean to let you escape so easy.” ** But what have I done?” He held the book aloft in triumph. “ Are you aware,” asked he, ‘‘ that there i is a fine of ten dollars imposed on every one caught peddling wares of any description in this town?” ‘© No.” ‘¢ Well, there is.” **But I did not know it.” **T can’t help that. one. You will have to come along with me to the Squire’s, and I warn you not to try to escape on the way, for lam ‘armed and I would be justified by the laws of New Jersey ~ in.shooting you right down. Say?” “eé Well?” 3 Be you promise you'won’t try to run away I won't put ’em on.’ “ Put what on?” ‘The nippers.” ‘<T promise,” I said, indignantly. ‘‘ I suppose nothing would please you better than <0 march me through the streets with manacles on.” ‘© Well, one can’t be too careful,” he excused. ‘‘ Didn’t IT arrest a hoss-thief, a chap just about your build, and looking as meek as a lamb? He took his arrest easy, and laughed, and insisted on treating all hands before I lugged him away to jail. But I never got him to jail.” “You didn’t ?” I growled. . **Nol” savagely said he. “* How was that?” : ‘¢On the way he up and hits me wita a piece of lead- pipe which he had hid up his sleeve, and knocks me silly.” ‘“‘Then he did not go to jail, after all?” ‘* No, darn his eyes, and i haven’t been able to find him since.” The narration made me feel a sincere regard for the horse-thief. If I should meet him I will be only too happy to open a - bottle of wine in his honor. The mansion of the squire was not far cf. Tt was a two-story cottage, and the squire himselfsat on the porch. The squire was an agreeable old party. He must have been about ninety years old, and he look- ed more like some old mummy temporarily electrified into life than anything else. He was reading a paper, which he laid down at our ob: proach. ** Hello, sheriff!” he said, ‘‘ what’s that you’ ve BR prisoner ?” ‘Mornin’, squire,” ‘¢ Yes, it is a prisoner.” ‘“ What has he been doing?” ‘¢ Violating one of the town ordinances.” ‘‘TIndeed! ‘That is bad. Which one?” ‘¢ Peddling without a license.” -* A very heinous offense and one that Iam bound to put Peddlers who roam through the country without licenses I always consider have some sinister motive. eheeduicnaly answered the sheriff. Ignorance of the law excuses no- On pretense of peddling they visita house t ed

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THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. in the daytime and find out all about if, so that they can lay their plans how to rob it at night.” The sheriff nodded his head approvingly. ‘Tt takes you, squire,” he said, ‘‘to figger things out.” The old idiot on the bench was pleased at this piece of flattery. **T ain’t been on the bench for nigh come thirty years,” he said, ‘‘ without making a close study of the criminal classes.” : I flared up at this. ‘I do not consider myself a member of the criminal classes at all,” said I, ‘‘and I want you to understand it.” The faded black skull-cap which the local Solon wore nearly fell from his-head. ‘¢ Wh—what!” he gasped, ‘‘ this tome, me, J ene Shal- - low? Young man?” ‘* Well?” I said. “Do you know what I have a great mind to do?” “4 What ?” «*Commit you for contempt of court.” ‘J do not think I have said anything disrespectfal.” 6¢ You don’t ?” 4c No. ” The justice turned to the sheriff. ‘¢ Sheriff?” he said. «Yes, your honor,” answered the sheriff. “Do not you think the prisoner at the bar has been guilty of contempt of court?” ‘* Most assuredly, your honor.” By this time it was plain to me that his nibbs, the sheriff, was a creature of the justice—a veritable lick- spittle. With a great deal of pomposity the justice told me to fol- low him to the court room. The court-room was a great snap of an apartment. It was a little dingy room having a*bare floor, unplas- tered walls, and a window covered, without exaggeration, With an inch of dirt. The furniture was truly regal. “It consisted of a battered desk and a high stool for the justice, and a couple of plain pine benches for the prisoner -and witnesses. The justice, with an air of magisterial severity, mounted the high stool. eS: sheriff and myself occupied a bench. ‘Prisoner at the bar,” said the justice, as with great ostentation he mounted his high stool, and opening the lid a 4of his desk, drew forth a big inkstand, a pen and a dingy oo ~yolume in jatai were kept the proceedings of the court, = a ** what is your name?” ; © Montague Fortescue,” I answered. — ae Age?” ae Twenty-three.” ** Married?” e¢No.” = ~ £tWhere born?” _ New York.” Occupation?” _ * At present canvasser.” ~ * Religion?” **T am a Sun Worshiper.” The justice looked aghast. : ‘‘ What did you say your religion was?” ‘* A Sun Worshiper.” ‘‘ What sort of a sect is that?”** ‘‘ Oh, it is ayery select sect. We only meet once a year. Sometimes we cluster on the banks of the River Ganges, then again a second year may find us down on our knees on one of Greenland’s icy mountains worshiping the sun, We always bend tie knee to him on the Fourth of July.” The justice swallowed this AT piece of taffy with- out 3 choke. ‘He looked shocked. ‘‘Then you are an idolator?” he gasped. ‘Some folks might call me so.” ¥ ‘‘Wuss and wuss. The idea of idolators having the effrontery to peddle books in a Christian country. Young man?” ‘* Yes, sir.” ‘¢™@he court finds you spite and its sentence is that you pay a fine of ten dollars and Svan committed until the fine is paid.” ~ CHAPTER XV. HERE was a nice prospect for a lone young man out in the wilds of the Red Mud State with no friends and no ten dollars. All of the dross I had around my person was about three of Uncle Sam’s emerald-colored promises to pay of the one denomination. : And if I did not pony up I wonld have to goto a dirty Jersey jail and languish for a night in durance vile until I . could communicate with my relatives. Luckily a sudden idea entered my head, ‘‘ Justice,” said I, ‘‘ the sheriff forgot to tell you what I was peddling.” ‘That is so, Davidson,” said Justice Shallow, ‘‘and itis very careless indeed on your part.” The sheriff looked somewhat confused. I sincerely believe he meant to keep the book himself. ‘‘Tt—it is a book, Your Honor,” said he. ‘* A book, hey?” said the irascible justice. ‘* | Why dide’t you tell me so before ?” ‘‘ B-b-because you did not ask me,” stammered the sheriff. ‘‘Tt makes no difference whether I asked you or not. The proper place for the custody of that book is in the hands of the court, rot yours.” With a crestfallen air Sheriff Davidson produced the book. He gave it to the justice. The magistrate took it from its case. Putting on his steel-rimmed spectacles he read the title. His face grew red with rage. He slammed the volume down on the table. ‘‘ Abominable!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ The idea of selling such vile works. Young man.” ‘¢'Yes, sir.” ‘¢T have a good mind to fine you exenty, dollars more on that account.” Justice?” “What is it?” ‘¢T am very careful to whom I sell these books. Not for a moment co As oceet that I would eee them i in 1 the Se (tee

