Pluck And Luck (no. 1016) (1917 11 21)

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shock f. . OR. BOUND TOD OOM GGT 7. = OHIS BEST . AND OTHER ° — y TO gen ae } ‘LITTLE MAC THE Bo ENGINEER: | STORIES

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PLUCK A STORIES OF a No. 1016. ND LUCK ADVENTURE issued Weekly—By Subscription $3.00 per year. Entered at the New York, N. Y., Post Office as Second Class Matter — by Harry E. Wolff, Publisher, 166 West 28d Street, New York. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21, 1917. Price 6 Cents. LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER ———-OR—— BOUND TO DO HIS BEST By JAS. C. MERRITT CHAPTER I. THE WAIF OF THE TRACK. “By heavens, Bill, there’s a woman on the track!” It was Jack Thompson, the fireman of the “Little Mac,” a well-known | motive on the Morris and Nssex Railroad of New Jersey, wiio uttered the exclamation. , Bill Norton, the engineer, instantly reversed the lever and gave the danger signal, but it was too late! ’ The iron monster passed over the prostrate form, there _ was a subdued groan and all was over. ' As soon as the train was stopped the engineer and fire- man leaped off the cab into the snow and hurried to the spot where lay the remains of the unfortunate woman. It was.a wild, dark night in the month of February, of the year 1857, and the place the open stretch of country lying between Hoboken and Bergen. f It had been snowing for several hours, and the ground es ia covered as with a white mantle to the depths of several inches. “By jinks!” exclaimed Jack, bending over the dead body ‘so that the rays of the lantern, which he carried in his hand, could illuminate the still, cold features happily undisfigured. “What a pity, and such a pretty gal, too, and so young ooking. She must have been trying to walk to the city and been overcome by the storm.” “Might be,” muttered Bill, thoughtfully, “and then again it mightn’t. What could bring such a girl as that out in a night like this? There’s something in the way she was ly- ing on the track an’ bein’ so quiet-like, never trying to get’ out of the way like as if——” “Tt looks that way, Jack, and—hullo! what’s that?” ‘The sound which had caused the exclamation was the wail of an infant. i “Td swear it’s a led!” cried Jack. «So it is!” said Bill, picking up a male child from where jt lay beneath the snow. | The tiny thing, scarcely more than a month old, checked _ its tears when pressed to the warm, manly bosom of the -' engineer, and, looking at him with great, big, staring eyes, ‘commenced to crow and laugh, : } ~ “Do you know, Jack, I see how it is. That unfortunate woman, for some reason or other, wanted to take her life and that of her child. It was sinful to do so, and maybe that’s the reason heaven suffered her to be killed; but the ’ pretty babe is unhurt and I’m going to take him home to (ties tite, | forth the slip of paper. When the train arrived at Hoboken, and the occurrence was reported to the superintendent, the police took charge of the corpse, and would also have taken charge of the in- fant but for a number of claimants that protested against its 4 First of these was Bill Norton, the engineer, who un- doubtedly had the most right to it, having found the child. Then Jack Thompson liked to add it to his already rather large family; the lady who had taken care of the infant and — who was a wealthy, childless widow, earnestly desired to adopt it; several other passengers also declared their will- ingness to receive the little stranger, and finally the police put in their claim. : “T'll tell yer what!” exclaimed Jack, as the matter was being discussed in the waiting-room of the depot; “put. the youngster on the table there as the stake, an’ we'll all draw lots. Whoever draws the prize shall have him.” Bill began to protest against this arrangement, but he was overborne by the ejaculations of the others, who all de- clared to let the possessorship of the child rest with fate. The babe was accordingly placed on the table, and kept (his eyes fixed constantly on the man who went around with — the paper ballots in a hat, as if it knew and understood what was going on. 3 Shout after shout of laughter went up from the throng as each aspirant in turn drew forth a slip, and, with a lugubri- ous countenance, announced that it was a blank. ; The choice was finally narrowed down between the engi- neer and the police. The laughter now gave way to serious interest. It was now the question whether the child should be reared as the adopted son of a man whose kind and ten- der heart and generous soul were known to all, or whether it should be consigned to all the horrors, real and imagined, of a pauper’s life in the almshouse. : : A death-like silence prevailed as Bill tremblingly drew “Hurrah!” ejaculated he as he opened it. “I’ve drawn the prize, and the child is mine!” He caught the wondering infant in his arms and amid the congratulations and plaudits of the spectators rushed xeitedly out of the deport toward his home, which was a short distance off. : : Bill Norton was a fine young fellow of twenty-five or swenty-six years out, a thorough engineer and one of the nost genial men alive. Three years ago he had married pretty Mary Hopkins, a girl in every way worthy of him, wd though as yet no children had blessed their union there _ vasn’t a happier couple than they in all the world. ; In spite of the snow storm which still raged furiously, | a! “Mary was at the door awaiting her husband’s coming, an ’ was much surprised at the mysterious manner in which he ae kept something huddled up under his great coat. } “What is it, Bill?” asked she as she followed him into the kitchen, where a bright fire sparkled briskly on the and a table was neatly spread for supper. pice “Lye brought you a present, Mary,” said he, with a roguish twinkle in his eye. ¥ - ¥ ed hearth ne a, “A present?” ejaculated she. i i: Rs ANS cs rie

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ge LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. | “Yes; guess what it is.”. “You know I’m poor at guessing,” exclaimed she, almost dying with curiosity. “Do tell me what it is.” “Well, it is this,” said he, taking the babe from under his eoat and bouncing it up and down. “A child! <A real angel!” enthusiastically exclaimed his wife, taking the waif from his arms and almost smothering it with kisses.. “Oh, where did you get it from?” i He related to her what had occurred on his homeward rip. : “Poor woman!” sympathetically exclaimed she. “What could have induced her to choose such a horrible death? Can’t I view the body?” “Yes; there will very likely be an inquest held over it to-morrow, and you may be present.” “But I’m so glad,” continued she, “that you drew the prize. How terrible it would have been to have the dear thing grow up as a pauper. We’ll adopt him, won’t we? And bring him up as our own.” “We will; that is, if no one claims him, which I hope will be the case. Do you know, Mary, I’ve already thought of a name for him.” “You have? (What is it?” ; “Tm going to name him after my favorite engine.” “Little Mac?” “Hxactly; and now let’s have some supper, for I’m as hungry as a wolf.”\ The next day Mary, accompanied by her husband and the child, went to view the body of the dead girl. It was lying in the morgue on a marble slab. The at- tendants had washed and dressed the corpse and thus con- cealed from view the mutilations of the body where it had been struck by the wheels of the engine. Calmly and peacefully lay the girl whom heaven knows what wrongs had driven to death.. With tears in her eyes and quivering lips, Mary stooped down over the inanimate form and pressed a kiss on the passive features. Sea Then turning to an attendant, she huskily asked: “Was there nothing found on her by which she could be identified ?” “Nothing, ma’am,” replied he, respectfully, “but a gold ring, and that the coroner took when he was here this morn- odin es ; “Have arrangements been made for holding the inquest?” aezked Bill. 5 _ “Yes, sir. It’s going to be held at twelve o’clock to-day.” As it was near that time, they decided to await it. ‘Promptly at noon the coroner appeared and a jury was impaneled. The inquest was very short, consisting only of the testi- mony of Bill and Jack Thompson, who had been summoned, _and made his appearance at the proper time. The jury, in doubt as to the fact of suicide, brought in a verdict of accidental death, acquitting the railroad of all blame in the affair. ; After the inquest was over, Mary approached the coroner and begged him’ to give her the ring as a means by which He child might, perhaps, in the future identify his rela- 1ons. The coroner at once handed her the article. It was a wedding ring, a plain band of gold, on the inner surface of which were engraved the words: ' “From James to Effie.” Mary carefully placed the ring in her pocket and sub- sequently returned home. ~ The text day the newspapers contained an account of the affair, and advertisements were also inserted, but when, after the lapse of severgl days, no one appeared either to claim the dead mother or the living child, the coroner ‘or- dered the corpse to be buried in a pauper’s grave. 5 ) But. Mary would not suffer this, and though their means _ were little, yet at her request Bill had ‘the body interred in the churchyard, and over the mound placed a simple tomb- "stone bearing the single word: ' mn AY “rr.” bine RAP POR: I : ei _ SNOOKSY. ’ _ We pass over sixteen years of time, and now introduce Mac as a fine, healthy, hearty-looking lad, the very picture of his mother, as Mary Norton affirmed, over’ and over He grew up as the son of his foster parents until he reached the age of fourteen. Then Mary led him to his mother’s grave, gave him his mother’s wedding ring and exhorted him to visit the grass- aoe mound daily, and never to forget her who gave him irth. . The revelation was a very painful one to him, for he dearly loved those whom he had looked upon as his parents, and more especially was he devoted to little Effie, the only child of these worthy people, born two years after the hap- pening of the events depicted in our first chapter, and who had been named after his mother. . “Then Effie is no longer my sister?” asked he, while his lip quivered and tears stole silently down his cheeks. “Not in fact,” replied Mary, gently; “but she will ever be a sister to you.” After that he became rather grave and restrained, and, though in the highest class in the public schools, flatly re-. nor to go to college when Bill broached the subject to Im. “T have no right,” said he, “to be a burden to you, and I am old enough to support myself. Now that Jack Thomp- son is laid up with a sore leg, why can’t I go with you on your engine and tend to the fires? You could, at the same time, teach me all about the locomotive, so that some day I can become an engineer.” 4 “So you want to become an engineer?” asked Bill, while a bright smile overspread his ruddy countenanee. “Tt is the wish of my heart,” replied the boy. “Give me your hand on that!” exclaimed Bill. “I always thought there was the making of a good engineer.in you; but Mary always wanted you to go to college and get book- learning. Now that the old engine’s been condemned, and I’m to start with a new one to-morrow, you shall go along with me and’ I won’t hear a word to the contrary from any- body.” a He looked rather fiercely at his wife as if he expected - some opposition from that quarter. “Tf Mae wants to be an engineer, of.course I don’t ob- ject,” satd she; “and only hope he’ll have as good luck as you've had. But what’s the name of the new engine, Bill?” “The ‘Little Mac,’ of course,” replied he. “I wouldn’t drive an engine with another name. , } “Hurrah!” cried Effie, clapping her hands with delight. “Little Mac will be the engineer of the ‘Little Mac.’ Won’t that be splendid?” Thus it was that our hero, thus early in life, assumed an avocation hazardous at all times, and which was to be es- pecially exciting and adventurous to him. t : Bill was very painstaking and conscientious with his ap- prentice, as he called him, and kept him tending to the fires and oiling the engine for a good many months in spite of the boy’s secret desire to handle the lever, and Mary’s remonstrances and Effie’s ejaculations, when the lad would come, home, utterly tired out and exhausted by his arduous labors and covered with grime and soot. ee: Jack Thompson,’ after his recovery, had been placed on another engine, and Mac now faithfully performed all the service previously attended to by the former, and received the same pay from the company, all of which he gave to his foster-mother to aid in the support of the family. ~— He had been two years on the engine, and was thor- oughly conversant with every part of the mechanism, before Bill allowed him to make his first trip. : That was a day of triumph for him, and when after a run, which was the quickest on record, the train drew up at the station in Hoboken, he, with beating heart and flushed cheek, hastened to inform his foster-mother and Effie of his success, : He received their congratulations, and then started back ry to where the engine was standing with steam up ready to ~~ make the return trip: He had not, however, proceeded far up the street when Ate he was stopped by the most eccentric specimen of humanity 5, he had ever beheld in his life. It was a boy, who, though in fact several years younger than he, had the appearance of a man prematurely old. He _ was diminutive in stature, barefoot, clad in a pair of tat- tered breeches, wore a rather dirty white vest, a blue army _ coat ornamented with big, brass buttons and much too large — for him, a slouch hat perched at an angle on his frowsy — head and through the many holes of which protruded his ©) sandy-hued shair; his face was pale and haggard,’ but ‘his small, gray eyes twinkled and sparkled like twin stars. -. t a

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LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. “Be you the feller what runs with Little Mac?” piped this eae areas oY: ‘ part ae covering himself he once more grasped the Jever Fe i, fi cuiious Dune of Tags and poncs, tor tucre was pul litwe! ducing the headway, slowly steamed up to the spot. flesh on him. “JT am,” replied Mac. “Pm Snooksy.” “That’s a funny name.” “Can't help it; it’s the best I’ve got. yer somethin’.” He lowered his voice and looked about rather anxiously as though he feared to be overheard. “Well, what is it? You must tell me quickly, for I haven’t got much time to spare. The train’ll be off in five minutes.” d “Dat ingine’s got ter be stopped!” hurriedly whispered Snooksy. “Why 2” “Cause Velveteen George an’ his gang’s goin’ ter wreck it out on the curve. I heard ’em talk all about it. They didn’t mind me ‘cause they thought I’d stand in with ’em, like I’ve done all along. But I won’t!” continued he, ex- citedly, his voice pitched at a shrill whistle, his eyes spark- ling with rage and his fingers nervously clutching and un- clutching. “I won’t; not after they’ve starved and beat me. See here!” ' The boy bared his bosom and showed that it was all black and blue from blows, and striped with livid scars made by a cruel lash. ‘ This was indeed startling intelligence. Mac had heard of “And who are you?” But I want ter tell - trains being wrecked by means of obstructions placed across the track, and that there were a gang of desperadoes hid- den in the pine forests in the upper portion of New Jersey that made this their business. “Come!” said he, grasping his strange companion by the hand, “there’s not a moment to lose. The train must be . stopped!” _ But when they arrived at the depot it was only to learn that the train had left a couple of minutes before. Bill evi- dently thinking that Mac would remain at home, had started off without him, taking another fireman along with him. “What was to be done? Night was coming on, together with heavy clouds that would shut out all light from the moon and stars. The place where the fearful crime was to be committed was in the midst of a deep forest, and before the train would reach a station which could be telegraphed to. Besides, Mac was so excited that he never thought of in- forming the superintendent of the danger, but seeing a loco- motive standing on a side track, ready to be attached to a train, he jumped into the cab, followed by Snooksy, and Lees i 1 4S A a a pw) oo ™ ae ~ direful catastrophe, Be = turning on a full head of steam, was off like the wind, to the great astonishment of the people around the depot. On and on thundered the locomotive. Snooksy, at Mac’s direction, kept piling coal into the red- hot furnace. \ - The pressure of the steam, as indicated by the gauge, rose higher and higher. The safety valve shrieked forth the signal of danger, but the intrepid boys paid no heed to it. ‘ ; Faster and faster revolved the wheels; the huge mon- ster groaned and quivered like a human being in agony; they were speeding along the rails at the rate of sixty miles an hour. “ “7¢ she only doesn’t blow up!” muttered Mac, as he opened the lever still wider and increased the rate by five miles. _ Now they were nearing the forest, and peering out of oa vine Mac beheld the train about a hundred yards ahead of him. . 4 He blew a shrill signal. j They evidently heard and understood it, for it was an- - -swered ‘by the whistle for “down brakes!” But it was too late. ; - Before the train could be brought to a halt the locomotive ran against a number of bags chained to the tracks and amid the shouts and cries of the affrizhted passengers the train bounded off the track and lay on the ground a mass of ruin. ae CHAPTER II. . ( oa5 " THE MANIAC. ; “My heavens, we’re too late!” gasped Mac, as he beheld the - f ; Cs ie away, but re- ¥ For a moment he felt inclined to faint dead eae ¥ wt Bringing the locomotive to a standstill he and Snooksy sprang from the cab and hastened to see what damage had been done. The latter was, indeed, fearful lest the gang whom he had left should be around, and, discovering him, kill him; but for this there was no cause, as the desperadoes were fright- ened away by the signal Mac had given. Two of the cars were still standing on the track, the coupling between them and the rest of the train having. fortunately broken, the other two cars and the locomotive were lying on their sides. : ee Mae’s first care was for Bill, whom he found lying on the | ground beside his engine and groaning with pain. “Are you much hurt, father?” asked he, addressing him ey, _the title he always used, even after Mrs. Norton’s: reve- ation. c “Mac, you here?” groaned the wounded man. “Thank heaven you were not on the train! I fear my legs are broken.” : With the assistance of several of the passengers, who were unhurt, Mac raised him from the ground and carried him into one of the ears. It was found that none of the passengers had been killed, and though most all who had been in the oyerturned cars were bruised and wounded, yet it seemed that Bill was about the most seriously hurt. By the aid of several stout ropes our hero fastened the cars remaining on the track to the coweatcher of his loco- motive, and was looking about for Snooksy, preparatory to returning to Hoboken, when by the light of the moon, which had suddenly broke through a rift in the clouds, he beheld him struggling in tlie arms of a thick-set, burly man, clad in a coat of velveteen. — : Instantly the thought crossed his mind that this man was” the leader of the train wreckers, spoken of by Snooksy, and that he had mingled among the passengers to learn who had been the cause of the partial defeat of his infamous plans. “You young skunk,” hissed the man, catching Snooksy around the thorat. Well, I'll wager you'll never squeal again.” He tightened his grasp on the boy’s neck until the latter’s os Rig purple, and his eyes bulged out from their sockets. It was his evident intention to choke him to death, and he would probably have done so had not Mac suddenly sprang toward the ruffian and given him a blow full in the face that caused him to let go his hold on the boy and stag- ger backward. z i: Snooksy, recovering his breath, immediately dashed away, too frightened to remain to assist his preserver, and the “So it’s you who’s been squealing, eh? man, with a fearful oath, turned to avenge himself on his _ assailant, when he caught sight of Mac’s countenance. tat halted abruptly, and glancing sharply at the boy, asked: f “Who are you?” “No matter who I am,” retorted he; “I know you. You are Velveteen George, and you shan’t eseape from. here!” He was about to raise a ery for help when the man, with an oath, silenced him. " “Be still, you fool!” said he, “and look at that picture.” \ He drew a miniature out of his pocket as he spoke and } handed it to him. ; . Mae was surprised to find what appeared to be a counter- feit presentment of himself clad in a woman’s garb. — “Is that my sister?” asked he, almost involuntarily. “Keep the picture,” hurriedly replied the man, “and ask those with whom you live.” 3 . So saying he quickly vanished, leaving our hero holding the portrait in his hand and more than ever mystified. He. had, however, no time now to think over the matter, : and putting the miniature into his pocket, got into the loco- motive, where he found Snooksy awaiting him, and started the train for the depot. ¢ Meanwhile Velveteen to his place of rendezvous. “Ah, ha!” muttered he as he walked along. “At last the hour that I’ve been so long awaiting has come. Now, my haughty Estelle, I’ll show you what it is to cast me out just because I spent a little of that money which is’ DSO 2 ak ne. a se deine sf by. right. I never believed that that girl had drowned her- self, and carried that picture with me everywhere to finc some trace of her. To-night I’ve struck the trail. If there’ Calne | Ar te - George strode through the forest —