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28 Hine oe ee ee ee ee of the guileless or of the vicious classes. Nay—nay, such a deed would I scorn—i would consider myself a vil- lain.” “*And I think you are,” growled the sheriff, who had ' noticed that my little speech had made an obvious effect 9n the justice. ** Davidson?" said he. “ Well?” ‘* Shut up, or leave the room.” Davidson subsided. It was evident that the cranky magistrate was no re- specter of persons. I seized the advantage I had gained. You can wager I improved the opportunity. **T only sell to lawyers and magistrates,” I fictioned. ** What a whopper!” breathed the sheriff. He breathed it in what he thought was an inaudible whisper, and that he would not be heard by the justice. He was mistaken. The justice heard him. He had the keenest ears of any old gentleman I ever came across. “Stand up, Jim Davidson!” he ordered. Alarmed at the mandatory tones of the peppery old fel- low, he stood up just like some cowed school-boy. ‘* Jim Davidson!’’ impressively said he, ‘‘ you think be- cause you are sheriff of this county that you are a big man.” “*T don’t,” sullenly said the sheriff. ** Don’t you contradict me, for I will send you up for eontempt of court, Jim Davidson.” *¢What?” . _ “Say, ‘what, your honor,’ Don’t you know how to address a magistrate sitting on the bench?” > * What, your honor?” _ That sounds more like it, Jim Davidson.” “* What, your honor?” “That is very good again. I tell you, Jim Davidson, the people of this county are a set of fools.” ‘* What for?” E \ 6 Electing you sheriff. You won’t be elected again.” Mr. Davidson plucked up a little courage, ** You just bet I will.” ; ** Well, I'll just bet you won't.” “Why not?” ** Ain’t you got a pretty record? Now, tell me, who did you ever arrest?” ‘“*Didn’t I arrest a camp of tramps who were up in Everett’s Woods?” The withered old justice laughed. It was one of the most ghastly laughs that I ever heard. It sounded like the merriment of some ghoul. *“*Ha, ha!” he wheezed, ‘‘that was a big arrest, was it not? Two of the tramps were women and the other a blind man! You will be elected!, Oh, yes! Oh, cer! tainly!” ** But I will be.” **Elected to stay home. support. Say?” ‘¢ Well 7” You bet that you don’t get my at EWN don't you find that one et spat: nocd got . =: Well, I Tidn't” ‘ THE BCOK AGENT'S LUCK. down? They said he was about as big as a shrine aE suppose that if you did find him you would run away oa him.” This was the last straw which broke the traditionary camel’s back. : He grabbed his hat and cane. He stalked out like a bear with an inflamed cranium. The justice grew merry at his departure. ‘*T’ve sent him off mad enough to tear my wig off,” he said, ‘‘and I am glad of it. He’sa fool, and all of his — folks are. There was never any of the ‘rite any good eat good for nothing.” ‘*T did not care, however, to stay there and hear a dia- tribe against the tribe of Davidsons (pun patented). ~ “* Justice?” I said. ra pe ‘What's it now? Going to pay me that ten dollars?” $ ‘**T would if I could, but, cOSUy; I can’t.” ‘ Why not?” ‘*T have not got it.” “‘Very unlucky for you. I always thought that book | peddlers carried hundreds of dollars in their apparel.” ‘‘You are much mistaken. At times we are lucky to carry a hundred of cents.” ‘Serves you right. Go in some other business. Be an honest blacksmith or a respectable grave-digger. ven be a circus clown, but do—do abandon canvassing. Why don’t you become a tin peddler? - I knew a boy about your age who started out as a tin peddler, with a basket on his arm. How much do you suppose he is worth now?” ‘* A million dollars.” - ‘¢ He ain’t worth a cent, and owes yet for the basket.” CHAPTER XVI. My first impulse, when I heard this yenerable chest- nut, was to faint. But I restrained the swoon. I did a much. wiser thing. I burst into an affected fit of laughter, just as if the jus- tice had uttered one of the richest bon mots in the world. - **Good!” I cried—*‘ excellent!” The justice appeared pleased at my appreciation of his- “ story. He actually gave vent to some sepulchral sounds" of merriment himself, ‘ | ‘* Have a cigar, justice?” asked I. z He would. On that you can wager. He took it, bit it about half in two, country fashion, and lit it. ; ‘* How do you like it?” I asked, after he had taken afew = puffs. = ‘**Good,” he answered. ‘‘ The.canvassing business besos pay. How much is that weed worth?” “‘Twenty cents about.” He looked alarmed. ei “Seems to me, young man,” he said, ‘‘that is flying in the face of Providence to pay that price for a cigar vie Bes: so many poor people can’t buy bread.” 74 ‘You don’t suppose I bought it, do you ?” “cc Yes. ”

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aS + . y ; THE BOOK AGENTS LUCK. : 29 ‘* Where did you get it ?” ‘‘Did you ever hear of Dr. Muldoon of Jersey City Heights?” . ‘No. Who is he?” “+ One of the greatest aashligs of the age.” “Ts he?” SaPN-OS ss ‘¢ What is nis speciality?” ‘¢ The extirpation of cancers.” At my answer the worthy magistrate seemed a little puz- zled. ‘© What be that big word you used just now?” interrogated he. ; “ Extirpation?” ‘‘Yes. What does it mean?” ‘It means doing away with. You see the surgeon just puts the patient under the influence of chloroform, takes his knife, makes an incision all around the cancer, and he hasit ut in a jiffy.” S **Ts that so?” se Yes.” ‘© But don’t it hurt?” “No.” ** Why not?” ‘© Ain’t the patient under the influence of the chloro- form administered, and therefore oblivious to pain?” ““Phat’s so.” “© Well, Dr. Muldoon not only gave me the cigar you’re smoking, but he did more.” **Did he?” So¥ ess - “cc How?” ** He bought one of my books. He said it was a work that no gentleman’s