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a LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. anything in looks, that boy is ey doa: and when I once. get him in my power I can make my own terms with you, my proud and haughty Estelle.” ; He chuckled softly to himself and continued his way ina _ State of high glee. _ Mary received her wounded husband with many ejacula- tions of grief and alarm, but was greatly comforted by the reassuring words of the physician, who had been hastily summoned, and who promised to bring her husband around all right in the course of a month at the furthest. The wrecked cars and locomotive were removed: to the repair shops and the obstructions taken off the tracks. The trains now ran regularly again, and when, after a week’s time the “Little Mac” was again placed on the track, she was given in charge of our hero in acknowledgment of his bravery and daring at the time of the catastrophe. Snooksy had been given a home by Mrs. Norton, and put - in some of Mac’s old clothes, He now acted as fireman under Mac, and between the two boys a bond of friendship was cemented that was never afterward broken. The excitement of the first few days caused the incident _ of the picture, to entirely escape Mac’s mind; but he re- membered it subsequently, and having shown it to his fos- ter-mother, was, to his great surprise, assured that it was the picture of his mother. He related to her how he had come in possession of it, but from the knowledge which she possessed she could not determine what interest Velveteen George had in the matter. _ His disreputable character, however, impressed Mrs. Nor- ton very unfavorably, and she advised Mac to shun the man + if ever he came across him again. The responsibility of his new position soon caused him to think no more of the circumstance for the time being, and he devoted his whole attention to the management of his engine, winning the plaudits both of the officials of the road and the passengers, who were loud in their praises of the boy engineer. _ An _ineident, however, soon afterward occurred, which, though he did not know it at the time, had a great deal to do with the mystery which overhung his birth. He had just left the station of a small village, situated but a short distance from the Hackensack River, when he felt a tap on his shoulder, and looking around was sur- "prised to see an old man plainly, though respectably dressed ‘standing before him. The silvery gray hair and beard of ‘the stranger gave him - such a venerable appearance that Mac hesitated to tell him that it was against the rule for any passenger to ride in the cab of the engine. “Excuse me,” said the old man, politely. “I’m a friend of the superintendent, and with his permission I’ve come here to ask you a few questions about your engine, as I am in- terested in all such matters. __ These words entirely disarmed any suspicion that might have arisen in the boy’s mind. : ie answer,” said he, deferentially, “to the best of my ~~ ability. L : “Don’t you think,” said the man, after a slight pause, _ “that this engine travels at a very slow rate?” _ “No,” replied Mac. “It’s the fastest engine on the road.” “Indeed!” exclaimed the other. “Then why don’t they _ stop running by steam and employ the new power?” _ “What new power 2” asked the boy. ‘Electricity.’ ek “ve heard complished.” Ot Met ahr i , “But I say it can!” replied the old man a little eagerly. “I’ve done it myself.” : ; . ; : Mac looked at him curiously. ae “Some old fogy of a scientist,” thought he. “I’ye been . troubled with their theories.” t ; : | “Yes,” continued the other, “I’ve had _an engine con- - constructed it yet, but I’ve got the idea. You see, the fric- tion of the wheels against the rails retards the speed. Now, of that, sir, but it cannot be practically ac- a thousand miles an hour.” Ag ¥ : _ At these words the truth flashed across our hero’s mind, This man was a lunatic, who-must have escaped from the ter in the vicinity of the last station and come into the ca) i _ The thought caused him some uneasiness, for he was com- _ ‘parative into the ok 4 7 ly alone with him, as Snooksy was busy shoveling the furnace. ial rae CN Dh ena rs eae He determined to humor him until his companion had finished his work. f “That was pretty quick,” said he, with a forced smile. “Not so quick as we could go with my new engine,” con- tinued the lunatic, warming up with his subject. “I haven’t constructed it yet, but I’ve got the idea. You see, the fric- tion of the wheels against the rails retards the speed. Now, R in my air line I’m going to have the train suspended in midair by means of two. mighty opposing magnets, and then with my lightning power I’ll travel around the earth . in twenty minutes. I ain’t quite clear on the subject, for whenever I think of it there’s a face that looms up before me and mocks and ridicules me.” “A face,” murmured Mac, unconsciously. j “Yes,” shrieked the maniac, suddenly becoming furious. . “Yours!” iy 2 In spite of the terror which overcame our hero. as he recognized his perilous position, the thought uppermost in hig. mind was that this was the second time that his face had affected persons entire strangers to him. He gaye a quick ery of alarm and placed his hand on the lever to shut off the steam, but the maniac was too quick for him, and seizing him by the neck, pulled him away. “Yes,” shrieked the lunatic, “it is your face that prevents the accomplishment of my great work, and you needn’t think that I did not recognize it because you’ve disguised yourself in boy’s clothes. You’ve eluded me thus far, but I’ve got you now. You shall die now and not mock me any longer!” In vain the boy sereamed and kicked, and struggled. The maniac seemed to be endowed with superhuman strength, and lifting him bodily from the floor held him out of the eab, ready to drop him at any moment to the ground below. . And all this while, with no one to guard the lever, the train was rushing at a headlong speed toward a bridge, where the red flag proclaimed that the draw was open! CHAPTER Iv. JIMMIE, THE TWISTER. In the densest portion of the almost impenetrable pine forests that abound in the northern part of New Jersey stood a hut that had formerly belonged to a family of char- coal burners, but which had been deserted by them when ~ the broken roof no longer kept out the rain, the paneless windows afforded no shelter against the wind, and the en- tire structure, rotten and worm-eaten, seemed likely to top- ple on their heads. ; It was in this deserted and tumble-down condition when Velveteen George and his gang discovered it and deter-_ mined to make it their headquarters. Fast A For this purpose they artfully contrived to render the in- _ terior of the hut safe and habitable, while at the same time leaving the exterior as dilapidated-looking gS ever. A subterranean chamber was also dug, having several dif- ferent outlets. This was also used to store away their — plunder pees to its being secretly conveyed to New York and sold to “fences,” and also to serve as a refuge — and mode of escape in case they were attacked. ‘es j As yet there had been no occasion. for this latter purpose, _ for no one supposed that the broken-down shanty could possibly be inhabited. aes ; When Velveteen George entered the hut on the night of his meeting with Little Mac, he found several of his men sitting around a table drinking whisky and playing cards — | with a lad about the same age as Snooksy, but better dressed. ~ ff é d Ny The boy held a number of cards in one hand, a cigar in the other, while on the table beside him stood a glass half filled with fiery liquor, His countenance bore a rakish,. devil-may-care expression, — sad to behold in one so young, and as he raised his head | at the entrance of Velveteen George the likeness between it and that of the latter stamped and son. ; tae Ay oe! “Hello, dad!” he sang out. “Got a buster, didn’t yer? Oh, I know all about it. The g: "Ss come back all ‘down in them at once as father the mouth like a pack of whipped curs. Served ’em right, — an’ you, too. Why the dickens didn’t yer let me manage the Us job? I'll bet I’d a-fixed ’em.” . : ee \ ; r Dy, rd a Le We I

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LITTLE MAC, THE ‘BOY ENGINEER. “Tt’d turned out all right, if that little varmint of a Snooksy hadn’t betrayed us.” “So it was Snooksy, eh?” said the young hopeful, putting his cigar between his lips and drawing forth a murderous- looking bowie knife. “Just let me catch hold of the young squealer. J’ll skin his hide for him.” “Well, Jimmy,” continued his father, “p’raps if I didn’t haul in any swag to-night I’ve found out something that’s better both for you and me.” “Yer don’t say, dad? What is it?? : “Come to my roomy an” I’ll tell yer all about it.” The boy arose with alarcity. “Is it a long story, dad, or a short one?” “Well, pretty long.” “Then I guess I'll take the bottle and a couple of glasses along with me. Yer know I get dry orfully quick.” He unceremoniously took the bla¢k bottle from his com- panions, and having first drained his glass with all the ease of an old toper took that and another one and followed his father into a side room, which was Velveteen George’s private apartments, and shared only by his son, whom he loved with that wild, unreasoning deyotion often met with in persons of the most depraved character. “Well, dad,” exclaimed Jimmy, when they were alone, “Jet’s have a stiff horn first, and then sling out yer yarn,” He filled the glasses and handed one of them to his pa- ternal relative. : “Ym afraid, Jimmy,” said his father, “that you drink more whisky than is good for you.” ' “Oh, git out,” replied the boy. “Didn’t yer teach me how ter drink and smoke almost before I could speak. Tm a tough nut, dad, I am, and the only time whisky don’t agree with me is when I mix it with water.” His father said no more, and the two having emptied their glasses, Velveteen George accepted a cigar and light’ from his son, and began: Spi “Yer don’t remember yer mother, Jimmy, do yer?” “Not much. Never knew I had any.” “Well, yer have, an’ she’s a fine lady, lives in a brown stone house in New York, dresses in silks and diamonds, | has her horses and carriages, goes to church on Sunday, ‘and, you bet, is highfalutin’ all over.” “Yer don’t mean for ter say, dad, that that ’ere woman’s your wife?” “Tt’s a fact, Jimmy.” ’ “And my mother?” “Fixactly.” a _ “Look here, dad, I want none of your foolin’ now. Tell me this. Why ain’t you getting your stake out of all them fine things, and why ain’t I sportin’ it on Broadway with a piccadilly collar an’ a white necktie, a cane in one hand an’ a twenty-five cent cigar in the other, eh? Why am I out ful here in the woods instead of cutting a shine on the avenue? Why.am I drinking tanglefoot whisky instead of cham- _. pagne? That’s what I want to know.” _He cocked his hat on one side of his head, elevated the cigar in his mouth at an angle of forty-five degrees, and leaning back in his chair placed his feet on the table. This attitude struck his father as being so comical that he burst out laughing, and tapping him on the shoulder ex- claimed: l “Jimmy, you were born to be a sport, an’ I’m going ter ' put yer into a posish ter cut just the kind of the shine yer _ talkin’ about.” “How are yer going ter do it, dad?” “Why, make yer mother acknowledge \yer.” “And fork over the stamps?” : “Exactly.” - 4 *y . “What’s the reason you've got ter force her ter do it?” _. “Well, yer see, when she married me she was a widow— her husband, in fact, had killed himself. He left a writing, though, telling her as how he’d married another girl, and . that she weren’t his wife, but the other girl was. Do you _ understand me?” : nas “Like a book, Go on.” * : '- "He left lots of property an’ all that, which, of course, _.| went ter yer mother, pervidin’ the other girl wouldn’t turn »-up. There was a picture of the gal found on the breast of _ the. man, an’ yer mother gave me the picture and told me . to investigate the matter.” SG ope _ “But how'd yer come ter know my mother?” ; oy _ “Oh, I was secretly married to her afore she married this rich man.” Ran st Wy I 8 mpc 5% 7 At as j “Then all the time she wasn’t his Zs fi 4 , hi t § wife at all, either.” poe *y (hs ¥ Wes Vw! ; We Vy whatever avas to he done must be done quickly. “No; that’s just the fun of the thing. I was jugged right after marrying her, and sent to States prison for ten years. I managed to escape after a year, though, and came back to find what I’ve just told you.” “There, dad,” interrupted Jimmy at this point, “yer bet- ter wet yer whistle "fore yer go on wid yer yarn. It makes me dry just ter listen ter yer.” Father and son once more drained their glasses, and then the elder continued: “All I could find out about the gal was that she’d run away from home, and as the river ran near where she lived » it was generally believed that she drowned herself, Least- ways that’s what I reported to yer mother, and she, mighty glad that she had all the money, now took care of me, who ~ was her rightful husband, yer know, and gave me a share of the swag. Well, things went on pretty well till after you were born, when she got high-toned and was con- verted and all that. She didn’t like the idea of having an escaped convict for a husband, and perhaps I did gamble away some of the money and come home drunk once ina. while. Finally we had a regular blow-up, and she threat- ened to betray me to the police if I didn’t clear out. That settled the matter, and, of course, I had. ter git; but I took you along with» me, Jimmy. I wouldn’t have left my kid behind for all the money in the world.” The escaped convict’s voice trembled somewhat as he ut- tered these last words, and he cast a wistful, yearning look on his son, as if he would like to clasp him to his bosom. He controlled his emotion, however, and continued: “Yer know, Jimmy, since yer were old enédugh to know anything how I’ve been traveling around from place to place, and finally joined the gang here. Do yer know why I did so? It was because I never believed that gal was — pores and that sooner or later I’d hear something of er. : “And yer did ter-night?” asked the boy. = = “To-night,” exclaimed he, excitedly, “I put my eyes on her ~ son. ; Jimmy sprang to his feet with a bound. “And that son,” cried he, “is the true heir of all the money his daddy left. How much is it?” aif “Nearly a million, Jimmy.” ’ : , a “Say, dad, I kin see what yer driving at. If we git that boy in our power we can force this high-toned mother of mine to acknowledge you and me, and, what’s of more con- sequence, pony over one-half of the money.” Pe “You're a chip of the old block, Jimmy,” admiringly re- plied his father. “You’ve hit the nail on the head exactly. We must put up a’ job on this youngster and rope him in. How’ll we do it?” ; ; ; : “Oh, leave that to me; I'll fix it,” replied the young hope- rue ; “Tain’t for nothing they call me Jimmy, the Twister.” 3 oe CHAPTER V. THE ENCOUNTER ON THE RIVER. It will be remembered that Snooksy was in the cab of the — “Little Mac,” but being engaged in the immportant duty of filling the furnace, could not come to the rescue of the boy | engineer before the maniac was holding the latter out of the | cab. It was at this juncture that Snooksy, with uplifted shovel, — struck the lunatic a blow across the head, causing him to — stagger back and let go his hold on Mack. ale The boy engincer did not fall to the ground. aie Even while being held by the insane man he had contrived to twist his fect around some part of the engine, and when | he was let go he remained perched on the locomotive. Crawling forward he reached the cow-catcher, and then for the first time noticed that the draw of the bridge over the Hackensack, which they were about to cross, had been , opened to afford passage to a schooner, and had not y h tion of property and the lives of the passengers, which now ‘a exclusion of every other idea. been closed. - seemed imminent? . The bridge was not above one hundred yards distant, and How should he save the train? How prevent the destruc- “This was the thought which possessed his mind to the ay a.