library should be without- Justice?” “Well?” : ‘*¥ou have a library?” os Oh, yes. 7 Sure enough he had. It consisted of a couple of venerable law-books and 2 last year’s calendar. ‘‘Well, my book will be a most important addition to your library, and you as a dispenser of justice you should buy it. It is a duty you owe the community.” **T don’t see how.” . ** Had not you ought to familiarize yourself with the stories of famous criminals. Some day it may lead to your making some important arrests.” This logic appeared to impress my magisterial friend. ‘« That’s true,” he said; ‘‘how much are the books?” ‘* Five dollars,” I said, boldly. There is nothing like cheek. ** Ain’t that pretty steep?” ‘* What! for a work of art like that? Look at the bind- ing. ” He did so. The binding was one of the cheapest, flashiest kind and just suited to capture the affections of a countryman, and the cover was ornamented by a gilt picture of a gentleman dangling from the gallows. Now,” I went on, ‘‘ mark the fineness of the paper and i the seat: of the steel SEO Now would you like to have that book?” “‘Of course I would, but I ain’t fool enough to pay five dollars for it. Five dollars! Great Gosh! Why, it is as much asI take in sometimes in a week for fines.” ‘* Justice,” I said, ‘‘ I'll make you a proposition.” ‘¢ You will?” he said. SCY eSez ‘Of what kind?” ‘*Tt’s a business one.” ‘Let me know it. I’m business all of the while.” ‘You fined me ten dollars, didn’t you?” tEY Saag “Now Pll give you two copies of this work and call it square.” He bit at the offer in a minute. His face assumed a benignant air. ‘* Young man,” said he, “*T believe you mean well after all.” ‘‘ No one ever meant better.” T think so myself.. But I have cnly one volume here.” ‘e Yes.” ‘¢ And how am I sure that you won’t forget to send me the second book? You might forget it when you reach the city.” I assumed an air of indignation. I pulled out my watch. You may not believe me, but I have a watch. It is a good watch, too, and keeps BU time. It ought to. I got it free with a ten-dollar suit of clothes over in the Bowery. It is a stop watch, too. That is to say, it stops all ofthe time. ‘¢ Justice,” I said, in as sorrowful tones as.I.could as sume, ‘‘I am pained.” ‘© At what?” he asked. ‘¢ Your suspicions.” ‘* Waal, we don’t know who to trust these days.” As he finished speaking I acted. I planked my watch down on his desk. 3 ‘“Mhere!” said I, in tragie tones. The justice must have thought that it was some anfornek machine. He nearly fell from his stool. “Take Tt away,” he begged, with chattering teeth. ‘Take what away?” asked, in sur prise. <ophate ‘What ?” ‘(The thing you just put down on my desk.” ss Why 7 9” ‘“¢Tt might go off!” ‘*Nonsense! -That ain’t a dynamite bomb. 2 ‘What is it 2” ‘* A watch.” - ** But what do you want to put it on my desk for?” ‘* As security that I will send you the second copy.” : This made the suspicious old fellow ashamed of himself. He actually excused himself for his suspicions as to my . a integrity. Then he closed court. = : : =

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S025 THE BOOK AGENT'S LUCK. te ee _** Young man,” he said, ‘‘ you are discharged.” I thanked him and turned to leave. He called me back. ‘Wait a minute,” he requested. I did. There was an old-fashioned cupboard in an adjoming room. To this he proceeded. I could hear for a moment the clink of glassware. ‘Then he returned with a wine glass. _It was filled with some mysterious fluid. ‘Taste it, young man,” he said. * "What is it?” asked I. ‘‘ Elderberry wine. I tell you what it is fine.” To oblige him I did so. I tasted it and have been soured on ee wine ever since. _It may be a fine drink, but it does not suit my palate. I prefer vinegar. pore vare I thanked him for] his el ea and then de- parted. And mighty thankful was I to depart. At the depot I met the sheriff. H That worthy had recovered from his temporary discom fiture. He was as fresh as‘ever. ‘* Nice justice we’ve got,” he said. ‘“‘The old gentleman seems to be rather eccentric,” I answered. ‘‘Eccentric! Why, he is as crazy as a loon. what I mean to do?” ‘* What?” i “Get up a petition to have him sent to the lunatic — asylum,” and with that he swaggered off. That was my last canvassing trip. } I found other and more congenial work shortly afterwaré and embraced it. As for my aunt and uncle, I am pleased to say that up| to the present time all is harmonious with them. Know [THE END. | ont Wide Awake Library, Special Numbers— Price 10c. Each. Joe Junk, the Whaler.... The Deacon’s Son. 20.The Fun 9 Jimmy Grimes; or, Sharp, Smart/and $ + By es 2A Bad Boy’s Scrapes.. a0 Two In a BoXx........... 2... -eec000- BY Tom Teaser 11 Muldoon’s Boarding-House...... -.-By Tom Teaser 12 Iker? or, He Never Got Left. By Tom Teaser 13 Muidoon’s Brother Dan..... ....... Tom Teaser 14 Feur Happy Fellows; ‘or, Muddled and Mixed... By Sam Smiley 15 Muldoon Abroad... esesas eee Teaser 16 Senator Muldoon. Tom Teaser 17 Sam; or, The Troublesome Poin. By Peter Pad 18 Comic Sketches. ........... -. Py “ Eda’? 27 In and Oat of School 29 Our Camping Out Club. ‘ SS >> Sooo—o——) Usetul and Instructive Books. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and instructive book, giv. ing a complete treatise on chemistry; also,experiments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions for making fire- works, colored fires, and gas balloons.. This book cannot be equaled, Price 10 cents. For sale byall Heche ae of se! will e vege oa your address, postage free,-on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. HOW. ‘PO DO_TRICKS.—The great book of magic and cari tricks, con- taining full instructions of all the leading card tricks of the day, also the mjst popular magical illusions as performed by_our leading ma-.} HOW TO ‘EXPLAIN DRrAMS.—Everybody dreams, from the little child clans; every boy should obtain a copy, as it will both amuse rath oat struct. For sale by all newsdealérs, or will be sent, receipt of 10 cents. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 196 Ne North Moore street. New York. Box 2730. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know how mn- ventions originate. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, pneumaties, mechanics, | OW .TO HUNT. AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing ., ete. The most instructive book published. Price 10 cents For sale by all newsdealers-in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of price. . Address ab Sh Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36° North Moore street, New York. x 2730. WOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated, and containing fols instfuctions for the management and training of the ca ; mock- ing-bird, bobolink, blackbird, uet, pene ete., ete. ce 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, post-paid, on receipt See the price. Address Frank Tousey, ‘publisher, 24 3% and 36 North street, New York. P.O. Box 2730. - HOW TO DRESS.—Containing fali-instrretion in the art of dress and appsaring*weli at home and abroad; giving the selections o: ~ colors, material, and how to have them made up. Price 10 ed For sale by all newsdealers in the United States and or sent, post-paid, iy, your address, on. reeeipt of price, *by k Tousey ‘publisher, 34 ‘and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. 19:Ted the sete or, Fun All Around. By Sam Smiley 28 The Jolly Moke; or, Tayi 30 Billy McNutt, the College ‘Scapegtace 81 “Dutchy;” or, Fan in German....By Gus Williams Weseeenaces By Sam Smiley | 32 Fun ona Yaclit.... ws ase odeseese .. By Tom Teaser --By “Bricktop** | 33 Next Door......... selec .By Tom Teaser” 2 By Tom Teaser By “ Bricktop”’ -.--By Sam Smiley 34 Boarding-School ndecdeade +s-eseeus-BY Peter Pad 35 The Aldermen Sweeneys ot New York Siseae ae By Tom Teaser 36 Joining the Jolly Owls.......... .-.By Sam Smile ey 37 Henpecked .< 0. sfsiue ease de ae “ Bricktop 38 Mrs. Brown's Boarding-House..... By “ Bricktop *” 39 Our Landlord -By Sarentl 3, 40 The Trials of a Street Band -By Sam Smiley 41 Muldoon’s Christmas...........s..0...035 020 By Tom Teaser (and Other Stories) 42 The Armorer’s Son.. .By Allyn Draper 43 Behind the Scenes; or, ut With A New York Combination. ..:.......-... Ba NY 3 b ; i 25 A Happy Pair; or, Always in Etats By Tom Teaser 26 Thomas and William, the Two Little Otel core am Smiley 4 Denote ww ill Dayton ts.ofFun...... By "Tom Teaser aps Tom Teaser -By Sam Smniley’ fRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANCE TABLES, POCKE? COMPANION, AND GUIDE.—Giving the official distances on all the railroads of the United States and,Canada.. Also; tables of distances by water to foreign ports, hack fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, ete., ete., making it one of the most complete and handy books published. Price 10 cents. For sale by every newsdealer, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of the price. Frank ae publisher, 34 and 36 Nort Moore street, New Bo.) Box to the aged man and woman. This little book gives the explanation” to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and” “ Napoleon’s Oraculnm,” the book of fate, For sale by eacpas D dealer in the United States and Canada. Price 16 cents, or we send it-to your address, pos free, on receift of price. Tousey, publicher, $4 and 86 North Moore street. New York. Box 2730. guide ever published, It contains fuli instructions about guns, hunt- ing dogs, traps, trapping, and fishing, together with descriptions of me and fi fish. Price 10 cents, For saleby all newsdealers in the 4 nited States and Canada, or sent, postpaid, to your address, on re ceipt of price, by Frank Tousey, ‘publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore — street, New York. Box 2730. a ON THE STAGE; OR, HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—A valuable boge for amateurs, containing all the information desired by beginners rofession, also NEGRO ACTS, IRISH ACTS, DUTCH ACTS, Da GUES, SPEECHES, SONGS, JOKES, ETO. ETC. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent from this office on ‘receipt of prices 15 cents. _Ad- = ne Tousey, 34 and 86 North Moore street, New York. z. 0 Vestres to know all about. Frank xouees bey pantiehee a = book 2g mae calls you all abont it. Send 10 cents and orth Mace? pineee: es Address Frank Sy publisher, 34 and. 36 North Moore street, York. P. Me Box 2730. . ky : * f ¢<* 3A “c=It is a great life secret, and one that every *

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L 7THE FIVE CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY--—Continued. “712 Leaves From a Diary; or, A Young Clerk's Downlall, : y H. K. Shackleford 713 Boone and the Renegade; or, life in Ken- GHOKY sco ccccccccctcccsccccedecoces DY Nib OlYde 714 Before the Mast; or, A Sailor Boy’s Travels in Many Seas.............-.-.-by Jas. D. Montague fi5 Monaco, the Jaguar Hunter.....by Hal Standish 416 From Page to Senator;or, Working his Way UP. -c. oe ceceeeccceesseeee-DY H. K. Shackleford 717 Judge Cleary’s Country Court—conile....... ee by Tom Teaser “18 Old Rough and Ready; or, The Heroine of Monterey...cce+-ceccceeseeosees DY.» NOname ?? 119 Fire Bell Dick; or, The Rival Hook and Ladders y Rovert Lennox “720 Kidnapped; or, Forced on a Man o’ War.,... by J. G. Bradley 721 Jack o’ the Plains; or, The Headless Mazeppa by Paul Braddon 722 The Prisoners of the Castle; or, A Blow for Freedom....-c++++-+-+0+--sby Jas. D. Montague 723 Muldoon, the Sport—comic...,....by Tom Teaser 724 A Newsboy’s Trip Around the World......... = by H. K. Shackleford 725 In Dixie; or, A War Correspondent’s ‘Thrilling ~ | Adventures... ....-+--.---by Col. Ralph Fenton 726 The Skeleton Sentinel....by Lieut. B. H: Kellogg 427 Muidoon’s Vacation—comic......by Tom Teaser 728 The Valleydale Social Club; or Rulued by Wine by H. K. Shackleford 729 Davy Crockett’s Vow; or, His Last Shot for Vengeance........sssecceeseecees--DY Kit Clyde 420 Keeping His Word; or, “ Lucky’? Landy’s Pluck..............--e0-...by Jas. D. Montague 73. Cae Se Drake; or, Bound to be a Captain 'y the Author of ‘Privateer Tom," etc., etc. 432 The Mystic Maiden; or, Through Deadly Dan- GerS......-.+.00------.by Corp. Morgan Rattler _ 433 The Exiled Prince; or, Two Boy Explorers in AlASKA. +0064 .0-0+ 0s sesereecess-by J, G, Bradley 334 Pilot Boat No.7 and ItsAmerican Boy Captain by Kit Clyde StONC 000. - ese cessececseere y 339 A Wail from the Sea; or, Flung froin the Foam by Thomas P, Murray 740 The Book.Agent’s Luck—comic.. by “Ed? 741 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas.. = by D. W. Stevens 749 Near the Gallows; or, A Young Man’s Peril by R. T. Emmet 743 Dick Daunt tne Diver; or, Down Among the bs Sponge-Cutters......+...-.-.-.