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\ 6 LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. He conceived a bold, daring plan. Hastily stripping himself of his jacket and vest he crawled under the engine and jammed them into the cylinder of the piston which caused the wheels to rotate. Theré was a crunching souhd, then the cylinder became clogged, the piston ceased to act, the wheels failed to re- volve, and the train came to a standstill at the very edge of the bridge. - At the same instant, with a wild, eldritch shriek, the maniae sprang from the cab into the river, and disappeared beneath the surface of the water, above which he was not seen to rise again. E Mae now got into the cab, and his first care was to shut off the steam, and prevent an explosion, which might have resulted from his manipulations with the engine. Then he turned to look for Snooksy, and found him lying on'the for in an almost exhausted state. > “Hello, Snooksy!” exclaimed he cheerily, aiding his com- é penicn to get on his feet: “Did you have a wrestle with the natic ? “You kin bet I did,” panted the other, “an’ he just knocked the wind outer me. I seed what he’ was up to, an’ cracked him ’eross the head with the shovel. That kinder settled him for a minit, but then he gits up and at me, catches me around the throat an’ tries ter chuck me inter the red- hot furnace, which he could ha’ done, seein’ as how I left the door open. Yer kin bet it was a struggle for life an’ death, an’ I thort sure my goose was cooked when he spied the river, an’ no sooner did he see that when he lets go of me an’ jumps overboard. He must a-had the hydyphoby, - or somefin like that. But, I say; Mac, how the dickens did , you manage ter keep alive an’ stop the train? I thort you “were runned over when I let yer go.” , Mack explained in a few, words and received the admir- ing commendations of his friend, which ercomiums were re- _ newed by the passengers, who now began to crowd around , to learn the cause of the stoppage, and to whom he was obliged to repeat, the story. : _ The jacket and vest were taken out of the cylinder in a totally demolished condition, a circumstance, however, which afforded the passengers an excuse for making up and presenting a purse to the brave lad. The draw was prop- erly arranged, and once more the train started on its way, (Mace leaving the bridge officials to find out what became of _ the maniac. No further indident marred the trip or the run home to Hoboken, and that evening Mac had the pleasure of re- counting the adventure to his foster-parents and Effie. “That’s mighty strange, Mary,” said Bill, from his sick bed. “I wonder who that lunatic could have been?” “You say,” asked his wife, turning to Mae, “that he made special reference to your face?” _. “Yes,” replied he, “and that’s what struck me most. It’s ‘the second time, you know, and he couldn’t hh well have belonged to Velveteen George’s gang.” “Tt’s a part of the mystery surrounding your birth,” _ thoughtfully continued Mary, “a mystery which I fear will never be lifted. And you think the old man is drowned?” “Vm sure of it.” ; But here Mack was mistaken. rs The maniac was not drowned. He came up above the surface under the bridge, and it was owing to this circumstance that he was not seen by _ those looking for him. _ Almost mechanically he swam to the bank, and reaching the mouth of a culvert which drained the surrounding - marshes, he crawled through the opening and lay for a _ time utterly exhausted at the bottom of the conduit. Fortunately there was but little or no water in the cul- vert, and though the place was filthy and ill-smelling, he _ was in no danger of being either suffocated or drowned. _. Meanwhile, the bridge officials, finding no trace of him, ' believed that he had sunk to the bottom, and desisted from _, further efforts, leaving it to the proper authorities to dredge \ the river, or wait until the corpse should rise to the surface, as they might see fit to do. 4 It was dark when the maniac awoke from his sleep of ex- haustion; but he neither regarded that fact, nor the posi- tion in which he: found himself. ; With a cunning often met with in persons of unsound ind, he crept along the culvert until his hands touched a sort of shelf formed of bricks against gne side of the con- -} duit, and intended as a resting place to those who occa- sionally entered it for the purpose of cleansing it. us down.” He stretched himself at full length on this shelf, and be- gan to ruminate aloud: “Ha, ha!” chuckled he. “I gave them the slip this time; no more black dungeons, no more straight-jackets for me. Here, at last, I am free. I am king here, with the rats for my subjects. Ho, ho!.Hear how they sing. Yes—yes, my bonnie dears, I’ll remain with you; they shall never take me back to the asylum again. I'll work, too. Tl perfect my great invention. I’ll show them that I am not mad, and if her face mocks me again, I’ll crush it—I’ll crush it, though it appear in a hundred disguises.” In this rambling way did the poor lunatic commune with himself, until. once more his eyes closed in slumber; and amid the rats and vermin, the darkness and filth, the cold and damp, he slept as peacefully as a child in its downy crib. The keepers of the lunatic asylum visited Bill Norton’s cottage the next day. They reported that the old man had escaped the day pre- vious, that his name was Silas Raymond, and that though they did not know the precise cause of his madness, they believed that he must have been some eccentric inventor whose mind had become unsettled over his scheme. He had: been in the asylum for many years, and that though, at first quite. violent, he had. recently become so quiet and peaceful that he had not been watched as carefully ag he might have been. 2 They. were surprised to hear of his murderous attack on Mac, as they had supposed him entirely harmless, and could not account for this sudden outburst of his old fury. Accompanied by Mac they visited the Hackensack,’ and after, as they thought, a complete search, departed as wise as they had come. Nothing was heard of the maniac for some rays, and then rumors came that he had been seen during the night on a larze raft paddling himself quite rapidly across the river. These rumors were at first discredited, because the raft in question, which was used to aid in repairing the bridge, was always found during the day in its proper place, chained to one of the piers of the bridge; but when articles of cloth- ing and food began to disappear fram the canalboats moored at this point in the river, and several bowie knives and other weapons had been mysteriously stolen when left care- lessly on the deck of any boat over night, things began to assume a different shape, and a party was formed to go out in a rowboat and remain on the river over night, Mace, hearing of this, obtained permission from his foster parents to go with Snooksy to the village, from which a party was to start, and join them in their search. : He was more enabled to do this from the fact that it was an off night for him and his chum, and they were re- lieved from duties. ; It was not merely the love of the dangerous and exciting which induced the boy engineer to share the perils of this night expedition, but a peculiar fascination, for which he | could not account, which drew him towards the maniac ever since the latter had referred to his countenance. 4 There were altogether six persons in the boat, and they rested on their oars when they arrived in the center of the stream near the railroad bridge. It was about nine o’clock, and as there was no moon the darkness was relieved only by the faint light of the stars. This was an advantage to them, as it rendered them less likely to be perceived by the maniac if he should appear, while they, on the other hand, would infallibly hear the commotion in the water caused by the moving of the un- wieldy raft. For over an hour they waited thus, merely backin to prevent themselves from being drifted along water th the . tide. At the end of that time a rippling sound caught their ears, and a minute later the shadowy outline of the raft and its solitary passenger could be traced in the darkness before them. ‘ ; The moment they beheld it they experienced a danger which they had not provided for, = The tide was running very strongly and the darkness of the night had prevented them from seeing the bulky raft until it was quite close to them. A collision seemed in- evitable. ee ; aay! ¥ “Hold on, there,” eried one of the men. “You are running © But a mad burst / of laughter was their only response. .

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/ LITTLE *MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. - “Back water for your lives!” ordered the self-constituted leader of the party, But the command came too late. The. bulky raft struck \ N i More dead than alive, he was dragged from the maniac’s grip and into one of the boats. The old man was subsequently secured, and firmly bound, the fragile and heavily-weighted rowboat full in the side! hand and foot, and placed in the bottom of a boat. and capsized her, throwing the > iré° ° And. above the shock of the collision, the shrieks of the struggling men, and their cries tor help soutue@ wie wise, blood-curdling laugh of the maniac. CHAPTER VI. ENTRAPPED. The cries for help attracted the notice of various per- “gons on board the canalboats, and these at once set out » ‘in rowboats to the scene of the catastrophe. 2 While they are engaged in hauling the drowning men out of the water let us turn our attention to Little Mac. As soon as he saw that the collision was inevitable he sprang up from his seat and dove into the river at the moment it was capsized. i , Being a powerful swimmer and almost as much at home in the water as on dry land, he came up to the surface clear of the upturned boat, and directly beside the raft. Actuated by a sudden impulse, he climbed up on this, . and stood face to face. with the maniac. We have before remarked that there was no moon. That luminary, however, now rose above the horizon and shed its beams full on the forms of the two occupants of the raft. The maniac presented a truly terrifying appearance. He was barefooted, wore a pair of tattered sailor’s breeches and a blue navy shirt, which articles of clothing he had evidently stolen; his head was uncovered, his face pale and haggard, while his long gray hair and beard were tangled and matted. In his hand he held a long heavy pole, which he used to steer the raft; but the moment that the light of the newly risen moon enabled him to clearly see the features of the boy he dropped the pole on the raft, and drawing from his waist a long, glittering bowie knife, he exclaimed: : : Hes “That face again. I must erush it; yes, Iemust crush it.” ‘He made a lunge at Mac’s breast, but the boy, deftly evading the thrust, sprang to the other side of the raft and snatching up the pole brandished it in the air, and ex- claimed: 2 : “Back! Back, old man, or I'll brain you!” : The maniac saw the determined glitter in the boy’s eyes, ‘ and a change came over his demeanor. : : Suddenly throwing his knife into the river, he burst into a flood of tears, and falling on the boy’s neck, ‘in sobbing tones and with infinite pathos, cried: eS eel Ohy Wiel? Z Mae started and trembled so violently that the pole dropped from his hands and slipped into the stream. Effie!. It was the name engraved on the mound beneath which vested the remains of his mother. Who was this maniac? What relation was he to her—to him? / 2 © He was about to put the question, when the tender mood, @ither real or feigned, passed away from the lunatic, and . he once more broke out in wild fury. s “At last I have you!” shtrieked he, suddenly twining his long, bouy fingers around the boy’s throat. “You cannot escape fron me now. Ah! Ah! ‘That sweet, cruel face shall ‘haunt me no longer. At last I will crush it—I will erush it!” Mac felt his breath come quick and short, he gasped and choked, he grew purple in the face, his eyes seemed to start from their sockets, and his head appeared to be on the point of’ bursting. ‘ j s ; ee ay With all the strength he was still master of he twifed _, his arms*and legs around the maniac and tried to shake him off, 4 But in vain. The lunatie clung to him like grim death, end a terrible struggle for life and death. cnsued on the raft.. - 4 4 A sudden lurch of the latter threw both of them into the viver, and there the combat was continued, i It would undoubtedly have ended fatally for Mac had not at this juncture several of the canalboat men, who had ‘by & _ this time rescued the capsized party, plimged into the water > and come tohisaid. Bes ‘ , ed = ay ok A sit ro ae \ ae | The object of the expedition was now accomplished, and. though attended with the danger we have described, fortu- nately without any-loss of life. Mae and Snooksy obtained dry clothes and lodging for the night in one of the canlboats, and when they returned home the next day it was a great relief to Mary-and Bill to learn that the maniac, who had conceived such a strange hatred for their adopted son, was at last safely incarcerated in the asylum from which he had made his escape. It was true that one enemy was, for the time being at least, rendered powerless to harm the boy engineer; but he had other and more bitter foes, who were even then plot- ~ ting against his life and liberty. re Velveteen George and Jimmy had not been idle. The lat- ter, especially disguised as a street gamin, had paid fre- quent visits to the railroad depot and picked up yarious bits of information about Little Mac which would be of service to hinffin the plot he was weaving to get the boy engineer in the power of the railroad wreckers. One day he boldly accosted him with the words: “Say, Mac, give us a chaw of terbaccer.” “T never chew,” replied he. : “Oh,” sneered Jimmy, “you’re one of them pious sort. I’m sorry fur yer, for I heerd a geod deal ‘bout yeu an’ wanted ter take yer ter New York ter show yer the sights. But of course yer wouldn’t go to ther Bowery Theater; oh, no; yer mother’d know yer was out, an’ it ain’t like Sunday- school. So I can’t take yer, though I’ve got plenty of ‘sugar,’ an’ we could cut a swell shine. I’m sorry.for yer, Mac, as I said before. Yer a nice looking boy, an’.it’s a pity ye’re so pious-like.” : ‘aking out a roll of greenbacks from his pocket, he. — flaunted them in the air before the eyes of the bewildered — boy, and then replacing them in his pocket slowly saun- —— tered away. ¢ Feo Now, Mae was but human, after all. His vanity had ~ been excited by the urchin’s carefully chosen words, and he did not relish the fling at his moral rectitude. No boy does, however virtuous he may be. = Besides, he had often heard speak of the “Old Drury,” and his imagination had been further stimulated by the gaudily colored posters affixed to the walls of the depot. He had nothing to do that night, and his foster-mother had requested him to go to New York on some errand. Why could he: not accept the generous offer to this unknown admirer of his? ° x He called the boy cee ; Cie e “Who are you?” asked he. , “Billy Button,” glibly replied the lad. — ia Had he given his right name, Mac would have instantly recognized him, for.Snooksy had told him of the young au- tocrat of the railroad gang. : “Pll go with you to the Bowery, if you’ve come honestly by your money. ; “Of course I did,” asserted Jim. “Ain’t I got a dad. who's as rich as blazes; an’ don’t he give me all the rocks I want? Of course he does, an’ why shouldn’t he, seein’ as I’m his ~ only son and heir?” ; Ss “Well, then, where’ll I meet you. I’ve got to go to New - York on an errand, and when T get through with that we can go to the theater.” ; ‘Do you know where street is?” a ; ; “Ves.” ‘ X ‘ Z ‘i “Meet me there at _half-past seven.” : NF is “T will; but, Billy, ’'ve got a friend called Snooksy. Can — I bring him along?” : “Of course yer can,” replied he, after a slight pause, adding in an undertone: “I'll fix both of ’em at once.” — They parted company shortly after this, and though the — young .sehemer had not forbidden his intended victim to — mention their proposed entertainment, yet Mac of his own ~ accord never mentioned a word of it. NS He felt rather doubtful whether they would allow him to trae go, and, boyish-like, he determined to risk a scolding upon ) _ his return. f 5 ets aie, It was the first time he had been disobedient to his foster- - ae you'll assure me that the corner of Bowery and Canal. FR. Ye parents, and there would be soon cause for him bitterly to ee repent it. + fae eaT oe He and Spooksy were off dutysat five o’clock that af noon, and having dressed themselves in their i “ ‘ ; saat : ‘ , ‘ at Liar - is a —- { P ‘3 e- as ) ’ Oe wt

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8 clothes, they bade Bill and’: Mary good-by and started for New York. On the way Mac told his companion of the new friend he had made that afternoon and the treat that was in store for them, rousing Snooksy’s curiosity and desire to see the entertainment to the highest. pitch. Their errand was properly performed, and promptly at the appointed hour they found themselves at the place of rendezvous. Jimmy was there before them, and though Mac intro- duced him to Snooksy, the latter did not recognize him. There was no wonder in this, as Snooksy had only seen -the Twister in the ragged, dirty costume he wore in the woods, while now he was dressed up like a young sport, and clothes make a great difference in the appearance of boys of his class. “Ym glad ter see yer, boys,” exclaimed Jimmy, somewhat - disguising his voice. “Had yer grub?’ “Yes,” replied Mac. “Then come right across the street. That’s the theater there, where the big lights are shining. They’re be cr two bully pieces to-night: ‘Nick of the Woods’ ‘Jack Sheppard.’ Did yer ever see ’em afore?” _ Both Snooksy and Mac were obliged to admit that they never had had that pleasure. “Never seen ’em!” continued ey Twister. “Golly, then er'll have 2 regular feast. Whalley’s doin’ the ‘Nick of the oods,’ an’ yer’ll hear spoutin’ that'll raise the hair off yer head. Fanny Herring’s goin’ ter play ‘Jack Sheppard,’ an’ she’s just A No. 1.” By this time they had arrived in front of the theater, and Jimmy, procuring reserved seats in the orchestra chairs, the party passed in. : It is unnecessary to state that Mac and Snooksy enjoyed ‘themselves hugely. Everything was new and strange to them, and the time passed so rapidly that Mac uttered an ejaculation of dismay, when on leaving the theater at the conclusion of the per- _ formance he heard the bells strike the hour of midnight. Ne “Twelve o’clock!” cried he! “And the last boat leaves at that hour. How’ll we get home now? I didn’t think the theater would last so long, or I wouldn’t have come.” - “Pm afraid we'll have to make a night of it,” Snooksy, but little less dismayed than his companion, “T’m sorry for it!” exclaimed Jimmy, in tones of feigned athy. “But yer know what can’t be cured must be ciaceets I’ve got plenty of ‘stamps left, and I move we get an oyster stew and then go to a hotel for the night.” “What will father and mother think ?” muttered Mac. 1 said i “Pye. never stayed out over night before.” . He began to be heartily sorry that he had come. But there was nothing to do but submit to the inevitable, and with a sigh he followed Jimmy’s lead, until they reached a basement at the head of which was a colored lantern. After a slight hesitation Mac and peti & followed . their - guide down the steep steps and into the saloon. - Tt was a long, narrow, low-ceilinged, gy-looking place, Bi with a bar em one end and several table ranged along the Ag side. A number of men were standing at the bar, and as soon hae Snooksy caught sight of one of them he turned as pale 2) “gt Seige ty “Fere t ik death. | Mvaivetesh George!” gasped he. they are, dad,” sang out Jimmy in his natural tone. “Dye steered. them here all hunkey.” a _ “The Twister!” cried Snooksy, now recognizing his com- = is of soe evening. “Fly, Mac, fly for your life! We py ¥ e re raye in The boy engineer was quick to perceive the danger, and turned on his heel to ascend the steps. _ But before either he or Snooksy could escape the gang - pounced upon them and kept pounding feet so unthercifully : Be they sank stunned, bleeding and helpless to the floor of yale, dive. CHAPTER VIL. of yok ; THE DEMON AND THE IMP. i ea ee ones most palatial residences. on Fifth avenue, in be one of New York, resided Mrs. Estelle ‘Mowbray. ay the evening of the day succeeding that on which | 0¢- ered te acini ee in our. me abe Bey, tina F pareve LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. and elegantly decorated parlors were thrown open for a masquerade party, given by the lady to her fashionable friends, in honor of her birthday. The gorgeously furnished apartments were thronged with merry masquers, whirling in the mazy waltz to the musie of the band hired for the oceasion, while serenely in their midst, clad in a robe of purple velvet, her person radiant with ‘the flash of many diamonds, proud in her well-pre- pete beauty, majestic in form and bearing, strode the ostess. It was a very select affair, and though the masquers were unknown to each other, yet they had all privately re- vealed themselves to the lady while congratulating her, so that she might know that there were no intruders present. She was, therefore, somewhat puzzled by the appearance among the crowd of a demon, clad in the orthodox red cos- tume, with horns, tail and cloven hoofs, and a little imp, who bounded about as though mage of india-rubber. Who could they be? They had not unmasked themselves to her, and becoming uneasy, she determined to discover their identity. Calling a servant, she bade him tell them that the lady wished to see them in te conservatory, and proceeded thither herself, fortunately finding the place temporarily deserted. She had not long to wait before the demon and the imp appeared, The former made a profound bow before her, while the latter, by way of showing his courtesy, stood on his head. “Gentlemen,” said she, in a somewhat haughty tone, “I ure of an introduction to you, which, I believe, I have not as yet had. In plain words, may I know. who you are?” “With the greatest of pleasure,” replied the demon, rais- ing his mask. “Though I should think that the choice of my costume would have led you to surmise my identity.” “Velvetine George!” gasped Estelle, as soon as she caught sight of his face. “Your husband,” added he, with a leer. | “And your son Jimmy,” cried the imp, regaining his nor- mal position and likewise raising his mask. “Don’t yer know me, mammy, yer own lovely Jimmy, what is now known as the Twister. Oh, let-me give you a twist.” The audacious boy actually tried to hug his mother, but she pushed him rudely from her, and turning to Velveteen George, in a voice almost choking with rage, demanded:. “How: dare you come here, sir, and bring that brat with ou? «J dare do many things,” replied he, in a tone of quiet, but deep signification. “Jimmy was dying to have a look at the woman who gave him birth, and seeing in this morning’s paper the announcement that the wealthy and fashionable Mrs, Mowbray was going to give a masquerade party this evening, it struck me as being just the oppor- tunity for which I waited, for you know, Estelle, that I Sh be very careful about showing myself undisguised in public.’ “And knowing ‘that, you dare to come here,” eried she angrily, “after I had sworn an oath to hand you over to the police if you pestered me any more.” “Oaths are made but to be broken,” replied he dryly. “They are!” exclaimedi she exasperated. “You shall see.” On a rustic table near them stood a silver bell. She struck this. “Now,” mons will’ be despatched for the police.” “Pll bet half a dollar,” exclaimed Jimmy, “that he'll be sent for some whisky and cigars. I’m awfully dry ‘an’ just ree fer a smoke. Say, mammy, yer don’t chew ter- o yer? we wards her, “I have found h _ At these words all the lor eudict from the proud lady’s face; she reeled and would have fallen had not the. ike supported her. At this moment the saree apnianed ~ “Now,” triumphantly whispered the convict in her ear, “order the police.” “John,” me she faintly, “a glass of water; if you please.” BP whisky an’ cigars for two,” ordered ay. with a? chue e. “a'Dhe servant. ibied inquiringly at his mistress, ‘ha te. ceiving a weed ee nod from her left the. conservatory — aly ban ie Poel aring the required articles. ie Ay te have asked you to meet me here in order to obtain the pleas- | chaw.” i * Ristelle,” whispered a 3h George, bending over to- said she, “the servant who answers that sum- t » th ’Cause if yer does I’d like ter ask yer ‘for |

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After he was dismissed, and they were again alone, Vel- veteen George politely handed the glass of water to Es- telle, who, drinking it and feeling somewhat recovered, demanded: “Well, know all? “Calm yourself,” said -he, “and let us seat ourselves at the table here. We can talk confidentially, and it will seem to any one who might happen to come into the conservatory as if you were merely entertaining a couple of intimate friends, which, indéed, we are—very intimate.” ° They seated themselves as he directed, and then Jimmy, raising his glass of liquor, exclaimed: “Mammy, here’s to your very good health, an’ the hope that we'll freeze together more in the future than we have in the past.” He drained the glass, and George.having followed his example, they lit their cigars and commenced to smoke. “T know you don’t object to smoking,” said the convict. “Many a time in the good old days I’ve made cigarettes for you. Ah, happy hours, will they ever come again?” “Oh, tell me about her!” impatiently exclaimed Estelle. “You are keeping me from my guests. They will wonder at my absence.” “Well, Estelle; you need experience no fear from Effie, for she is dead.” “And you have come here to tell me that,” angrily you have found her—where is she? Does she cried she. “I have suspected it all the while, and your confirmation only puts you into my power. I will get rid of you now.” Again she rang the bell. “T guess,” said Velveteen George, with a quiet smile, “you will have to order two more whiskies, and at the same time you might order a plate of ice-cream for yourself. It will look so much more natural. Yes, Effie Mowbray is dead, but ~ her son lives!” “Two whiskies, two cigars, one ice-cream and a chaw of terbaccer,” sang out Jimmy to the servant, as he appeared |? in answer to the summons. With the exception of the last-mentioned article, the servant executed. the order, and pacdei kendra taken his leave, Estelle eagerly asked: “You are sure of that?” “Pretty sure,” replied the convict, “seeing that I’ve got the youngster safely locked up in my present headquarters, in thegforests of New Jersey,” and he briefly related what has already been told to the reader, _“You-must put him to death!” hissed she. “And kill the goose that is to lay me Sapa a eggs? by a long shot.” “But at least you will preyent him fom ever claiming his rights?” _ “That depends on circumstances. the trump card now, and if you agree to my terms J’ll remoye the lad thousands of miles away, where he’ll con- tinue to remain in ignorance of his parentage. If you do not all New York shall learn by to-morrow who the fash- ionable Mrs. Mowbray really is, and to whom this palatial residence, the stocks and bonds, the income of which you draw, the splendid equipages, those very diamonds that ' glitter on your bosom really belong.” — “What are your terms?” - asked she, thoroughly humbled. “Well,” said he slowly, “first and foremost, that you re- ceive Jimmy into your house. I don’t want to have the boy become what I am, and Me his mother, should give him that position in life to which he is entitled.” . "Yes, mammy,” pe in Jimmy, with a swagger, “I wants ter become a sport; that’s what I was cut out for. Fast horses. you bet! Champagne, that’s my huekleberry, and pretty gals, of course. Jiminy, won’t I cut a shine? “Secondly,” continued Velveteen George, not heeding the jae Dt, “P)l trouble you for one thousand dollars down and. the same amount sent to, say Chicago, ery month.” ath “Would you make me a beggar?” muttered she. “Beggar, pshaw! Your income is fifty thousand a year, Not if it’s a cent. But you will become a beggar if you re- es fuse my offer.”. sie ut;” demanded she, “how do I know but that you are ecsiving 1 me now? What re have I, 4 thot your word, ee LITTLE “MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. 9 the money for you, Until then I will acknowledge neither you nor that brat.” “Oh, mammy!” cried Jimmy, in tones of mock injury, ‘ it thus yer speak of yer lovely kid? Won’t yer give sam ‘ kiss ter remember yer by? Only one for yer own sweet { oy: But the lady abruptly terminated the interview by pass- ing through the tall windows which afforded a passage from the conservatory, into the parlor. To the questionings of her friends she gave an indifferent explanation of her absence, and as soon as she could safely do so retired to her own room. A “What I have so long dreaded is about to come to pass,” — muttered she, pacing up and down the apartment; “but I will foil him yet. If to-morrow night he brings her son ke this room the boy will never again leave this place alive,’ She unlocked a secret recess of her desk, and drawin therefrom a bottle containing a colorless liquid, cenntined. it in the gas-light with a self-complacent air. “This will accomplish the purpose,” muttered she, replac- ing the bottle in its hiding-place, locking the recess and, concealing the key about her person. Then she once more descended to her guests in the par- lor, and entertained them with all her accustomed grace and ies nk ip The demon and the imp were, however, nowhere visible. You see, Estelle, I hold | up ae a was. They had taken the precaution to leave tho house before the hour to unmask had arrived. Pa Entering the earriage which had teksts them hither, they drove -to a costumer’s, and there resuming their ordi- nary costumes, they turned their steps toward the ferry, _ and were soon once again in New Jersey. It did not take them very long to reach the vicinity of © the hut, to which on the previous night they had brought Mac and Snooksy, after overpowering them in the Bowery dive, but even before they arrived at the rendezvous they os oticed the lurid glare of a conflagration. sh ee The truth at once flashed into their ‘minds. ‘ The hut was on fire! ' CHAPTER VIIL. A DESPERATE ESCAPE. As has been already jintimated, Velveteen George and ~ ‘Jimmy, after knocking Mac and Snooksy senseless, had conveyed them to the lone hut in the forests of New Jersey. This was accomplished by carrying the unconscious 1] through a back exit from the dive into Elizabeth prin fy where a butcher’s wagon, belonging to the gang, was drawn | Pthey were placed ‘in the bottom of this wagon and. their bodies covered with straw so as to be concealed from view, \— and then the convict and his son taking seats by the driver, the vehicle was driven at a rapid pace to the foot of a pier at the North River, iors a rowboat was awaiting them, all the various parts of this kidnaping scheme hen ing been carefully prearranged. The boy engineer and his friend were taken from the at wagon and placed in the bottom of the boat, and Velveteen _ George and Jimmy having also entered it, the crew, Conse es ing of half a dozen roughs, swiftly rowed the boat across i the river. Sei; Arrived at the Jersey shore, another wagon was found an awaiting them, and the boat having been concealed in a ee little cove known only to the Ear the gang started off A at a rattling gait for their place of rendezvous, bearing with them the still senseless forms of Mac and Snooksy. = * Morning was breaking when the hut was reached, and ; 2 Had boys were soon conveyed to the garret “of the shan i Patong them on a pile of mildewed sad rotten straw, — they were left there to recover consciousness as best they. could, while Velveteen George and Jimmy turned in to get — 4 few hours’ rest before their projected visit. to. Estelle owbray. : All day ate us brave fe choy were locked in their de: eath- like stupor, and y when the twilight was mer; fe fa darkness hen Mae opened his eyea 5 eas e eae sore and weak, there was a buzzing sound head, oon ind ee moments he evuld nok i 2 fies

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10 Gradually, however, the fantastie visions that seemed to be dancing around him began to assume shape, and he recognized that he was lying on the floor of a garret, sur- pepees by odd seraps of broken furniture and other rub- WSN. Slowly he raised himself up to a sitting posture, and then perceived what seemed to him to be the dead body , of Snooksy stretched by his. side. With’ a great cry he threw himself on him and kissed his passive lips. ' The contact seemed to infuse life in the wait’s form, for A he moved slightly, his eyelids trembled for a moment, and then opened, and he faintly murmured: { “Mac!” “Thank heavens!” exclaimed the boy engineer. alive!” P guage are we?” feebly asked Snooksy, struggling to his eet, “J do not know,” replied Mac, also arising. en ETeD.” [ Des Snooksy glanced around him, and a gleam of intelligence | \ lighted up his eyes. “T know this place,” whispered he. “They’ve: kept me here before; but I managed to get out, and we can get out again.” The boys remained quiet for a few moments until they had regained sufficient strength, and then Mac examined the doors and windows. He found them locked and bolted from the outside, and the latter heavily barred. “We're in a cage,” exclaimed he despondingly, “and I don’t see how we can. escape.” _ “Yes, yes, we can,” eagerly replied Snooksy. “Let us _ wait until midnight. Then the gang will be asleep, and we'll feel stronger. We'll get out of this crib, you shall . see. i ’ The heavy tread of feet on the outside apprised them of the approach of some one, and a moment later the bolts and bars were withdrawn; the door opened, and a heavy, thick-set, brutal-looking man entered. ; “Oh, ho, my hearties!” exclaimed he jeeringly. “So you’re awake, are yer? Well, that saves me the trouble of kicking yer inter life. The captain and his kid’s gone ter New ' York, and he told me to keep a good watch over yer. you’ve come back to us, Snooksy, have yer? We've got a nice little score ag’in yer for squealin’ on us, and* we'll pay « it off, too, yer bet we will.” “Youre a wicked scoundrel, Red-Handed Mike,” retorted Snooksy defiantly, “and I’m glad that I’ve shook you and the ‘i : x : gang i 2 an. “Well, yer’ll “You are “In some ee eee ee Or es “Glad, are yer?” savagely cried the } sing another tune to-morrow by daybreak, when yer’ll be taken out an’ strung up on a tree. We'll show yer how we treat traitors and deserters. -An’ ‘yer’ needn’t think yer ean escape by ther trap, the way ye did the last time. That ere machine’s been closed up, and yer might as well say good-by ter life, for you'll surely be hung. to-morrow.” “We'll see about that,” quietly replied the lad. “Vis, we'll see,” said the man, placing on the floor a jug of coffee and some slices of bread which he had brought along with him. “For some reason or other, the captain told me to give the other chap his supper, an’ I suppose he’ll share it with yer. Well, all I’ve got ter say is, eat hearty, for it’s the last meal yer’ll ever eat in this world.” So saying, he left the room, carefully locking and bolting _ the dowr behind him. t _-Biat, when they were. once more alone. . v4 . “Yes,” replied Snooksy despondently, “I’m -afraid they’ve got the best of us this time.” , “No, they ain’t,” cheerfully asserted the boy engineer. ~ “We will beat them yet. Let’s eat our supper firgt, for I’m ‘as hungry as a wolf, and [ll tell you of the idea I’ve got.” _ + They speedily dispatched the coffee and bread, and the _» meal did more than anything else to inspire them with re- ~ -newed strength and hope. et » ~*Now, what’s your idea?” asked Snooksy. “We’ve got. to escape to-night, for I shouldn’t wonder but what they’d hang me in the morning.” eae ¥ “My plan is to fire the shanty.” ‘ $5 er aye” Sha 2” ejaculated his companion. Yes. : { death.” ‘ . We can gather all the rubbish to- in one corner right, under the roof and Kept of So el “Was it hs the trap that! you wanted to escape?” asked’ pack the straw around it. I always earry matches with me, and we'll have a roaring blaze in a minute. Of course there'll be plenty ,of smoke and heat, but I think that there'll be a hole burnt into the roof in less than no time sufficiently large enough to enable us to crawl through.” “And if we fail?” “Well,” grimly replied Mac, “then there won’t be any necessity to hang you in the morning. It’s a desperate thing, I know, but it’s the only chance we’ve got. Are you willing to undertake it with me?” ‘ “T am. There’s my hand on it.” The two boys clasped their hands together, and for a few moments stood silently gazing into each other’s face. “Snooksy,” said Mac, his voice slightly trembling, “we may both escape or we may both be burned to death, or, then, again, one of us alone may get free. If I should die and you be saved, <you will go to my foster-parents and Effie, won’t you? You will tell them all how my single act of disobedience to them has been the cause of my death, and how sorry I was for it; you will kindly ask them to for- Mos and to think of me kindly. ‘You'll do this, won’t you He gazed wistfully at his friend, and a tear, which he could not repress, issued from his eye and coursed slowly down his cheek. ‘ “T will, Mac, I will,” huskily replied Snooksy, “though maybe the good Father in heaven, what Mrs. Norton told - us about, will be kind to us an’ let us both escape. If one of us is bound to die, I hope it’s me, seein’ you’ve got kind friends, who love you like as if you were their own flesh an’ blood, while poor Snooksy is all alone in the world. T’ve never had nothin’ but rags ar’ blows till you took me in, an’ if I die there’ll be nobody that'll care, anyway.” _ The vude pathos of the poor waif sent a thrill of emotion through Mae’s breast, and impulsively he wound his arm around Snooksy’s waist and embraced him. “No, no; Snooksy,” said he earnestly. “You've got friends now who'll mourn for your loss as much as they will do so for mine. We shan’t either of us die, and we'll never do anything again to grieve the hearts of those who love us.” They continued their conversation long into the night. From below they could hear the sound of boisterous rev- ry." : Evidently the gang was taking advantage of the absence of their leader to indulge in a drunken spree, and the clink- | ing of glasses, and the shouts and snatches of ribald song, which the hoys heard, convinced them that the desperadoes were demolishing a great quantity of vile liquor, and would goon all be stupefied with drink. This was a welcome fact to them, for it gave them the assurance that the fire would not be discovered until they eould have made good their escape. . If the thought that perhaps the drunken wretches might ‘be burned to death in the general conflagration entered their minds, they gave no heed to it, for it was a matter ‘of life and death to the boys, and their self-preservation was to be secured at any, price. 2 The riotous sounds continued late into the night; then they gradually ceased, and an intense silence reigned su- . preme. . The boys waited yet a while, and then the continued still-- ness’ convincing them that the gang were all asleep, they set about ‘to construct what might become either, their beacon of rescue or their funeral pyre. The inflammable materials being@properly arranged, Mac drew forth a match from his pocket, and striking a light, — applied it to the mass. : In an instant a bright tongue of flame darted upwards to the roof, and the garret became full of smoke. Fortunately there were no panes of glass to the window, and the boys pressed their faces to the bars so that they could inhale the purée air from without, until the flames should afford’ them an outlet through the roof. It took searcely a minute for the fire to communicate it- self to the dry timber of which the roof was composed, and a sudden draft of air that for a moment blew the flame back showed that the desired opening had been made, ~ Now. came the decisive moment. “Follow me!” cried Mac, springing on the window sill, — and thence grasping the burning and charred rafters with — both ie hands, he drew himself through the opening onto — the roof. | ; : - A minute later and Snooksy stood at his side, _ sis : j Ales: ov" t ri;