-by J. G. Bradley y44 Across the Continent on Wings; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Greatest Flight......by ““Noname” 45 Lost Inan Unknown Sea; or, Adventures Un- der the Barth....,....-..---by Jas. D. Montague 746 The Shorty Kids; c¢, Three Chips of Three Old Blocks —comilG.aes2a5 eae = 207 Peter Pad ick Walton Among the Cannibals........... aT DEX . by W. I. James, Jr or, The Boy Cavalier.... = by Richa Ee Montgomery. -atineers; or, Dick Walton in the South te hr Noo vcesecesesesby W. I, James, Jr, 350 Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring Mexico in His New Air-Ship..-. s.s-eecees-2 + by * Noname 751 The Fighting Twins; or, The Cavaliers of Mys- tery nnsnne2ns ere see DY Richa R, Montgomery 2 Fi lars; or, A Cheap Revenge.....,......- goa Fire Loe? ee by Perey Be St. Jol Traveling for Pleas- ws+seeeee DY Tom Teaser q48 The Six Swordsmen; wees eeeeneee Fe eae abiestasiceah 754 Old Grudge, the Scouts oF; The OM. goaame ” 455 Young Sam Patch, the Cham plo ey 4 Se a 756 Little Jack and His Twenty BOY ee abert Lenbox Be “557 Dick Spray; or, A Stowaway’s Y's na oC. Bradley Eg 759-The Seven Masks; Or, The oor oy League ~2Ff9 Maldoon’s Night Schoo ovals for Dead bo Man’s Clalm..cs-ssecee- eee = -DY Paul Braddon get oat the Cowboys oh The NM FD evens soe ¢ 5 - Country Boy’s Life in me nin pe ne H. K. Shackleford -Jé4 The Czar’s Boy ji-Carrier: or, Young Amer- 3 by OC. Little Im RUSSi& ...c6ceese see scee score ns a Traile . or, Battles With the ses gs pees hte eeseeeby “Noname , een’s Servi weaeby J. G. rs 08 ee the Messenger Boy; or, Sharp ' feed york for Million...... ..+-DY Robert Lennox 43 Sam Spry, the New York Drummer; or, Busi- = neas Before Pjessure—comc.is-* “bY. Peter Pad > . mely Jack’s Pensveweed 469 A Loat Boy; or Homely eT Aidt z.* . AStory of the Revolution. 370 The Black Rider. A Story en dessa E fouds; or, Cast Adrift in bs EW Sande dads gevaer Ha} Standish “372 The Young Moonlighter; or, An American Boy : im Ireland... ..s-eeeeseeeee DY J. T. Brougham 272 Dashing Del, the Knight of the Knife; or, The Maniac Father..---ceseeess++ DY Paul Braddon 374 Little Matt, the Pilot; or, The Perils of the © Ee Pig SD Shots oe Ae Te ant cy LA@EC. coe ceeeerrccerer® ses eerereeeeeeDY C, Litle + eee eer ore 5 Ee i ha 775 The Irish Boy Monte Crist0......+-...--+ «++ by Corp, Morgan Rattler 776 A Cruise Among Pirates; or, The Blne-beards Of thle Sea...c.cccocccccvecsccoseee-DY Kit Clyde 1717 The Little Joker—comic...........by Sam Smiley 778 The Two Runaways; or, The Hardships of a Circus Life..........-.+0s-++++ssby Hal Standish 779 The Scliool-boys’ League; or, Working Hlis Way Against Odds............by Robert Lennox 780 Lucky Lal, the Newsboy; or, Climbing the Ladder of Fame...........-+.--+-+---by C. Little 781 Lost in the Land of Snow; or, Two American Boys in the Arctic...... «.- «----by R. T. Emmet 782 Coal Mine Kit; or, The Mule Boy of Diamond Shalt.....sccceseseeeeeeee--DY Percy B. St. John 183 The Band of 12; or, The Knights of the Trail... _by Paul Braddon 784 Muldoon the Fireman—comic.....by Tom Teaser 785 Diving for Gold.............-.-++-+-+-by Kit Clyde 786 The 12 Owls; or, The Secret Band of Chicaro by Paul Braddon 787 The Fire King; or, Tne Yankee Boy Explorer by R. T. Emmet 788 The Boy Bank Messenger; or, Brave Bob Brad- shaw’s Secret Foe.............++----by C, Little 789 His Last Cent; or, H e Dutton Made His Fortune.........---+..-....by H. K. Shackleford 790 Born to bea Sailor; or, Bob Dare’s Lif the Water........ 791 The Electric Man; Australia..-....eeseeees 792 Satan; or, The Mystery of Ten Years......... by Howard De Vere 793 Those Quiet Twins—comic..........bys Peter Pad 794 The Czar’s Messenger; or, The Burning of MOSCOW ..ccccccenccecccceceeee- Dy R. T. Emmet 795 A Soldier at 16; or, Fighting for the Union ... by C. Little 796 Teddy of the Toll Gate; or, The Man With the Green Shades..........By Corp. Morgan Rattler 197 The Mayflower Boys; or, Life in a Yankee School......-+-+ese+ee--eesby Perey B. St. John 198 Tne Young Snow Trailers; or, Big Track. the Giant Moose Hunter.........-.by Paul Braddon 799 Denny the Clown. A Story of Circus Life in Ireland.............by Corporal Morgan Rattler 800 On the Rail; or, Perils in the Life cf a Young Engineer..........--.ssee....by Albert J. Booth 801 3,000 Miles on ycle; or, A Race Across the Continent. ...\..ececcessssecccesenee sly. CO, Little 802 Fearless Phil; or, The Hero of Rugged Rift..... * by Paul Braddon 803 The Shortys’ Christmas Rackets—comic...... by Peter Pad 804 Claim 4; or, The Hunchback of Placer Pocket by ** Noname?”? 805 The Miser’s Son; or, In Search of Hidden GOld. 00... cecgeees--seee--0¥ H. K, Shackleford 806 The Waifs of New York...........-- Sess by N. S. Wood (The Young Am n- Actor). 807 Brian the Bear; or, The Pranks of a Wild Irish Boy.....--.--+-----Dy Corporal Morgan Rattler 808 The Haunted Bell Tower; or, The Hidden Mys- TEYV. cevccccsscecseescceeesD¥ Percy B. St. John 809 Two Years on an Isiand of Ice..by Alvert J. Booth 810 A Boothlack’s Lnck....-.-++.+-----...by C. Little $11 Around the World in a Balloon; or, Thousands of Miles Through the Air......-.by R. T. Emmet 812 The Fur Hunters of Winnipeg...by Paul Braddon $13 Six Weeks Under Ground...........ny Kit Clyde $14 The President’s Boy; or, The Hero of the White House.......e0e++++------- DY H. K. Shackleford $15 The Electric Horse; or, Frank Reade, Jr., and His Father 1n Search: of the Lost Treasure of the Peruvians.......:.........-.dy “ Noname” 816 Lion Luke, the Boy Animal Tamer............ by Percy B. St. John |} $17 Carillo, the Corsair; or, The Mysterious Mon- arch of the Mediterranean......by J. G. Bradley 818 Fearless Phil’s Chase..... peeat $19 The Ghost of the School-House........by OC. Little $20 oa eounE Avenger; or, The Knight of the Silk GaKeoes cosets poctaes sceee era f 821 Up and Down; or, The Life of anjElevator Boy $22 Dick the Middy; or, A Boy’s Life on a Man-o’- VAL sceneccccccccccsescvescceess UF $23 Footlight F the Boy Actor; or, Bound to be Stal iessc chthawtapeec ars ccsgtese UY Neda WOU $24 A Rolling Stone; or. kK Read -—COMIC.........-- $27 A Queer Race. The Story ofa Strange People by William Westall 8g8 Kit Carson’s Boy Trapper........by Paul Braddon $29 Slipper. Ben, the Boy Spy of the Reyolution.. 830 Paddy Miles’ Luck; or, a Ha Boy Miner.. yy Corp, Morgan Rattler $31 The Bey Fish; or, Little Dick the Diver...... 