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LITTLE MAC,’ THE BOY ENGINEER. 11 “Your clothes are on fire!” cried Mac, tearing off the burning strips of garment. “Are you hurt?” “No; and you?” | : “My hands are blistered, but no matter. We must get off the roof. Ah, the gang have discovered the fire.” ; The heat and smoke had awakened the ruffians from their drunken slumber, and they sprang to their feet, utterly dumbfounded and bewildered. “We'll have to jump it,” said Snooksy. “It’s only a dozen feet to the ground and the earth is soft.” “Here goes, then.” They simultaneously sprang into the air and reached the soil unhurt. ; “Now let’s cut and run for it!” cried Mac. And run they did, but not a dozen paces before they found themselves clutched in a man’s powerful grasp. “Not so fast, my jolly young coves!” exclaimed he. , “Velveteen George!” gasped Mac, recognizing his cap- Or. T “An’ Jimmy, the Twister, yer bet!” exclaimed that young hopeful, giving Snooksy a rap over the head with his fist. 4 CHAPTER IX. OFF FOR SAN FRANCISCO. It was a sad disappointment to the boys to be thus re- captured after having safely made their escape from the burning hut, and they struggled violently to free themselves from Velveteen George’s grasp. E But whatever success might have attended their efforts was frustrated by the appearance of the rest of the gang on the scene. rae Mac and Snooksy were speedily overpowered and tied to the trunks of two trees by means of some stout whipcord, which one of the gang happened to have in his pocket. “Curse you, you young yarmints!” yelled Red-Handed Mike. “You'll roast us alive, will yer? Cap,” added he, turfiinge to Velveteen George, “I move we chuck ’em inter the flames.” ‘ “Yer kin do so with that little snake of a Snooksy,” re- plied the convict indifferently. “I’ve got other plans for the other kid.” “Ah, what’s ther good of chuckin’ him in ther fire?” ex- claimed Jimmy. “He’d be roasted in a minute, an’ where’d the fun come in. No; let’s hang him. That’s the ticket. Jiminy, how he’d bob up, and down. It would be better’n a cireus. “Yes, yes,” chorused the ruffians. “Let’s hang him!” “You can do with him what you please,” said Velveteen) George. “As far as burning down the old shanty is con- cerned, I intended to do that myself to-morrow night. The place is getting too warm for us, anyhow, and as I’m ter git a pile of rocks, I was thinking gf taking the whole gang out West. Things are more lonely out there, and there’s less chance of being robbed. _ : “So the old shebang is gone,” continued he, as the hut at that moment fell into a mass of burning and charred ruins. “We'll have ter hide in the cave until we leave this part of the country. Now, just finish yer sport, an’ then we'll turn in.” ; ae! : To say that the prospect of his approaching death did not terrify Snooksy would be to affirm of him a bravado and recklessness which he did not possess. Life to him was as dear as to any other boy of his age, ~ and his face becarne deathly pale, his fettered limbs trem- bled, and hot tears dashed from his eyes. 3 “Wicked men,” he said pleadingly, “can you, go heaping this new sin on yer hearts? I’m only a poor miserable boy, an’ yer drove me ter peach on yez by the blows an’ curses yer’ guy me; don’t kill me; don’t hang me; let me live, an’ I'll never say 2 word ag’in yer. Yer goin’ far away an’ I can’t do yer any harm, anyway. Please don’t murder me.” “None but a cowardly sét of ruffians like you,” added Mac, his eyes flashing with indignation, and his voice ringing with scorn and contempt, “would attempt such a fiendish deed as you are about to do. Why my life is preserved Il do not know; probably to endure tortures worse even than death; but I say this, that if the sight of this poor » hoy dangling from the limb of a tree affords you so much _. omusement, why, string me up beside him, and, in the words, being lest behind to scour the vicinity for the escaped ¢ mak of that little snake there you'll have a double cireus.” Ph Saas be sich kame ol Welle rae. “Oh, stow yer gab!” exclaimed Jimmy, pulling him by the nose, an indignity which Mac would have been quick to resent had his hand only been loose. “This here ain’t none of your funeral. Snooksy’s goin’ ter be hung, an’ that settles it. You’re right, though, when yer say that yer’ll be wishin’ yerself dead. My dad’s goin’ ter take yer in hand, an’ though yer too costly ter him ter kill yer, he'll © knock half the life out of yer, anyway. Won’t yer, dad?” “That’s the programme, Jimmy,” replied his worthy sire. “Vd knock the whole life,out of you,” cried Mack, “if you'll only set me at liberty for a minute.” “Come, now, let’s start the circus!” exclaimed Red-Handed Mike, who had gone in search of a rope and now returned with one. He threw the hempen cord over a stout limb of the tree to which Snooksy was bound, and then forming a slip-knot at one end of the rope, he passed the noose dver the poor lad’s head and fastened it under his chin. The terrible strain on the boy’s nerves caused him to faint, and his head fell forward on his breast. As for Mac, he shut his eyes to hide from his sight the terrible deed which he was powerless to avert. “Now!” cried Mike, “all hands get hold of the rope, and when I cut him loose give a pull an’ up he goes.” ‘ All the ruffians, with the exception of Velveteen George, grasped hold of the rope, Jimmy along with the rest. * “One, two, three!” cried the young scApegrace. “Bounce im!’ With a clasp-knife Mike cut’ the cord, and the unfortu- nate lad swung up into the air, and dangled at’ about an equal distance from the tree and ground. At this instant a rifle shot rang out from behind the oS and a bullet, fired with unerring aim, cut the rope in wain.: Snooksy fell to the ground, limp and apparently lifeless, and the sudden release of his weight from the rope caused the ruffians who were pulling it to tumble to the earth in | a heap. Before they could spring to their feet a detachment of -. Jersey militia, with their guns to their shoulders, rushed out from the thicket where they had lain concealed and made them prisoners. The shouts and hurrahs with which the soldiers had come to the rescue caused Mac to open his eyes, and a moment later, being freed from his bonds by the knife of a soldier, he was bending over Snooksy trying to recall him to life. : f This opportune advent of the militia was due to the fol- lowing facts: Ever since the wrecking of the train, which we haye already described, the Governor of New Jersey had taken the matter in hand, and determined to rout out the band of desperadoes by force of arms. _ The subject was kept a profound secret even from the newspapers; but efficient detectives were placed on the trail, and after they had reported that the lone hut was undoubt- edly the rendezvous of the railroad wreckers, a troop of militia was despatched to capture the villains, with the re- sult above mentioned. > > ad Their triumph, however, was somewhat dimmed by the escape of Red-Handed Mike, Velveteen George and Jimmy. The leader had, indeed, caught sight of the concealed troops at the moment the shot was fired, and knowing that his gang would surely be overcome by the superior num- bers and discipline of the armed soldiers, he suddenly Se up his son in his arms and disappeared in the orest, ms There he was a moment later joined by Mike, who had made good his escape while the militia were overcoming the roftans on the ground. Ret : wit ; “They’ve got the best of us this time,” growled Mike. “Yes, yes; but there’s no time to lose. the cave if we want to save our necks.” ine they find us there?” asked Jimmy. ; 0. and they won’t peach on us.” The three hastily started in the direction of their sub- : terranean ‘hiding-place. In the meantime the eaptured,rufians were placed in sin- _ gle file, guarded on either side by the soldiers, with drawn weapons, ready to shoot down the first one who made the least attempt to escape. The still unconscious Snooksy was carried in the arms of a brawny corporal. ae Mac ‘fell into the ranks, and a,detachment of six : peradoes and to see that the fire re ic + “a : « Ee To * aL) ae ae d ¢ t. ee ole. Ww) ee fs i/ from the but We must reach ¢ None but the gang know of the secret entrance, + ‘) ua

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12 communicate to the surrounding forest, the rest took up the march towards the nearest village, which they reached at daybreak. ; Here, by appointment, a special train awaited them, which conveyed the party to Jersey City, where the pris- oners were delivered up to the sheriff of the county and brought to jail. During the march through the forest Snooksy already be- gan to give signs of returning life, and by the time they were on the train he was quite restored and exceedingly thankful for his narrow escape. 3 The boys were overjoyed to discover that their old friend Jack Thompson was on the locomotive in the capacity of eat and they soon presented themselves to him in the cab. : “Mae and Snooksy, or their ghosts, by jingo!” exclaimed - the fireman, as he caught sight of them. “Why, you young scalawags, what the deuce have you been doing with your- selves? Why, do you know that Bill’s been worrying him- self well on your account? Most people worries themselves ill, I know, but when you didn’t come home night afore last, and Mary told him so, he gets vight up out of his sick _/ bed an’ says he, ‘I’m better now, an’ I’m goin’ to look for those boys,’ and, sure enough, better he was, He’s been hunting all over New York for yez, and Mary's been goin’ on. fearfully, an’ Effie——” “What about Effie?” agitatedly asked Mac. : “Oh, find out when you see her,” mischievously replied Jack, with a merry twinkle in his eyes. Mac then related the adventures through which he and Snooksy had passed, and the train haying reached Jersey City by the time he concluded, they bid a hasty farewell to Jack, and taking a car rode over to Hoboken. We will not describe the meeting between the boys and Mary and Fffie. However much the mother and daughter felt inclined to scold them, the recital of the dangers the lads had over- come changed their anger and anxiety to deep thankfulness. -- €Ri]] is still out hunting for you two,” said Mrs. Norton, applying a bandage to Mac’s blistened hands, which still continued to smart. “When he returns I shall insist upon it that we move away from here. I have suspected that - Velveteen George was your enemy ever since you spoke to me about your last meeting with him, and we must go where he cannot find you.” “Here comes father!” cried Effie, who was glancing out of the window. / “as A moment later Bill entered the room. y ~ “So you’re back, are you?” said he, cordially shaking the boys by the hand. “Well, you needn’t tell me your “story, for I know all about it. It’s in everybody’s mouth at the depot. Mary,” added he, turning to his wife, “pack up what things we’ve got and get ready to start this after- noon, We take the 6 p. m, through train for San Fran- eee CIB CON egal } “San Francisco!” ejaculated she in surprise. “Yes. The president of our road has just received a letter from a friend of his in California, who is about to start a new road from Los ‘Angeles to San Francisco, ask- ing him to send on two engineers and two firemen. | He ‘offered me the position with the privilege of taking along ‘whom I choose. Jack Thompson’s willing to go, and with _ Mae and Snooksy will just fill up the team. I want to get _. away to-night so as to give the slip to Mac’s enemies.” The six o’clock train which left New York for San Fran- cisco that evening earried alone with it: our party, but _ by some unfortunate fate a later train carried Velveteen _ George, Red-Handed Mike and Jimmy bound for the same Bis lei paaed They had, by some manner of means, learned of oe e departure of our hero and party. 5 Be 3 lee Pay j v ; —_ ; i CHAPTER X. a ait ae _ Mac’s OVATION. : ever Byron woke one morning and found himself _ famous, that same experience occurred to Mac on the morn- ing after his arrival in San Francisco. ‘he, party a taken lodgings in a second-rate but, re- e hote ‘ oy intending to take a walk through the b S uefa ; i a f eae i ial = by eh} Pe at AM LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. before presenting themselves to the president of the road, ‘to whom they had been directed. i The president called later and they were in consultation * ee him for some time, and then they adjourned to the parlor. In the parlor they” met Mrs. Norton and Effie, who had by this time partaken of their breakfast. An introduction to the president followed, and the gen- tleman capped the climax of his kindness by offering them, rent free, a pretty cottage on the line of the railroad, and but a few miles from Los Angeles. ; “Yoy are too kind,” murmured Mary, hesitating to ac- cept the generous offer. “Nonsense!” replied the good-natured president. “There’s ‘| ers towards their employees seemed , and the men and boys were up bright and ea) city ies wet sie ae a selfish reason for my action. You ‘see, the cottage be- longed to my mother, who has recently died, and as my wife and family would rather live in a fashionable house ~ in San Francisco, I would have let it to perfect. stran- gers or suffer it to go to rack and ruin. Now you may say that I know you but a short time, but, believe me, madam, when I say that in that space of time I have conceived a high regard for you and your amiable daughter, and I am sure that both you and she will do your best to keep the cottage in a neat and presentable condition. That will be ample consideration for the rent, and thus, you see, you are the one, who in accepting are making me your debtor.” This neatly worded reply settled the matter, and Mary could not help aceepting the cottage after that. : “And now, Mrs. Norton,” continued he, “I take the pleas- ure of inviting you and Effie to take part in the celebration and trial trip to-day. Of course your husband and the st will be present, but who will drive the engine that, for the present, must remain a secret.” And with a eurious twinkle in his eye 1 old gentleman arose and bade them all a cordial good-by. “Phat’s the kind of a man.I like to work for,” enthusi- astically exclaimed Jack Thompson, after the president had departed. \ “You bet!” eried Snooksy. “He lays right over our for-. mer superintendent.” “He’s a splendid man,” said Mrs. Norton. “How. kitidly » he foreed that cottage on me, I declare I don’t know whether I’ve received or done a. favor.” “Oh, mother,” exclaimed Mie delightedly, “just think of . it. We'll have the cottage all to ourselves, and father and Jack and Snooksy and Mac will live there, and I’m sure there’s a pretty garden around it, with grapevines and honeysuckles. And I can tend the’ flowers and watch the trains go by, and won’t hurrah when I see father or Mac in the cab. As Snooksy would say, you just bet I will!” ~ And overjoyed to get off this bit of slang without as- suming the responsibility therefor, she danced around the room, and successively embraced all present, Mae last, but not least. ; The morning passed quickly, and having partaken of an any, dinner our party shortly before noon started for the epot. p This they had no difficulty .in finding, but they were hardly prepared for the sight there revealed to their eyes. The depot itself was profusely decorated with American flags, the platform was similarly ornamented, while before and around the latter a vast concourse of people, all tricked out in holiday costume, was congregated. Escaping the observation of the crowd, Mr. Norton, ac- cording to the directions given him by the president, led his party through a side door into the depot, where they were received by that gentleman and introduced to several of- ficers of the road and their ladies. : The ordinary hauteur sometimes manifested by employ-- ¢ to be entirely absent in those present, and our friends were received on the best of terms. eet ih eae Here also was the train in. which the first trip was to be made, and a number of painters were busy putting the finishing touches to a name they were painting on the loco- motive. Flags, garlands of flowers and leaves, and vari- ous other decorations were being affixed to the train, while two colored waiters were actively engaged in opening sey- eral baskets of champagne, and in arranging a number of | glasses on yarious trays, Bn Sita A band of music now formed itself into a line, and the — directors and their ladies joining the procession, with the president and Mac at its head, the musicians struck up ar BA 2, et ¥ ht \ the genial-hearted : # eee f Fi arin

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LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. “Hail, the Conquering Hero Comes,” and all marched-out on | the platform, The audience received the procession with tumultuous applause, and after this had quieted down the president adyanced a few steps forward, and said: . “My friends, without undertaking at this moment to de- tail the labor and expense it has cost us to build and equip this new and necessary road, I wish but to state that what we have undertaken has been achieved. Our business to- day is first to christen the new locomotive. You, my friends, to whose patronage we look to for success, shall have a voice in this matter. Doubtlessly you have all been in- formed of the heroie boy who has proved his courage and competency under circumstances that would have caused the stoutest hearts to quail. That boy stands beside me. He is to be in our service, he is to drive the new engine, his name is Little Mac, and now I ask you what shall we call the locomotive?” A shout arose from the assembled multitude that fairly made the welkin ring. “Little Mac!” “Then,” cried the president, “ ‘Little Mac’ it shall be.” The band played “Hail, Columbia,” a cannon was fired off, and, after a warning whistle the train started out of the depot. To the surprise and joy of our young hero, he beheld on ue locomotive, painted in letters of gold, the name “Little ac. The president had shrewdly taken time by the forelock, and neatly prevented Mac from seeing what the painters had been doing. ; The colored waiters, meanwhile, had been busy passing foaming; glasses of champagne among the guests on the platform, and in obedience to the cries of the excited popu- lace Mac stepped forward, glass in hand, and said: -“Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I am only a boy, and I do not know how to express in words the feeling in my heart. I never expected this honor, and it now embar- rasses me. I can drive -an engine better than I can make a speech, and I pledge this glass to the hope that no evil will ever befall the Los: Angeles Branch Road or any one connected with it.” ‘ ‘ r These words, entirely impromptu, and spoken with great emotion, roused the audience to the highest pitch of enthu- siasm, and after the wine had been drunk, and at a sign from the president the guests had taken their place in the cab, and he gave the signal for starting. Amid the booming of cannon, the playing of the mu- sicians. the shouts and applause of the spectators and the congratulation and good wishes of all, the “Little Mac” thundered out of the depot, and with our hero grasping the throttle in one hand, and triumphantly waving an Ameri- ‘ean flag in the other. CHAPTER XI. A FORTUNATE THROW. _. The trip to Los Angeles was made by Mac in two hours less time than by the regular route, to which this branch road was to run in opposition. The result more than exceeded the most favorable an- ticipations of the president and directors. _ 7 “After making a short stay at the terminus, and par- taking of some refreshments, Mac ‘ran the train on the return track and started for San Francisco. _ When about half an hour’s distance from Los Angeles, Mr. Johnson, the president, came into the cab and told Mac to slacken the train so as to bring it to a halt before a 6) Sh cottage about a hundred yards along the road. ; . _ This the young engineer did, and then Mr. Johnson said: “That, Mae, will be your future home, and that of your foster-parents and friends.” “What a pretty place it cally. § 1 ; f ; is!” exclaimed Mac enthusiasti- 18 He left the boys, and a minute later they were relieved from further duty, and, alighting from the engine, found ‘Bill, Mary, Jack and Effie already awaiting them. The party gave three rousing cheers as the train moved on, and then repaired to their new home. ’ The structure itself was one of those low stone build- ings built by the Spaniards in California, and ‘known as adobe houses. ‘ But the interior consisted of four or five rooms all neatly furnished and fully equipped with household articles. And the gardens, grapevines and honeysuckles which surrounded the house were all that Effie had imagined. They were agreeably surprised to find a neat Spanish girl awaiting them. In somewhat broken English she informed them that she had been the maid of Mr. Johnson’s mother, who had, previ- ous to her decease, occupied the house, and that she had been advised of their coming and had supper prepared for them, if they would be pleased to accept it. Mary had always been accustomed to wait upon herself and family, but the services offered by Manuela, the Spanish maid, were none the less acceptable to her. The first night was spent in examining all the rooms of the building and the gardens; and, thoroughly tired out, the party now retired to rest in the old-fashioned but comfort- able Spanish bedsteads. The men and boys were up with sunrise the next morning, and, walking the distance to Los Angeles, repofted for duty to the local superintendent. One evening about a week after the opening of the new route Mac was making the home trip to Los Angeles. The weather had, during the day, suddenly changed from fair to foul, and a fine, drizzling rain was falling from the dull, leaden sky overhead. icy It was already dark when the train rushed past their home, and the boys for the first time missed FEffie’s face from the door. f ; “She isn’t there!” exclaimed Mac, peering vainly through the darkness. : “Of colrse she ain’t,” said Snooksy. “Yer want her to stand out in the rain, would yer?” “No,” replied Mac, in a low tone, more as if in answer to his own thoughts than to the question addressed to him. “But yet it kinder makes me feel queer. I’ve never had an accident yet on this road, and I hope I never will, and, somehow, seeing Effie every. time I passed here, I sorter looked on her as a protecting angel. You may think it’s all foolishness, Snooksy, but I tell you the fact. that she wasn’t standing before the door has made me nervous-like, and I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if——” ea Crash! came something flying through the window of the ab. ; “What’s that?” cried both boys in concern. ’ “A lantern!” exclaimed Mac, picking it up from the floor. “Our lantern! ‘That means danger!” : There was an apparatus connected with the train, by which the engineer could apply the brakes at once and without the aid of the brakesman. = ee ‘To shut off the steam and turn this mechanism was with wouldn’t. c Mac but the work of a moment, and the train came toa — sudden halt to the great wonder and affright of the pas- | sengers. vs yig Mac and Snooksy, each with a lantern in his hand, sprang. from the engine and ran up the track, followed by a num- ber of the passengers who had come out of the cars. About ten feet from where the train. was standing there was a sharp curve, and directly behind this curve, and in such a position that those in the engine could not poseiay have discovered it, was a perfect barricade of logs and fallen trees. eres Had not the boys been warned by the throwing in of the _ lantern the train would infallibly have been wrecked, and heaven only knows what loss of life ensued. F The passengers who had followed the boys turned pale ~ as they recognized how narrow had been their escape from Pl ed finer’n a palace!” addad Snooksy. death; and when Snooksy explained how they had been fore- aie off, and I'll “Now, boys,” continued the president, “jump warned, the question that rose to their lips was: | at a tell the rest of. your party to alight.” “Who threw the lantern?” y _ “But who’s to run the engine back to Frisco?” asked| “Effie!” cried Mac. . ; ss ate po Maes : Whether it was in answer to the question, or because at» ~ “An? who’s. to tend to the fires?” inquired his chum. that moment the young girl, dripping with wet, pale an _. *“P’ve looked out for that,” pleasantly replied their friend,| breathless, bounded into his arms, we do not know; _ “and have two men in the cars who can manage the train.| there she lay, sobbing, on his breast. i asend them into ‘the scabs": sel ae se pi: ones ; : y TWA Th ith AME ogee | “Effie,” asked Mac, pressing the young girl closer to him