2 by R. T. Emmet 832 Ben the Bowsman; or, Adventures in the Mon- tezuma Swamp......................by C. Little 833 The Mastodon’s Cave; or, Two Wide Awake Boys in the Far West......by Percy B. St. John 834 The.8oy Stage Driver; or, The Hero of Rocky PASS. . csecesestececceceescscese DY Panl Bracdon | 893 835 From Newsboy Up; or, A New York Boy in BuUBINeS8 sec scovccsseccavecone hey Fe aE ee RET by N. S. Wood (The Young American Actor) 836 Alone in the Wild West; or, A New York Boy’s Search for Buffalo Bill..........by R. T. Emmet 837 The Secret of the Sealed Gold Mines.by** Noname * 838 Little Blondin, the Tight-Rope Walker..by C. Little $39 From New York to San Francisco in a Catama- TAN. csccceeececeeceecccseeeeesD¥ JONN Sherman $40 A Young Jay Gou - Money Kings. A Boy Among the by H. Shackleod -by Paul Braddon 884 ‘ “ 841 Only an Errand Boy; or, Getting Up in the World «-..-by R. 'T. Emmet 842 Jack Ready’s —coulic.by Peter Pad 843 The Ice-Boat Boys; or, Cruising on Frozen Waters in the Northwest... ......by C.Little $44 Little Blind Joe; or, The Sharks of New York. hy N.S. Wood (The Young American Actor} 845 Young Ironclad, the Boy Gunner.by John Shermay 846 The Boy Gold Hunters; or, Young New York in California......... seeeeeeeess by R. T. Emmet 847 The Snortysin the Wild West—comic.by Peter Pad 848 Billy the Bugler. A Story of Governor's Island and New York......:....-.........-hby C. Little $49 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Chase Through the Cionds. t “Noname” 850 A Lucky Boy;or, The Mystery of an Tron ONEStsssobescscccecccescsices sss. bY Dy Je EMS 851 My Friend Smith...........by Talbot Baines Reed 852 The Boy Crusoves; or, The Young Castaways “¢ — ofthe Pacific....... ... by St. George Rathborne $53 Jerry the Tumbler; or, The Wonder of the - ing..... «...-.-...by Corporal Morgan Rattler $54 Ned, the Bound Boy; or, Through 100 Miles of FOCH ccd ct ccececcescccctocctececceecs C. Little 855 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Electric Team..... by ““Noname?? 856 The Shortys’ Christmas Snaps—comic........ ‘ by Peter Pad - 857 Two Waifs: cr. Afloat in New York........... by N. S. Wood (The Young American Actor) $58 Fearless Phil in Disguise; or, The Tiger’s Last Plot. sc. odes veceeeeees eeee es bY Paul Braddon 859 A Southern Boy in New York; or, Bound to Make His Money..........by H. K. Shackleford 860 Steamboat Billy; or, The State-Room Secret... 861 The Boy Lion Tamers; or, Adventures in Africa 862 Out With Kit Carson. A Story of the Early - Days of Kansas..............---by R. T. Emmet 863 The Boy Samson; or, Taking Care of Himseif. by C. Little $64 The Boy From New York; or, A Fight for Five Millions..........-..-. «s--by Percy B. St. Johny 865 Smart & Co. the Boy Peddlers—comic........ by Peter Pac 866 A Chicago Boy; or, Up From the Lowest. -... By John Sherman 867 An Old Boy;or, Maloney After Education— COMIC ccoetecsace cdvsbccececeses UY LOM 1 OR86F: 868 Tne Boy Telegraph Operator; or, The Mystery of a Midnight Message....by Col. Ralph Fenton 869 Dick Boldhero; or, The Strange Adventures of a Young Yankee Sailor....-..Written by Hi $70 Garry the Greenhorn; or, From Stowaway to Senator....e.....--by Corporal Morgan Rattler 871 From Errand Boy to Lawyer; or, Bound to be At the TOp..c-,-.-eseecesee-ee-- DV R. T. Emmet 872 Bob Allen’s Ranch; or, A Cattle King at 17... by C. Little 878 Behind the Scenes; or, Out with a New York Combination—comic......,--.---.by Peter Pad 874 A Boy Among the White Caps; or, A Victim OLING LAG. .oscacscsecsessoen= by Paul Braddon 875 General Washington's Boy; or, The Youngest Soldier in the Revolution.....by Ralph Morton 876 Pawnee Bill and the Oklahoma Boomers..... by Geo. W. Goode 77 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for a Sunken Ship; — , or, Working for the Government.by * Noname $78 Young Captain Tom Drake; or, In Search of the Pirate’s Home...6. 22... ee eeeee cee eesees by the Author of * Captain Tom Drake,” etc, 879 A Bad Boy’s Note Book—comic.........by * Ed ? 880 The Young Railroad King; or, From Brake- man to President... --by Col. Ralph Fenton 881 Joe Junk, the Wha Anywhere for Fun —COMIC... ..---- ....Dy Peter Pad 882 Lest on the Atlantic... ...-by Howard De Vere 883 Monitor Matt; or, The Giant of the Waves. A Story of the Great Rebellion. ..by Ralph Morton The Boy Rovers; or, The Adventures of Two ‘ Plucky Boys...-...see-scecece cscs e DY\Ce Little 885 His Own Boss; or, The Boy Captain of Cat- — head Lake........c:-0s-+---by Percy B. St. John 886 Bravin® the Flood; or, The Plucky Fight of Two Jolinstown Boys.........--by R. T. Emmet 887 Muldoon the solid Man—comic....by Tom Teaser 888 The Boy Star; or, From the Footlights to For- RWNOS ota cnaes so scescaksnesosseUUs a Sel COU 989 The Young Commander; or, A New York Boy in the Southern War..... .....by Ralph Morton 890 Two in a Box;/or, The Long and Short ot IT—COMIC..s-ccccececcecesecesessDY LOM Teaser 891 The Soldier’s Son; or, The Secret ofthe House of Eight Pines. AStory of New York... ..° ~ : by C. Little 892 Satin Sam the Young Western Sport.......... : by Paul Braddon 803 The Funny Four—comic..............by Peter Pad $94 The White Queen of the ; or, Two Yau- kee Boys in Mexico.......++.-..by R. T. Emmet $95 The Deacon’s Son; or, p of the Village —COMIC....cccecebsescers .- by Tom Teaser $96 The Boy Slave of the Galley; or, The Mystery ofthe Treasure Ship.......by Perey B. St. John $97 A Bad Egg; or, Hard to Craek—comie¢........ by Tom Teaser Two Years With a Pirate; or, The Prantom . Ship of the Gold Coast..........by J. G. Bradley $99 Muldoon’s Boarding Heuse-comic.by Tem Teaser 900 The Boy Diamond King; or, The Young . _ Monte Christo of New York.........by C. Little 901 Ikey;or, He Neyer Got Left-comic. by TomTeaser 902 The Armorer’s Son; or, The Mystery of-the=.> — Tower of London......,...-.-..by Allym, Draper 903 Se ees or, Sharp pase ceeey 5 33 ute ede es beans seee- oeeseD¥ TOM Teaser Dick Getaway; or, Fighting for a Fortune..... : b= a