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14 LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. a a ey as though to shield her from the pitiless rain, “tell me, was | It was on the morning of the day succeeding the one it you who threw the lantern into my cab? Was it you who} Velveteen George had been captured, and two days after saved all our lives?” _ “Yes, yes!” sobbed she, almost hysterically. “I didn’t faint, though I thought all the world was dancing around me. I was firm; I’m. weak and trembling now because I can’t help it; but I stood beside the track, and when you came along—I didn’t think of the train and the passengers; it seemed to me as if it was you all alone who was to be killed. I prayed to heaven for strength, and that heaven would direct the lantern; and it struck the window, didn’t it? -I heard the glass break, and then the train dashed by me and I didn’t know whether you could stop it in time; but you did, and the wicked men did not kill you.” ; And as if to assure herself that he was indeed alive, she wound her arms around his neck and pillowed her head on his shoulder. He allowed her some time to quiet her agitation, and then he gently asked: “But how did you happen to discover this fiendish de- sign?” _ “You know, Mac,” replied she, raising her head and glane- ing lovingly at ‘him, “that I always was by the door to greet you when you passed by the house, and to-night, because it was dark and rainy and you might not see me, - °T lit the lantern and took it along. ' “And while I was standing waiting for the train I began to think, how, I don’t know, of the curve, and that on such a night as this there ought to be somebody stationed there with a signal to see that the track was clear. And then like a streak of lightning the idea struck me that I would signal you to-night. “I ran toward the curve with all my might, and just be-. fore I got there I heard men’s voices. I thought I should die of fright, and then the next moment I felt bound to find out what they were doing there, ~ ; “So I put out my light and crept along the bushes as _ softly as I could. I saw them just finishing placing the logs and trees across the track. There were two men and a boy, and I heard them talk of you and* Snooksy, and that you had escaped them once, but wouldn’t do it again.” “Velveteen George!” interrupted Mac, with a ‘start of surprise. “And Red-Handed Mike an’ Jimmy!” added Snooksy. “I ' thort we’d left them villains behind us.” . “They must have -tracked us here,” replied Mac. - “J didn’t dare to stir,” continued Effie, “and I was afraid _ every moment thet they would discover me with the dark- lanterns they were carrying in their hands. But they didn’t, - and after they got through with their wicked work they - went away, and I crept up along the track as far as I could, and waited for you. I had no match to light the lantern and, besides, I didn’t dare to do it for fear the light would _ betray me; so all I could do was to throw the lantern into the cab, and, thank heaven; that was sufficient.” of you! Come;'you must go with me right into the house passengers will remove the obstructions and in a few mo- # _ spite of Velyeteen George and all his gang!” j .... The president of the road, on learning that Velveteen _» George and his gang were in town and up to their villainous ; wegen full of police. The place was raided and Velveteen an house was visited by burglars and one of them was wounded _ was recognized by the police as Scar-faced Pedro. But our hero and his’ friends were yet to go through some adventures. _) CHAPTER XIL’ , a ATTACK. ~ “Effie,” exclaimed Mae, “you’re a noble girl, and I’m proud | Bribe the keeper?” » work, extended to Little Mac and his friends a week’s vaca-| [m to do. pig a crue a run were ti pret te eo in jail, if possi- |. e. Little Mac and Snooksy disguised themselves and en-| “It will show you the way tered one of the gambling dens of the city. Luckily, Velve-\| Faced Pedro’s Poe in the mountains outside of San Fran- _ teen George and his crowd were present, aid playing. Little | cisco. Mac hastened to the nearest police station, stated to the eap-| no trouble in finding it. Proceed there and acquaint the iain where the villains were, and the captain sent a patrol | gang her arrival in the golden city of the West. “The fool!” the idiot!” muttered she, again perusing the account of the capture. “So he’s got himself into jail, has he? <A fine schemer, indeed! Oh, were I a man that brat wouldn’t breathe the air of this world long.” The entrance of a servant interrupted her soliloquy. “A clergyman wishes to see you, ma’am,” said he. “A clergyman!” “ es. % “What name did he give?” “No name. He says he’s from the prison.” “Send him here.” The servant. departed and a moment later a tall, lean man, clad in ministerial black and whose clean-shaven face wore a sanctimonious look, entered the room. q Estelle rose at his entrance, and, after gazing at him keenly, went to the door and turned the key in the lock. Then she turned toward her visitor and simply said: “You are a clergyman.” ; : “You’ve struck it this time, ma’am,” said he with a light laugh. “I’m Greasy Joe, general capper and roper-in for the house that was pulled last night. I happened to be out on the fly when the cops lugged the gang. But I went to see ’em this morning, in the parson dodge, of course, and I had a little talk with Velveteen George. He wants to see you.” “Of course he does,” sneered the lady. “Now that he’s got himself into a mess he wants.me to get him out of it.” “That’s the ticket, ma’am;' and he says you can do it. He thinks a good deal of you, ma’am.” a “Indeed, I feel highly flattered. Well, I suppose I must see him. Can I speak to him alone?” “Not if you go in the dress you’ve got on. It’s only parsons and sisters of charity that can talk to the prison- ers. They’re supposed to chin religion, you know.” } “Can you procure mé a disguise?” ; “Yes, ma’am, if you will go along with me.” a: “T’ll meet you at the corner in ten minutes.” “All right, ma’am,” This ended the interview, and half an hour later the keeper Of the jail ushered Estelle, disguised as a sister of charity, into the cell where Velveteen George was confined. Making a reverent bow to the pretended nun, he left them alone together. y “Heaven be with you, my son,” said Estelle, in a loud tone, | and then being sure that they were not overheard, she ap- proached the convict and whispered: A “Fool!” ; : . we “Thank you for the compliment,” replied he, inva low ‘tone. i “T’ve got a good mind to let you rot in jail,” continued she. “You dare not. I know too much.” : “How am I to get you out?” asked she, after a pause. ~ “No; that might possibly do were I the only one, but Mike or else you'll catch your death of cold. Snooksy and. the| and Jimmy are also lugged.” “Oh, yes,” sneered she, “that precious son of mine. I ments I’ll be back and run that train to Los Angeles in| might have known that he’d be in the same mess with you; he always is.” é “Ym proud of him!” replied the father, and he mgant it. “Well, I’m not,” said she dryly; “but come; tell me what This interiew cannot be prolonged forever.” ~ “Here is a’chart,” said he, handing her a rude drawing. to the hiding-place of Scar- With the aid of the explanation therein you'll haye that their leader is in jail.” _ + “Yes, I read something about that in the morning paper. his friends locked up. That same night the president’s| put they say he’s badly wounded.” “So they thought. at the time, but the doctors extracted — _ by the president and the next morning he was sent to jail. He|+ho bullet and bandaged up his arm. He was brought here during the night and locked up in a cell. They think it’s startling | s.for than if they’d sent him to the hospiiai.” J “But how did you find all this out?” “Oh, the keeper told me, never suspecting that I was one of the gang.” ; eg “Scar-Faced Pedro’s ?” 4

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15 te to tell the gang to make an assault upon the prison; little weakened, and he looked like a man who, even one- to-night.” “Make an assault?” “Yes; this shebang is old and rotten. It wouldn’t stand much of an attack from a hundred men, and they haven’t got much of a guard here, anyway.” . The keeper approaching the cell at this instant, Hstelle began to pray in a loud tone of voice, and shortly after- ward left the cell and jail. On the outskirts of San Francisco, hidden from general view by an overhanging cliff, accessible only by certain secret passages, nestling between steep and almost per- pendicular walls of rocks, is a green and verdant slope or plateau, several acres in extent. Here was a regular encampment, men, women and chil- dren, all banded together by the ties of plunder and theft. The rogues’ colony, if so it might be termed, numbered over a hundred souls, consisting of the very dregs of San Francisco society. During the day they roamed through the streets of the city, begging, tramping, stealing, just as opportunity of- fered itself. At night they congregated here to divide) the spoils of the day and spend the time in tiotous excesses and the drunken sleep which succeeded them. In vain the police and even the military had tried to dislodge them from their stronghold. The armed rabble, superior in position, if not in num- bers, obliged their invaders to retreat with heavy losses, and since} recently, they had been left severely alone. Whatever authority was recognized and submitted to by the lawless mob, was that exercised oe Scar-Faced Pedro and a few more of his more trusty followers. The setting sun was already throwing its last rays athwart the slope, and the men and women were in loud tones discussing eee themselves the startling news which they had just received from the city, when Estelle suddenly ap- peared among them. She still wore her sacerdotal disguise, and the gang were at a loss to account for her knowledge of the secret pas- sages and her consequent arrival, when she said: “Friends, I come from Scar-Faced Pedro.” _ At these words they all crowded around her and listened to her in silence and with the greatest attention. In a few words she related her mission, and then asked: “Will you free your leader and those who are impris- oned, with him?” : “We will!” cried they, as with one voice. “You are armed?” “Every man among us,” replied one of the ruffians, “has a revolver and plenty of ammunition, too.” “The prison,” continued Hstelle, “is situated, as you all know, probably from experience within its walls, on a hill a little outside of the city. The open country is all around it. You must go into the city in small groups to avoid attraction. At midnight you must all meet behind the rear walls, which is the one nearest to the cells, and batter it down with crossties, which you can get from where they are lying along the line of the railroad. The work must be done quickly and effectually. Whatever resistance you meet must be overcome. It may cost some of you your lives. Again I ask, will you do it?” “We will!” exclaimed the men, brandishing their weap- ons as if for! immediate use. It was midnight. ; : The sun had sunk, blood-red, beneath the western horizon, an ominous sign, and hardly ‘had the night set in before the sky was overeast with heavy banks of* clouds, and these shortly afterward broke and the rain descended in torrents amid the lightning’s lurid flash and the thun- der’s deafening crash. : A fitting night for the work in hand, Within the jail all was,apparently quiet and serene. The keepers huddled together around a fire which they had built in the waiting-room, dozing over the clay pipes they were smoking. The prisoners were silent, but alert. : : In some mysterious manner almost all had obtained in- formation of the intended attack on their bastile, and they were on the qui vive to do whatever they could toward aiding their friends on the outside. ; In his cell sat Scar-Faced Pedro, with one arm in a ‘sling. ; —" + 7? Though wounded, his robust constitution had been but nk nh 3 § ; A EE eo ” 5 Me “¥ ? 4 LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. grave to rest my weary limbs forever.” — armed, could stand his ground. “Bang!” went a heavy sound, followed by the crash of trembling masonry. ‘The keepers sprang from their stools in alarm. “What's that ’” cried one. “Lightning’s struck the jail!” exclaimed another. “Bang! bang!” The battering was kept up effectively. ‘ A large breach in the prison wall had been accomplished. A loud hurrah was heard from the mob without, ‘The prisoners set up an answering shout. There was now no mistaking the sounds. “The prison is attacked!” shouted the keepers. “To the rescue! to the rescue!” CHAPTER XIII. “A DREAM AND ITS AWAKENING. } The president had informed Bill of the mission he had entrusted to Mack and Snooksy, and he in turn had im- parted the information to Mary and Effie, and thus they felt no alarm _at the boys’ absence, though, of course, the were as yet ignorant of ‘the exciting adventures thigh which the brave lads had passed. : It was toward the evening of the day on Wuich occurred the events depicted in our last chapter, and Effie had been sent by her mother to draw a pail of water from the’ well which was situated at some, little distance from the house. With the pail in hand she tripped along, humming a merry song and thinking all the while of Mac, and if he would come home that night, when, just as she reached the well, she started back and uttered a quick cry of alarm. ‘There, seated on the small platform which surrounded the well, was an old man. , ; His clothes were tattered and torn, his: feet were bare and sore from long travel, the hair on his uncovered head was frowsy and unkempt, his long, silvery beard straggled and matted; his countenance was sunken and hollow; he looked famished and faint, and altogether his appearance was well inclined to induce the fear which sprang up in the girl’s bosom at sight of him. She would have fled from the spot had he not in a trem- bling voice bid her remain. “Do not be afraid of me, sweet miss,” begged he piteously. “T would not harm a hair of your head.” é The sound of his pleading, mournful yoice caused Effie’s popateke to halt, and she blushed with shame at her foolish ear, . f _ “I was so startled, sir,” murmured she apologetically, go- ing up to him. “You are poor and hungry; can I do any- thing for you?” : : “A drink of water, miss,” begged he; “my throat is dry and parched.” In a moment Effie had drawn up paeten 3 cold water, and having emptied it into her ‘pail, took a ipper, which was on a shelf attached to the well- house, and handed it to him brimful of the wholesome liquid. The maniae, for it was no other than he, though now in one of his lucid spells, eagerly drained the vessel and handed it back to her. ; ; i “You are an angel, miss,” said he thankfully. “I feel much refreshed now and will continue my wanderings.” He picked up a staff which was lying at his feet, and’ struggled to.an upright position; but the effort caused him — | to reel and totter, and he would have fallen -had not Effie rushed to his support. “You are weak and feeble,” far to go?” ‘ “Tar!” repeated he vaguely. “I do not know.” : “How?” asked she, somewhat surprised at this answer. “You do not know where you are going?” “No, child. The cars brought me to this country, from’ whence I cannot remember. Since reaching here I have wandered many a mile, begging a crust of bread here and there, finding shelter sometimes under some - hospitable a: roof, but oftener sleeping on the cold ground, with no cover- ing except the dark vault of heaven. Thus I wander from place to place, seeking something for which my heart yearns, but never finding it.” ~ “But what is it you seek?” asked she, a little curiously. — “I do not know,” replied he weariedly. “Perhaps it is a _— ere to a bucket full of the — said she gently., “Have you : ’ Fi fea : ae - », + g F J ¥ 2 7 4 ‘ <

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16 LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. An awed silence fell on the young girl at these words. _. To her youthful mind and buoyant spirits the mere men- tion of death aroused an almost. inexpressible horror, and she gazed into the face of the old man, whom she was sup- ' porting, with an indefinable dread as though she expected to see him sink down, a corpse at her feet. “Effie! Effie!” It was the voice of her mother calling to her from. the distance; but the words themselves hada powerful effect on the old man. “Where is she? Where is she?” cried he wildly, glanc- ing about him with some of the old maniacal fire in his eyes. “It is she I seek! It is she I, am looking for! She was the light of my home, the joy of my existence; but she left me and I cannot find her, I cannot find her!” Tears were streaming from his eyes and his form quiv- ered with emotion. “T am Effie,” murmured the young girl, deeply affected by _ her companion’s words and manner. | “You are good and beautiful,” replied he sadly, “but you are not she, . “Let me be the Effie for whom you are seeking,” said she, tenderly folding her arm around his waist; “at least think I am she, and go with me to our house; you need rest and refreshment, and mother will, I:am sure, give you both.” . The old man began to murmur objections, but Effie would not listen to them, and taking up the pail dof water with her disengaged hand, she guided his tottering footsteps to the cottage, on the ‘threshold of which stood her mother, - anxious at her long share and now surprised to see her return with an aged begga ‘A few words from Effie rexpilines all, and the old man was ; cordially ‘welcomed by Mary as well as by Bill and Jack ‘Thompson, who had arrived while Effie was at the well. he supper table was already spread, and the family "seated themselves at the table; and after they had finished a Barents ‘epast was given to the beggar. tl s been sitting in the room for an hour when were agreeably surprised by the entrance of Mac and nooksy, dripping with wet. “All heaven couldn’t keep He fa coming home to-night,” ‘was Mac’s cheery greeting, themselves of their soake yi : i ‘jackets. ‘Bis fe to drive home in a. special, and here we are. 2, know the news ? : i Not a syllable,” replied Bill. ty and Sear-Faced nae too!” ie?” asked Effie. tell you all about it,” said Mac, and then he related | (tet ce incidents with which the reader is already, ac- ed ley were soon in- ‘bed sound asleep, and Mae off in the 1d ee fancying hiaeet again on his old locomo- al wee ie tee ‘to asp ma gurgle, and pan open- ig Hie eyes beheld to his horror that it was not all a dream. e storm which had been raging furiously when he went ed had died away, .and the full moon shining through dow. threw a weird and ghastly light on the livid face é maniac, now, = aN in a delirium of fury: The lunatic me ‘kne iors on the boy’s chest, while his fingers teh n ner S$ throat with. a vise-like grasp. "CHAPTER xIv. A fieal Be bo oun ABDUCTION. y macnn Be iaak sane cursing, ae da. d th a napa tid ae the; de. he and his chum divested | Estelle “We were detained by} donned investigations and examination and lots of other things| fore returning to her hotel. ‘ bothered us about, but the president gave us the per-' hastening’ to the depot, too late, indeed, to eatch the tegnian Wiest Do. train, but in time to see the. superintendent. eae Dae Velveteen. George cap-| vict and the president of the road, placed a locomotive at) | your face will no longer mock me! "tog “Then she must be still in her room. I was too. frightened | however, doing much damage, and the keepers soon found | themselves lying bound and gagged in the guard-room, with the door locked and bolted on them. The rabble had possessed itself of the keys ‘to the cells } and outer door of the prison, and in a very short time all the prisoners were sét at libert yi The crowd now dispersed as rapidly as it had assembled, oe the place dismantled, the cells empty and the keepers cage . fstellé Mowbray had accompanied the assailants to the jail, though she Waited at some distance until she was joined by Velveteen George, Jimmy and Red-Handed Mike, upon their release. They separated themselves from the gang, and having reached a secluded spot where they were both concealed from’ observation and sheltered from the storm which was still raging, though not so violently as before, Velveteen eons asked: “What time is it?” “Nearly midnight,” replied Estelle. “T wonder whether I could get to the depot in time to _ catch the midnight train for Los Angeles?’ ee “The Branch’ Road?” re “No; the opposition line.” ; “Why ?7 eer “For two reagons. One is to put myself ‘into communica- ‘ tion with Sam Slocum, the president, who resides in Los Angeles, and the other to lay for that devil, Mac.” ; “Rut won't you be detected on the cars?” ; hee! diy. There’ll be but few paassengers, and we'll keep’ shady.” “And Mr. Slocum, won’t he deliver you up to the law?” “He?” Jaughed the convict. “I'll tell you a secret,” lower-) ing his voice, “It was he who put me up to place obstruc-. + tions across thé track of the Branch Road. He didn’t know. | that that just suited my own little game, and paid me hand- — - somely for it. He’s terribly jealous of the other road and) especially. envies them the possession of the boy engineer. if He’d give anything to know that the brat was dead, But come on} we'll miss the train if we stand talking here.” ‘a After a few more words the precious pair parted company, . roceeding to the house of Grea sy Joe, where she r own habiliments and remained until morning be The convict, his son and Mike, ee He, knowing the relations existing between the ex- con- ; their disposal, and, as Mike knew how to run it, the’ precious trio were soon speeding at a dashing rate toward Los. Angeles, | “Ah, ha!” ‘screamed the maniac, “again I aban you. Now You shall die—die!” Mac’ caught hold of his assailant’s wrists and sought to Me tear the cruel fingers from his throat. ‘He: also managed to i: utter a gasping ery, which awoke Snooksy. The latter, comprehending with a glance the danger of hig mS chum, threw himself on the lunatic and soon all three were Be / rolbng, in a desperate struggle on the floor. rae The noise and cries aroused Bill and Jack from their | slumbers, and recognizing that it came from the boys’ r ‘oom, they vushed thither, but partly dressed, with revolvers in- one hand and lighted tallow candles in the other, q The door was locked, but giving it a combined suet they fig burst it open so suddenly that they toppled headlong into the room, tumbling over the struggling trio on the floor, and, to aoe matters worse, setting fire to the straw mattress on. it ip the maniae had slept. — i In the room below Mrs. Norton had arisen at the same time as her husband, and, having, donned her clothes, was * kiya fe: reas “upstairs when a auee volume of sins drove % ic o if) * ried ‘the mother. ns a se not come down?” gasped the servant, oh —&Nol thintc of going to her.” 6 ith a Diba ery of bananas the ‘mother was about to rus

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LITTLE MAC, THE Po ee el oe ap the stairs in spite of flame and smoke, when Bill and Jack came hurrying down bearing the insensible form of the maniac between them. “Where are the boys?” cried Mary, as she and the ser- vant followed the men out of the burning building into the open air, (i “They've gone up after Effie,” replied Bill as he and Jack placed their burden on the ground. “This is bad business. The old man is the same lunatic who once before came near killing Mae. We had to knock him senseless to get him out of the burning room.” “Did he set the house on fire?” “No, that was my own and Jack’s cursed luck. Ah, there are the boys now with Effie!” He directed his wife’s attention to the window near the roof of the cottage, which looked out from the young girl’s room. _ At this window Mack and Snooksy had appeared, bearing in their arms the unconscious form of Effie, who, it seems, had fainted away in dead fright. “Catch her, father!” cried Mac. “Ready!” exclaimed Bill as he and Jack stood under the window with their arms outstretched. ; Holding the girl for a moment suspended in.the air, Mac _ Jet her drop. Both her father and Jack caught her, and laid : her, uninjured, on the ground. The boys, with their clothes and hair somewhat singed and their hands and faces blackened with soot and smoke, _ but having fortunately sustained no bodily injuries, now came rushing out of the burning building. “Thank goodness!” cried Mac, as he shook hands with his foster-mother, “that we were in time to save Effie’s life! A minute later and——” He was interrupted by a wild ery from Bill. “Gone! gone!” shrieked the father, pointing in anguish to _the spot where but a moment before he had placed his uncon- scious child. ‘ “Effie gone!” exclaimed all in concert. “Impossible!” “It’s true!Asaid Jack. “And the maniac’s vamoosed, too!” i “T see it all!” fairly shrieked Mac. “He has stolen off with Effie!” f _ Leaving the once pretty cottage to burn to ae they all, even Mery and the servant included, sprea ‘the woods in chase of the maniac. As usual Mae and’ Snooksy kept well together, and in their eagerness. to regain possession of their loved com- ' panion, far outstripped the others in the hunt. _ All this while there had been three spectators of this -seene, who had kept themselves concealed in the woods, but *~ noted everything. : A | These were Velveteen George, Jimmy and Mike. They had seen the glare of the conflagration, and had halted the engine to reconnoitre the scene. “Now is our time!” whispered the convict. “After them; _ eapture the brats and bring them on the locomotive, Then pack to ’Fviseco and thence to Pedro’s flat. Follow me!” % Mac and Snooksy. must have thought lightning struck them, when the¥ suddenly received, each of them, a stun- ning blow on the back of the head, and before they could even ery out they found themselves thrown into the cab of ‘an engine, which almost immediately thereafter was speed- . ing at a terrific rate along the rails. ‘ Neither the capturers nor captured, however, were aware of the fact that the maniac was clinging to the cow- ‘catcher, with one hand, while with the other he held Effie’s * form pressed conyulsively to his breast. out into LAS CHAPTER XV. \ : TE ORT “4 A STRANGE CONFESSION, rived with their t | bers of the same gang out in California here.” ground, | | keep silent. about the affair, and allow him to tumultuous ap- A termine who had | t t y q BOY ENGINEER. 17 Perce ater Mt Pecan) eek Ma Pe ti . Placing the boys in one of the huts and bidding Mike and Jimmy to restore them to consciousness but at the same time = to give them no chance to escape, Velveteen George pro- — - ceded to the residence of the chief, Scar-Faced Pedro. — “a He found the latter in conversation with a man, who al- though disguised to his business = ar he easily Teeter ieee as Sam Slocum, the president of the opposition road. i Yc “Hello, Sam!” exclaimed he, familiarly. “You here? I thought you were in Los Angeles.” “No, George,” replied the other, “I remained in San Fran- | cisco last night on some business and came here this morn- — ing thinking to meet you here. If Pedro will excuse us I’ve got a little private matter which I wish to talk over with ou.” “All right, gents,” declared the Mexican,. arising. “I'll leave yez together, an’ if yer want any fine old bourbon ~ you'll find the bottle in the closet, there.” Tes Thus saying, he sauntered out of the room, leaving the plotters together. Velveteen George got the bottle and a couple of glasses and placed them on the table, while his companion carefully closed and locked the door and then examined the windows, nooks and corners, and even poked his cane up the fireless chimney to make sure that there was no one near to over- hear them. * ; “T guess we’re alone,” said he, resumingrhis seat, ap- paren satisfied with his investigation, ~ Had he, however, looked up the chimney he would have — beheld therein the form of a man, who had been alone in the room before his coming, and who, seeing him approach with _ Pedro, and recognizing him, had ‘with a half-muttered oath _ concealed himself in his present hiding place, where he- could overhear every word that was being uttered. “Well,” exclaimed Slocum, raising the glass which the con- ~ viet had filled for him, “here’s luck. And now,” continued he, after they had drained their glasses, “to -business.” — 5 “It’s a pretty long time,” began he, musingly, as if re- — calling the memory of the past, “since we two were mem- — f “Yes,” said the other, “nigh on thirteen years.” ai “T was a. reckless, devil-may-care young fellow’ then, one my father, despairing of ever reclaiming me, made a ‘will, _ leaving all his fortune to my sister, with the mere proviso / that should she die without heirs it was then to go to me My father died soon after that, and my sister fell in love with and married a'young miner named William Raymond, who had come out from the States some years previous to— seek his fortune in the diggings. Sy 44 ‘ “You can imagine how mad I was when I heard of this “3 marriage, and my heart was filled with bitter hatred both against my sister and brother-in-law. But I had my re- ~ venge. I learned that my sister, ashamed of my ill-doings,.— had kept the knowledge that she had a brother a secret from her husband. That gave me the clue to my actions. I vis: _ ited her by stealth and took care to circulate the rumor that she held private meetings with a stranger. I wanted tc ‘arouse his jealousy, to drive him to séine act that would separate them forever. For a time my efforts were in vain, but after her child was born and my anonymous letters to him grew more and more impudent, iis pent-up fury broke loose. He surprised us at an interview, the time and place — of which I h communicatedto him. He was beside him- self with rage and indignati@n, and with ¢ocked pistol rushed _ upon us. I threw myse ito hig arms and a desperate struggle for life and death ensue the midst of which I pulled the trigger of his weapon. A report followed, and, _ with a piercing shriek, my sister, shot through the heart, fell lifeless to the ground. : : eet “Did this Raymond believe that he had killed his wife?” “He did,” replied Slocum; “and you can bet I en ened him in that belief. I told him of the relation I held to the dead woman, and with apparent liberality promised to — nd: escape. He ee a from that day to this I have never again beheld” iter was certainly the sound of a groan at this juncture, in in the chimney, but the men. were too absorbed in'the terrible tale to hear it, oe: “At the coroner’ gave a plausible ; this was unexpect who had witness inquest, which was subsequently held, % th S

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18 LITTLE warrants were issued for the apprehension of my brother- in-law for murder. But they never amounted to anything as + the authorities could not. find him.” “And you do not knéw whether he is still alive to-day ?” _“I do not. At any: rate, he was dead to the world; my sister was dead in fact, and nothing remained to keep my father’s property from my possession but a weak, puny in- fant-——their child,” “And that child you brought to me with instructions to bring him up as a thief and vagabond.” “Uxacily. I might have had him put to death, but some- -how I didn’t quite’ fancy burdening my soul with any more stains of blood than were already there. All that was thir- ~ teen years ago. I had intended to ask you the last time we met what had become of him, but you know our interview . was abruptly broken into. I ask you now, does he live?” “He does.” : _Again that rustle in the chimney became evident, and this ' time even the villains heard it. “Hark!” cried Slocum, starting up. “What was that?” “Rats up the chimney, I believe.” “Tll smoke them out, then.” . The self-confessed murderer gathered up a pile of dried leaves and chips of wood, which were lying beside the hearth, and having heaped them into a pile under the chimney, ap- - plied a lighted match to the mass. “Tf there’s anybody up there,” said he, resuming his seat, te Pr ag soon yell to be put out. You say the brat lives. Where is he? “T’ve got him cooped up in a hut along with another youngster. I brought him up as a little snakesman, and for a time he was turning out all right; but then he fell in with Little Mac and became converted. The young raseal ain’t fit to live any more. “He must die!” said Slocum, in low but deliberate tones. - “On the wealth which belongs to him I have prospered and _ grown rich, I will not surrender ‘it up now.” _ The precious pair left the room and hardly had they done - 80 when down the burning chimney came the man who had » been hiding there. . _ _ He was almost suffocated with smoke, and his clothes were on fire in several places. — P He, however, managed to extinguish the flames with his _hands, and sinking on.his knees raised his eyes toward the ceiling in fervent emotion. _,As we gaze into the upturned tear-stained face we recog- nize the mysterious burglar who, it will be remembered, had, ' with Scar-Faced Pedro, feloniously entered Mr. Johnson’s residence and had so luckily escaped. CHAPTER XVI. j Ne zs ON THE TRACK. + * Jt would be a vain effort to attempt to depict the sur- prise, grief and sorrow of the so lately happy family at the disappearance not only of the maniac with Effie, but also the most mysterious one of Mae and Snooksy. , ; _. Daybreak found them in Los Angeles and with despair- ing hearts they got on board the train which it was Bill’s and - Jack’s duty to run to San Francisco. Arrived at the me- tropolis, and luckily meeting Mr. Johnson, the president, at the depot, they confided their sad story to him. _ “No matter about. that burning of the cottage,” said he, cheerfully. “Yl build another one, and as for the loss of _ your household property,, I'll make that good. thing is to find the boys and Effie. Jack and Bill, you are re- ased from further duty to-day. Come with me at once to the chief of police; we must consult with him | about what Ce ae ae Hraitied. Tell him to call again.” “But he says his business is very i er; cE gece tid immediate attention. Paes os eae fat. alte hata TER } last words acted like a charm. = He comes from } be sé, = ae tee The main |¢ very busy now,” said the latter, “and cannot be dis- important,” rejoined the too, sha! a 9 -*- Opening a secret drawer of her desk she took therefrom MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. “Pedro’s flat!” cried the superintendent. once.” : A moment later and the same man, who a few hours be: fore had been an unseen listener of the conversation be- tween Velveteen George and Slocum, entered the private office, pale, breathless, with disheveled hair, and still in his singed and tattered garments, and throwing himself at the feet of the surprised superintendent, exclaimed: “T surrender myself to justice!” The chief of police eyed him for a moment, and then springing to his feet, cried: “William Raymond!” “T am he,” replied the man. “The murderer of your wife?” “No!” cried Raymond, arising and glancing proudly and straightforwardly at the superintendent. “I am innocent, and I can prove it.” : He rapidly related the substance of the interview he had overheard, and also the fate which awaited the heroic lads. “William Raymond,” said the superintendent, sternly, “you will for the present consider yourself a prisoner. I will, however, so far credit your story as to put a detachment of police in your charge. You are to lead them through the secret passage into the flat. They will be under orders to shoot you down at the first sign of treachery on your part. Do you understand the terms?” “I do; and it is all I ask. My fidelity shall be you by the rescue of the lads and the capture of the real murderer of my sainted wife. I cannot, however, introduce the police into the flat during the daytime. We would surely be discovered. An hour before the dawn is the most favor- able time.. Have the force ready and I will lead them.” “And we will accompany you!” cried the others in econ-. certs: fa “Send him up aj roven to CHAPTER XVII. THE TRIAL AND SENTENCE. How d’yer feel?” lanced up from the afternoon paper, ing a detailed account of the attack on “Hello, mammy! Estelle Mowbray in which she was re the jail, and beheld standing before her the'‘funniest-look- ~ ing specimen of a negro boy that she had ever laid eyes on. “So it’s you, Jimmy, is it?” said she, not particularly elated with the discovery. — “The Twister, you bet!” as aes “And why do you come here in this disguise?” “To keep from being nabbed by the cops, in course; deir on der tedkout for me and dad, but, Lor’ bless yer suol, I passed right under deir noses an’ dey didn’t know me from a genuine nig. Dem is fly cops; dey orter he in New York: ‘Oh, yes, I guess so. Just the cheese for der boys.” “Well, now that you’re here,” inquired she, rather im- patiently, “what do you want?” : : “A little whisky straight an’ a cigar—Havana, if yer’ve got dem.” — : “Gome, come; don’t fool with me. What’s your errand?” “Oh, dad sent me here for ter tell yer ter come right over ter the flat ter see the circus.” : ; “Circus!” | ; % “Yes;\ we've nabbed Little Mac an’ Snooksy, an’ we're goin’ ter try ’em by sundown. So there’s just time for you ter git over there.” . “With you!” sneered she. “I vt be seer in. the street, even if you were not in this miserable dis- uise.” \ “Oh, of course not!” sneered Jimmy. toned; but yer zot a black heart, and though yer are me mother, I hate yer, I do, an’ I ain’t afraid ter tell yer neither.” | { Shaking his fist at her he ul to avoid being struck by a book which the angry woman flung after him. | eri j ; “So he hates me, does he?” hissed she when she was alone. “Well, I return that passion a hundred fold. I hate him and his father. Their existence links me to the life I would fain forget. It is only after their death that I can wouldn’t be seen beside you “Yer too high- — rushed out of the room in time | t / with perfect safety assume again my station in society in — New ork. As long as the true heir to all my wealth lives, I dare ot put them out of the way; but he, once dead, they, all follow him to the grave.” : es se a2 7 7 es Way a Oe. ee