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~ Latest Issues of THE 5 CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY. the Bottom. ....e.sseeeeee see bert J. 907 Daring enare the Diver; or, Tho Prince of SyeimwieCier ess soe tckeve ee cacse eee by C. Little 908.Sam; or, The Troublesome Foundiing—comic. by Peter Pad 909 Velvet Van; or, Deadly Grip and His Demon MANS ccwerecs os SsGsdebeocces by Paul Braddon 910 A Smart New York Boy; or, From Peverty to Wealth... 22... 2 .seeees by John Sherman 911 Yoretop Tom; or, A Yankee Sailor Boy Among the Malay Pirates...... by J. G. Bradley 912 Bulger Boom, the Inventor— comic..by Peter Pad 913 Out in the Streets. “A Story of High and Low pnt in New YOrkK.......-cccccccesersccesese yy N.S. Wood (The Young “American Actor) 914 The Buauie Demon; or, Lost For Two Years by R. T, Emmet Jr., the Stage nites or, The 915 Denver se My: Golden Guich...... me .by *Noname *? 916 Muldoon’s Brother Dan—comic...by Tom Teaser 917 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Broéncho Breaker; or, The Youngest Hero on the Plains..by Paul Braddon $18 A Sailor at Fifteen; or, From Cabin Boy to Caplan. ...0...sccceecece -c0e-DY J, G. ‘Bradley 919 Henpecked—comic. ave aseseuecse DY Peter Pad 920 Homeless Hal; er, A Poer Boy’s Life ina Great City... .ccceeses by Captain Will Dayton 921 Wild Bill's Boy Partner; or, The Redskins’ Gold WOR Age siceseceseosn .«.b¥ Paul Braddon 922 Mulddon’s Christmas—comic ... «by Tem Teaser 923 Captain Jack the Pirate’s Foe; or. The Devil- fish of the Indies............by Roger Starbuc’ 924 A Bad poy at Schocl—comic............by “ Ed.” 925 Mr. McGinty—comic..............by Tom Teaser $26 Lineman Joe, the Boy Telegraph aoe ee a y C. Little 927 ry to China; or, The Life of k RAnAwey eneussasstnhqhese sen shssses J. G. Bradley 928 Besciie for Stanley: or Tom Seatoa? Ad- ventures in Africa.......---.-- by R. T. Emmet 929 Boarding-Sechool; or, Sam Bewser at Work and Play—comic..............- .--by Peter Pad 930 Young Magic; or, The oe! with a Charmed Life.. peste +s-eesees-sb¥ Panl Braddon $31 Muldoon Out West—comie2....... by Tom ‘Teaser 932 The Seg Hetero Hunters; or, Searching for ONC faysecapens sescse “by John Sherman 933 Senator Muldoon—comic......-... by Tom Teaser 934 Sam Johnson, the Negro Detective, by Harry Kane 985 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Far West; or, The Search for a Lost Gold Mine..... by * Noname’’ 936 The Waif of Mystery Island; or, The Adven- tures of a Boy Who Was Kidz apped...... by Roger Starbuck 937 ee stery of the Sealed Dour or, The Old- ouse in New York:........by R. T. Eramet 938 Isiand No. 7; or, The Pirates of Lake Michigan Geo. W. Goede 905 Tom Quick, the Avenger of the Delaware. .... by R. T. Emmet 906 Sam Switch the Boy Engineer; or, Began ses ee 'y _ 939 Our Landlord; or, Life in Frénch Flats—comic ~“ by Peter Pad 940 From Jockey te Judge; or, The Boy Who Was Always Ahead «ooo i... cece cs secceccese by C. Little 941 aoe in New York; or. Ragged Rob the News- boy. by N. S. Wood (The Young American Actor) 942 The Boy Be sy Messenger; or, ie ighting the Train Robbers. .-.-...--2+-++> by John Sherman 948 “Next Door; or, The ‘Trish Twins—comic...... by Tom Teaser ou The Limbless Hunter; or, Si Slocum’s Revenge by Roger Starbuck 945 ree Boy in Red; or, The Czar's Masked Mes- POUGET 202s svcesscccssen sees by R. T. Emmet 946 Adrift in the ‘Antarctic; or, Two teste ona. Continent of Iee..-.... by C. Little 947 The Aldermen Sweeneys ef New York—comic by Tom Teaser os ? Sakiny Bill; or, The White Chiefs First War Miers Tes Ch by Paul Braddon 949 The mere Showman; or, ACircus Mamager at at Sea cighe otekeusas .by John Sherinan 950 epee Ready. the Young Foretopman: or, our Years Before the Mast.....by J. G. Bradiey 951 Mrs. Brown's Boarding- House—comic........ by Peter Pad 952 The Boy Sheriff, or, The basin rei of Peco VANOY 2c cccccscN verecescorness y R.T. Emmet 953 The Buried “Gold Ship; er, The Sutior Boy's Ghost...2..-: . by C. Little 954 Our Future President; ‘or, “The Oak That Came From the Acorn—Couiic..s..+0-- -by Peter Pad 985 ete Crook’s Boy Gnide; or, The Great Indian Fighter's Black Hills Trail. by Pau! Braddon 956 Three Yankee Boys in Africa; or, The Giants of the Congo.....-....-.-- .by Percy B. St. John 957 The Boy Surveyor: or, Running Out a: Rail- road in the Indian Country... by John Sherman 958 Rob Rounds, the Young Fireman..... by C. Little 959 Muldoon’s Base Ball Club—comic .t: Tom Teaser 960 Fair-Weather Frank, the Dashing Sailor Boy.. by J. G. Bradley 961 Eagle | Dan the Boy Hermit of the Roekies.. by Paul Braddon 962 Captain Lewis, the Pirate...... Sésaduet by C. Little 963 Muidoon’s Base Ball Club in Boston—comic.. by Tom Teaser Ss = et aocceee or, From a Waif to a Million- .-.Dy Captain Wil] Dayton 5 OF, Scalp Hunters 966 Chums to the Death; or, The Adventures of a Boy Marine... ..v....0.000eeDY a So Starbuck 967 Muldoon Abroad—comic wetted -.»-by Tom Teaser 968 An Engineer at'18; or, The Boy Driver of the Lightning Express, biweniceste «..-by R. T. Emmet 969 Hardpan Harry; the Hunted Boy; or, A Young New Yorker Among Western Outlaws...... by ©. Little 970 The Property Boy; or, Before the wootitehts and Behind the Scenes........... by N. S. Wood 971 tafe te Base Ball Club in *Philadelphia— eesieWsTedete sit Pouvedecces by Tom Teaser 972 The. mystery of the Fire-Ship; or, A Brave Boy Sailing Master... ..0..50...05 by Roger Starbuck 978 The Boy Bicycle Scouts; or, On the Wheel Among the Redskins..........by Paul Braddon 974 Rob Rider, the Circus Equestrian; or, Two Years Under the Canvas. ...1. by Geo. W. Goode 975 The Shortys’ Minstrels; or, Working the Same Old Rackets—comic.. .+...by Peter Pad 976 The Tunnel Under the Se ; or, The ‘Adventures of Two Drowned Boys. ........by R. T. Emmet 977 Pawnee Bill Doomed; or, The Great Scout in No Man’s Land................by Paul Braddon 978 sir patent 2h Hunters; or, Wid Life on the tains Dad—comic by H. ®. Shackleford Geccscnecs by Tom Teaser 984 Luke Lines, the Boy Stage Driver; or, The Four-in-Hana of Keno Camp...by Paul Braddox 985 Jockey Jim. the Daring Boy Rider; or, Win- ning His Fortune in the Saddle... ......... by Robert Maynard 986 The Lost Bor Captain; or, The Secret of the Hidden Whirlpool..........by Roger Starbuck 987 Honest Jack Jarrett; or, How He Made His MONO Sire ei estet tts ak eae K. Shackleford 988 Rob Rivers, “the Raft Boy; or, of Driving en the Missouri River...........++ y R. T. Emmet 989 Muldoon the Cop, Part ie —comic. rf Tom Teaser 990 Muldoon the Cop, Part 1].—eomic. .by Tom Teaser 991 The Boy Wrecker; or, The Young Pilot of the Breakers. .....eeeee «by Roger Starbuck 992 Born to be Rich; or, a Boy's Adventures in Wall Street... ..ccteeeecees y H. K. Shackleford 993 Frank Reade, Jr., and Bis pete Clip r ol the Clouds—Part I............ .. by * Noname 994 Frank Reade. Jr., and His Queen Clipper of the Clouds—Part {1 by “ Noname 7’ 995 The Boy Lawyer; or, Les For a Stolen Mislioti.cocestetectcssescssvaces by R. T. Emmet 996 Little Tommy “Bounce on His Travels—comic. by Peter Pad 997 The Little Black Rover; ros The Mysterious Privateer of New York Bay...........+--. by Pras Morgan Rattler 998 Pawnee Bili’s Oath; ot The Oklahoma Sceuv’s Lost Gold Cacie.. -by Paul Braddon 999 Jimmy Grimes, In: o The Torment of the 7 Village—comic.......2.-..-.s. .-by Tom Teaser. 1000 The Pirates of the Black Cave; or, The Mys- tery of the Hidden Lake..... by Roger Starbuck 1001 Through fe ee and Thin; or, Our Boys Abroad....... eS seweebY Barton Bertren 1002 Jack and Jim: ‘or, “Rackets and Scrapes at = Schoo!—comie ..--by Tom Teaser 1003 Lithe Quick-Shot; West in Enrope y 1004 The Mysterious Light Ship; Sr The Smng- giers of the Death Coast..... Bogen Starbuck 1005 Muldoon’s Grocery Srarbeaen Part I... ire Tom ‘Teaser 1006 Mulloon’s Grocery Store—comic. Part II.. by Tom Teaser 1007 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Monitor of the Air; or, He)ping a Friend in Need. by “ Noname” 1008 Gerald *O'Grady’s Grit; or, The Branded sh Lad..,..0..0. »by Corporal Morgau Rattler 1009 Denver Dan, Jr.. the Silver King; or, The Richest Lode in Nevada by **Noname ” 1010 Six Weeks in the Saddle; or, The Eh iia ofa Boys’ Riding School.. ....by R, T. Eromet 1011 The Traveling Dude; or, The Soran Adven- , tures of Clarence Fiz Roy J ones—comic. . by Tom Teaser 1012 Black Brow, the Pirate; or, The Cruiser of a the Dark River........-s+6 by Roger Starback 1013 The Yankee Yacht/Club; or; Around the World by Waterss... cc eceses by Geo. G. Small 1014 Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a River of Mys- tery. A Strange Story of Africa-by “‘ Noname” 1015 Muidoon’s Trip Around the World—comic. art Twist oe, -by Tom Teaser 1016 Muldoon’s Trip “Around” the World—comie. PRER IIS; cadenstassethnearrcesaed by Tom Teaser 1017 Fla Boat Fred: or, The Young Swamp Hun- ter of Louisiana. . by H. K. Shackleford 1918 Among the Sun Worshiperss or, Two New York Boys iu Peru.......... ,by Berton Bertrew 1019 Jack Magic, the Boy Wonder; or, The Pree est on the Stage... 6.6 e. eee eee «+. dy C. Little 1020 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Electric Air Yacbt: or, The Great Inventor Among the Aztecs by ““Noname.” 1021 To B Boy Wanderers; or, The Chums of the Bt Tsland......+ wasedseeeeDY ‘Roger Starbuck | 1022 Tke Wender of Wall Street; or, A Boy Mabie the Bulls and Bears..:.... by a K: Shackieford er ke 1023 The Unknown. Paul Braddon 1024 me coe A by Tom Teaser 1025 Cast ea arine € cr, One Year on a Ratt.......--. by J. G. Bradley 1026 The Rival Boat Clubs; or, ae Boss Schoe! at Beachwoo ees . by Howard De Vere 1027 The Demon Captain; The Doomed Boys of the Gun-Sinp..... eee, Roger Starbuck 1028 Held by Sitting Bull; ne’ Siege of a Da- kota School- House.. by Paul Braddon 1029 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and Fon —comic. Part I... . by Tom Teaser 1080 Bob Bright; or, A Siness anc Fon” —comic. “Part il . by Tom Teaser 1031 Pawnee Bill’s Sha ay Lilie, the Girl Dead Shot... .. by Paul Braddom 1032 Tom Topp; er, Fighting “Against Fiends..... by Allyn Draper 1038 The Poisoned Ship; or, Adrift on a Sea of DeCGths vido Vevecneovarcses ces by Roger Starbuck 1034 Dick Dart} or, The Fiend of the Revenue Out- .by Berton Bertrew 1035, The Bo} "Slave "ot New York; or, Sold toa Hunted :Mand..icie. wvescevecsscwas 1036 Around the World ina Sail Boat.. by Harry, Kennedy 1037 Fred Fresh; or, As Green as Grase—oomiax by Tom:Teasez 1038 Ola Buckskin, the Man With the Trained Done or, The Indian Scont’s City Man Hun -+s-s-Dy Paul Braddas 1039 “Sporn? the New York Bootblack.....s.-- by N.S. Wooa 1040 Philadelphia Phil; or, From a Bootblack. co @ Merchantoon eA eves by C. Little 1041 A Ship on Wheels; or, The prone of Hur- Ticane Goast.......... ......by Roger Starbuck 1042 Truthful Jack; or, On Board the er Jane. ~ A Sto’ Fnil of Lies—comic.. 1043 The Gold Arrow; or, The Demon. et the Cas- ‘ Cent A Thrilling’ Story of the Wild North- 5 +eseee-- Dy Pani Braddon 1044 The Boy. Lion Kitig; ‘or, The Secret of the Diamond Caves....:.2.de0-s .by R. T, Emmet 1045 “7. of Dismal Swamp. A Stor of the | Great South......-..s++0 .-.»-by Gus Williams 1046 The Castaways of Iceland; or, The Fiend of Z the Lava Caves........+. «..by Roger Starbrck 1047 Pilly Moss; or, From One Thing te Ancther —COMIC.......04-+-- rR Se Teaser 1048 An Engineer at Seventeen; or, m the Bottom to oy a ele set pete yes ....by C. Little 1050 cast away With Gannibals; or, tine White : Boy King of the Man-Eaters, A Thrilling Story of the South Pacific.....by J. G. Bradley 1051 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Sea of Sand, and His Discovery of a Lost People. by ** Noname’?? 1052 Pawnee Bili’s Double; or, The Great Scout's Best Trail...... Wessun eaee?, 1053 Pacer Dane, the Senate ‘Detective; or, ee the Scenes in W: ashington,.,. seecds Little 1054 The Skeleton Island; or, A Cruise in is Ga. derground River...........by Roger Starbuck 1055 The Pistol Bete. 3 The Treasure of the Cache? ceils sedeseeveeves by Paul Braddon 1056 Locomotive ‘Fred; or, Life on a Railroad... ,--by Eoward De Vere 1057 Dandy Dan of Desdweads cn by **Noname. 1058 Twenty Years on An Islan The Story of a Young Castaway. By Kit Clyde 1059 The Deacon’s Boy, or, of the Storm-Coast, 1061 Dandy Dan of Dead From Frisc0........+.- 1062 The Rival Rangers; or, The Sons o recto by J. G,. Bradley 1063 Eackbone Rob, the Buy of Pluck; or, Makin His Own Way Through the World. ...by C. 1064 The Specter of the Pueblo; or, rhe Phantom Hand.. 1065 Dandy Dan of Deadwood in panes “ name? 1066 Pawnee one Gold Hunt; or, The Dechrrete MTG TTA. 20th vende scaccens 1067 Icebound; or, Aniong the Fives... by 1068 aie 3B Sam; or, A Cruise to the Sea of © 1069 Johnny Brown & con’s Boy at at Sis: Old Trich—<cotben. a by Pe 1070 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Greyhound of the Ai ae or, The Search “ade the Mountain of Gol 1071 Dandy with Death..... ons 1072 Go-Ahead Harry, the Boy Who Got There; -- or, Where There's a Will There’s a bal : yO. 1073 Old Sixty-Nine; or, The Prince of Engineers. - Howard De Vere 1074 The Boy Mate; or, Cast ara With Convicts, ‘er, Three vane Nuts to- by Ti 1075 as Jack and Jim; rack—comi by C. Litte x ‘om Teaser - T. Emmet — by Paul Braddon — by Panl Braddon by Paul ere A a es Roger Starbuck _ Dea- Deal by ~Noname?” ha