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LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. 19 > / the vial of poison which we have already described in a former chatper. She hid the vial in her bosom and wrapped a long, dark . mantle around her, which effectually cencealed her form. of) la ee ; 29 x ) 23 a all greatly alarmed at I and broke out in loud and tearful lamentations for merey. | ae : back ¢o the hut, which constituted their prison. Throwing the hood of her mantle over her head, she is- sued from the room and house. The setting sun was sare its last rays through the paneless windows into the hut where Mac and Snooksy were imprisoned. ‘They had, indeed, been restored to conscious- ness, but their hands and feet were still firmly bound. “Say, Mac,” asked Snooksy, disconsolately, “what do you think they’re going to do to us?” |. “Kill us, I suppose,” replied Mac, gloomily. “A tear, which, by reason of his hands being tied, he was unable to brush away, coursed slowly down his cheek. “Hello! yer cryin’, are yer? So yer proud spirit’s been broken at last. Well, it’s about time. I say, Snooksy, why don’t yer snivel, too, yer his pal, yer know, curse yer!” It was Jimmy, who had just entered the hut“and made these unfeeling remarks. By way of emphasizing his words he gave Snooksy, who was lying bound and helpless on the floor, a kick in the ribs. “Qh, if I could only lay my hands on you!” cried the ill- treated lad. ; “But yer can’t!” taunted the young imp of Satan, giving another kick. “’Cause why? Yer hands aré tied. But no matter, yer:won’t want ’em much longer, nor anythin else for the matter of that. I’ve been sent here by the lord high cockolorum, which is Scar-Faced Pedro, for ter summon the two of yez to his court.” 3 \ “A court?” inquired Mac, with interest. “Yes, an’ a bang-up one, too, an’ don’t yer forget it. Ole Pedro’s judge, an’ dad an’ me’s on the jury. Say, don’t yer want ter. see me?” i ; He held out his hand in a most tantalizing manner, while he screwed up his face and winked his eye in a way most laughable to behold. ‘In spite of their melancholy position, Mac and Snooksy could not for the life of them refrain from laughing aloud. “Qh, yes, in a good humor, are yer?” grimly exclaimed Jimmy. “I guess you won’t find it much of a laughing mat- ter when yer stand up afore the bar, by which I don’t mean a drinkin’ bar, neither.” ‘ He chuckled at his own funny conceit, and then having summoned two men into the hut, said: : “Sea here, these chaps refuse. to go to court, which it svould be contempt of court, only they can’t walk, seein’ that their feet are tied. Now, you fellers just hist ’em over your shoulders an’ follow me.” : - The boys made no resistance; it would have been utterly futile if they had; and, besides, this talk about a court had awakened their curiosity, and they were bodily carried into the room where the ex-convict had had his interview with Sam Slocum. : : At the table, which had been shifted to one /corner, sat the leader of the outlaws, with a look of grim dignity on his ugly and searred visage. : _ The bonds were removed from the prisoners’ legs so that they could stand upright, and then the yeriest farce of a judicial trial was solemnly enacted, After the mock jury had brought in a verdict, Sear-Faced|_ Pedro arose in his seat and thus addressed the boys: “Young fellers, the jury have found yer guilty, an’ the court, which is me, is a-goin’ ter pass sentence on yer. I ‘is that yer be lugged back ter yer prison an’ kept there until sunrise ter-morrer, when yer ter be taken out an’ shot, may the deyil fly away wid yer souls!” : \ —— / , i CHAPTER XVIIL THE BEGINNING OF THE END. To say that the lads received their death sentence with all the fortitude of Roman heroes would, doubtlessly, be highly flattering to their moral courage, but unfortunately it woul not be the truth. hy / Unlike the majority of story-book heroes, the; the fate to which they had been But that was an unknown quality in the breasts of their captors, and the boys were carried shrieking and struggling fe am Ped Figo Pag) >| the hour of their death had arrived. dj, ‘were| heads oomed,| This unpleasant duty over the outlaws determined to spend the approaching night in wild revelry and bac- chanalian carousals. Tit At midnight all the sisters, with the exception of Estelle, who, though she had shouted, laughed and sang the loudest, had confined herself entirely to wine, and drank but little of that, were too drunk to know what they themselves or any- bas, else were doing. elveteen George was sitting beside her, with his arm around her waist, making love to her with all his old-time ardor, while Jimmy, apparently oblivious of the defiant words ‘he had hurled at her that afternoon, was reclining in her lap in a semi-stupefied state. “Now is my time!” thought she, and placing her handker- chief to her bosom she skillfully drew forth a tiny vial and concealed it within its folds. Next, releasing herself from her husband’s embrace, she raised a glass full of wine in one hand and then, as if by ac- cident, dropped the handkerchief to the floor. The vial, wrapped up in its folds, neither broke nor gave forth any sound. Ne Still holding the glass in her hand she stooped under the table and there, with the rapidity of lightning, poured somé drops of the poison into the. wine, and then replaced the vial in her bosom. _ “George,” said she, after she had arisen os her stoop: ing position, “to-morrow you and Jimmy and I will together go far away from here. You will give up your old asso- ciations and begin life anew. I will devote myself to the education of my child. We will make a real happy family together.” ; ‘Fat we will, my dear!” cried he, in thick, hardly in- telligible utterances. . “And let us pledge our wine.” ; . “All right, my dear,” hiccoughed he, taking the proffered glass. “Anything to. oblige.” i He drained the goblet one-third and then handed it back future welfare in this glass of to her. ; ; “Now it’s Jimmy’s turn,” said she. ‘ The boy, was almost asleep, but she: managed to pour the remainder of the wine down his throat, which he mechan- ically swallowed, and almost immediately thereafter went — sound ‘asleep. / The carousals continued until one by one the parties thereto sank into drunken sleep, some lying with their heads on the table, but the majority were stretched at full length on the floor. ? Nai pig See Even Estelle fell into a gentle doze. shoulder. gins ig kc) (Ae RES ' eas : f = er. s & reas éiwasoe', . es

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20 LITTLE MAC, ; THE BOY ENGINEER. Six barrels pointed steadily at the boys’ hearts. “Fire!” The command came not from the leader of the outlaws but from the surrounding thickets; a volley of musketry followed, and every one of the Hangman’s Brigade sank either dead or wounded to the ground. The effect was paralyzing on the outlaws, and before they could recover from it, with many a shout and huzza a detachment of soldiers, one hundred men strong, rushed in upon them. “At last, murderer, we are face to face!” The words were addressed to Sam Slocum, and, turning, he confronted the mysterious burglar—William Raymond. CHAPTER XIX. VICE DEFEATED, The struggle between the outlaws and the troops was short, quick and decisive. Sear-Faced Pedro was the only one who had preferred death to capture, and he had blown his brains out with his own. pistol. p ‘ In the rear guard of the soldiers came Bill Norton, Jack Thomson, Mary and the others, and they confined their at- tention to freeing Mac and Snooksy from the pole, a pro- ceeding which took but a few moments to perform. At the pole were our friends, convulsively hugging and embracing the rescued boys; grouped in the centre were the -- captured outlaws, as also Estelle and Velveteen George, sur- rounded by a cordon of police; while in the foreground Sam eon and William Raymond still stood. glaring at each other. The latter sprang upon his enemy and bore him to the - ground, then pressing one knee upon his breast he caught him by the throat and cried: “Confess, Sam Slocum, as once already you did to your confederate, that it was you who murdered your sister, my aes confess, or by heaven I’ll strangle you as I would a . dog!” I+I confess!” gasped the miserable. man. ; He « drew a long bowie-knife and made a savage lunge at his brother-in-law, but the latter had divined the action and -nimbly avoided the thrust. The wretched man, seeing himself foiled, turned the dag- ger’s point toward his own breast, and sank a bleeding, dy- ing man on the mass of the slain. : “Daddy!” a) It was Jimmy’s voice, but faint and weak: yet dead, but he had only a few minutes still to live. - ~ “Daddy!” gasped he, feebly. don’t care. I’d just as lief die now as any other time. won't forget me, daddy, will you?” _ ¥, “Never!” replied the convict, huskily. time to live, but ’ll never forget you!” “Where is mammy?” “Here. Estelle, won’t you take leave of your dying child ?” : : .. “Bah! what’s the use?” replied she, unfeelingly. follow him soon enough. You'll be with him in the grave within an hour.” “Hell hound!” cried he, making one leap and springing upon her, ess! You “Y’ve only a short Thus—thus receive your merited doom!” _ With wild, ungovernable fury, he threw her on the ground _ and literally trampled her to death before the soldiers could _ interfere and drag him away. : It is not known whether the hour had come for the poison | M _ to produce. its dread effect or whether the excitement un- _. der which he labored hastened its action. At any rate, he _ suddenly became deadly faint and sank, dying, into the arms of those who had torn him from his victing _ “Where is Little Mac?” gasped he. = (si(“;st«S “Here I am,” exclaimed our hero as with Snooksy he ad- vanced toward the dying convict. ; __ “Why, do not be afraid,” whispered he as he caught the _ boy’s hand in his own. “I cannot harm you now. For _ months I have been on your track to kill you. That woman ‘commissioned me to,do so. She feared you because you are the child of her late husband, tisorge Me iaeay and Effie a3 Raymond, and the trué heir ‘to i i - A violent paroxysm succeeded these words and when the 2 along ceased the Saeted -sinful-man was no more. satin Ne cera Ba teat ; i Ly Ls. oS dan He was not “My goose’s cooked; but I “We'll “False, treacherous woman; poisoner, murder- the wealth your father | An intense silence succeeded, which was at length inter- rupted by Mr. Johnson, who formed one of the party. “Come,” said he, “this is no place for us. We will go into one of the huts and talk over these strange and start- ling events, while the soldiers will inter the dead and re- move the prisoners.” When they were all assembled in the room, which had, been the scene of the carousal of the previous night, these papers were read by Mr. Johnson amid general. silence and attention on the part of the rest. What they contained is already known to our readers. When he had concluded, William Raymond stepped for- ward and said: “The ways of Providence are truly inscrutable. Seven- teen years ago I left my father and, my sister and came here to seek my fortune. What happened to me since then you all know. Since the day I left home I heard nothing of those I left behind me, until this minute. Mac, your mother was my sister, as sure as there’s a heaven above us. I am your uncle.” “My uncle!” cried Mac, in wonder. “Yes; and I have still another surprise in store for you. Snooksy, your chum, your companion, is my own son Wil- liam, and your cousin.” “You are my father!” exclaimed Snooksy. : The two boys impulsively rushed into the man’s out- stretched arms and he clasped them both to his breast. Bill shortly said: “Let us return at once to San Francisco. Mr. Johnson will, I am sure, give temporary accommodations to my wife and servant, and then we will make up a party to scour the surrounding country, and not cease in our efforts until we find Effie and the maniac.” J Mr. Johnson gave his immediate consent to this arrange- ment, and the party at once set out upon the return. They walked through the thickets for some time and then, | when almost at the suburbs of the city, Mary suddenly cried’ out: “Hark” 2 rte All stopped and listened. ~ : Siete a Plain and distinct came the voice of a young girl singing, “Tig fiffie!” cried the mother, sinking on her knees, “Thank heaven; she lives and is near!”* * CHAPTER XX. VIRTUE TRIUMPHANT, The song led them to the decayed trunk of one of the ‘piant trees in California—trees to be found in this part of the world, and whose dimensions are oftentimes equal to those of a house, hag he “She must be inside that tree,” said Bill. ‘Mac and Snooksy—the reader will pardon us for thus con- ‘tinuing to call the latter by the name most familiar to us— hastened ahead, and soon a shout from them told the open- had been found. - ait t wag as large as an ordinary door and permitted the whole party to enter at once. { “BWffie!” “Mother!” The young girl was clasped in her mother’s arms, then told the brief story and pointed to maniac, stretched on a bed of leaves. “The hope that you might be searching for me,” replied — She — the form of the - “And what induced you to sing our favorite songs?” asked — she, while a rosy blush suffused her cheeks, “and/ hearing — me sing might come to my rescue. I dared not otherwise attract attention, you know.” i They had all been gathered around the young girl while she ae telling*her story—that is, all save William Ray- mond. ipa - “He, at sight of the maniac, had given utterance to a half- stifled ery, and sank on his, knees beside the old man. Now when Bill and Jack made a movement as if ap- stained face and exclaimed: eee “Back, back; the man who touches him dies!” , “Why?” asked Bill, surprised at this utterance. , “Because,” replied Raymond, in a.yoice husky with emo- tion, “this man is my father.” Renmin a ‘$ {iy eee) eS proaching the sleeping lunatic, he raised his pale and tear-

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~~ true. _ but the baseless vision conjured up by sleep? bo es Te ee, Ee eet ee Ee Sa ar § GREAT AUTHORS. i i i ding matter for the price than any sinilar publication on the news-stands. The title 9 coe ct mma -s, geet, hie ea if t the feature story, out to-dayin No.1l,is * \ “THE EEL-MAN’”’ By’ ROBERT CARLTON BROWN. Watch this ad for the titles, which will follow from week to week. LITTLE MAC, THE BOY ENGINEER. : 21 They grouped themselves in silent awe around the lunatic, whose lamp of life was, indeed, about to be extinguished. The old man’s eyes unclosed and their first glances rested on the features of his son. The gaze was not a maniac’s wild stare, but one of tender love and sweet recognition. ‘ “William!” muttered the dying man, brokenly, “my son, my first-born! Have I been dreaming? Has the past been Where is your sister? Where is Effie?” ‘ “She is in heaven, father,” gently returned his son. ‘Dead!” cried he, somewhat excitedly, while his feeble frame shook and quivered as with the palsy. “Dead! Then it is true what they told me. She left her father, her old, grief-stricken father, sorrowing for his absent son, and hay- ing only her to comfort and console him; she left him for a stranger’s love, and when that stranger deceived and de- serted her she would not come back; she would not trust and confide in her poor old father, who would have laid down his life for her. She’s dead—dead! dead!” He buried his face in his hands and wept aloud. “Father,” murmured Raymond gently, “it is true that she is dead, but her son lives.” : : “I am her son,” chokingly exclaimed Mac, dropping on his knees beside the dying man. He gazed at him earnestly for some moments, then bend- ing forward and pressing a kiss on the lad’s forehead, he ex- claimed: : “Yes, you are her son. In your features my Effie lives again. I have seen you before. You are one of the phan- toms of my dream; but the night has passed, it is daylight now. I bless you, my child. Your mother was good, was Others wronged her, but she was sinless, for she could not sin. She is an angel now, and you must always think of her as such. You will promise me this, my child?” “T promise,” replied Mac, with quivering lip. “Then you will be forever blessed. William, I am fast - passing away; earth is vanishing from my eyes and I see a vision of glory before me.” ¥ A NEW SEMI-MONTHLY ‘KING; OR, WORKING IN WALL STREET.” 2 Sapeentes by his son, the dying man struggled to his eet. His face was upturned toward the sky, and his features transfixed by a calm and holy joy. “J see her face!” cried he, in joyous tones. her. At last I find her again. It is my child! am coming!” His last words were fairly shrieked out; and before their echo had died. away his spirit had fled, and his son held but the cold, lifeless remains. A week later they laid him in the grave beside the daugh- ter he had so loved, and simply added his name to the one inscribed on the headstone, to mark his last resting place. The legal formalities to establish Mae in his rights and to prove the innocence of William Raymond, were gone through as speedily as circumstances permitted it. The Boy Engineer was declared to be the rightful heir of the vast estate left behind by his father, James Mowbray, while his uncle, who was also appointed his guardian, took charge of the property of Sam Slocum, deceased, in trust for his son, William Raymond, Jr., otherwise known to us as Snooksy. Both the latter and Mac are attending college, to perfect themselves for the profession of civil engineers. Bill and Mary Norton, with Effie, reside in the Fifth Ave- ~ nue mansion, once the residence of the fashionable Mrs. Estelle Mowbray. Jack Thompson and his family often visit them, and when the boys are home on vacation, you may be sure that the house rings with merry shouts. '* The further history of Mac is still behind the curtain of the future, for the events which we have depicted are of but recent date, but when that curtain comes to be lifted it will be found that as a man he will haye more than fulfilled the bright promises of his youth, and that the reward which ever attends true merit and patient endurance will only add another laurel to those he has gained as the “Boy Engi- neer, Next. week’s issue will contain “THE BOY “T recognize Effie, Effie, I MONEY | OUT TO-DAY! THE TITLE IS | “MYSTERY MAGAZINE” PRICE 10 CENTS A COPY HANDSOME COLORED COVERS. / fi 48 PAGES OF READING. LOOK FOR IT The greatest magazine published, for old and young. : IT CONTAINS as Rousing feature stories, based on deep mysteries, short stories, novelettes, serial stories, and a vast quantity of miscellaneous reading matter. _ | Buy a copy Now! a ) _| FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 168 West 23d Street, New York City | FAMOUS ARTISTS. FINE PRESSWORK. - BUY A COPY NOW!

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1 i PLUCK AND LUCK. HELP YOUR COUNTRY! RED CROSS’S WAR AID PLAN FOR SCHOOLS. will be stamped on every piece of soap. As for the As the result of the formation of a junior depart- ment of the American Red Cross, 22,000,000 school children of America have an opportunity to become active workers in the Red Cross. The plan for this organization was worked out by Dr. Henry Noble MacCracken, president of Vassar College, and Dr. Anna Hedges Talbot of the New- York State Department of Education. Although the junior department of the Red Cross is only a month old, 5,600 scholars in Plainfield, N. J., have been enrolled, and arrangements made for the enrolment of the 32,000 public school chil- dren of Buffalo. The movement is not limited to public schools. Private and parochial schools are included and an effort is now being made to enlist them for war work with the Red Cross. The children enlisted in the Junior Membership ‘and School Activities of the Red Cross—that is the offical name of the junior department—will be able to give definite service. Whatever work they ac- complish will be done during school hours. This work will be carried on in all classes from the kin- dergarten up through the high school. & ' TO HELP FRENCH CHILDREN. ‘ Some of the work will be in behalf of the chil- dren abroad. Little Americans will make clothes for little Frenchmen—hblack sateen aprons worn by -both boys and girls in the French schools, petti- coats, cotton chemises and capes. They will re- construct old garments of grown-ups. Bringing the cast-off clothing of their parents to school, they will sterilize and cut it down. They will rejuvenate even stockings, for the des- titute little French children who have gone bare- footed through the winter are thankful for the ‘ chance to walk on seamy soles. As the French chil- dren are always eager to give thanks for any kind- ness, each child will sew his own name and address in every garment and will doubtless receive in re- . turn a letter of gratitude from the small recipient on the other side. The young Red Cross workers will make scrap- books both for children and for soldiers in hospitals. _ They will do such plain knitting as comforters—and even the boys, like Robert Louis SteVenson, find knitting a fascinating occupation. JAMS AND PRESERVES FOR SOLDIERS. Children in manual training departments will - make and repair boxes both for the shipping of their own goods and for that of other Red Cross chapters. They will make splints, crutches, wooden knitting needles. They will make soap moulds with Zoe Byaine of the ee cut in n the mould so that it soap itself, members of the chemistry classes will make it with surplus fats brought from their own homes. Domestic science students will put up jellies, jams’ | and preserves. As shipping is a serious problem, the Red Cross does not know yet how much of this kind of delicacy can be sent to the other side. It will, however, find a welcome in American can- . tonments, Canadian hospitals, and with our own soldiers as they return from the front. Boys will make trench candles by cutting eight columns of newspaper, rolling two of these very tightly to- gether, folding the other six around them loosely, tying the whole together, and soaking it in paraffin. These are some of the methods for helping which the Red Cross will suggest in the manual it is now preparing. As many children are not able to raise even the twenty-five cents necessary for membership they will be enrolled in the junior department by schools — and not by individuals. Any school that raises a — supply fund which is the equivalent of twenty-five cents apiece for every child in the school is entitled to become junior auxiliary and all the children have the right to wear the regular $1 membership button of the Red Cross. Plainfield was the first town to take up the plan of the junior department, and Buffalo the second, instead of waiting for each school to raise enough money for membership. Plainfield, with a whirl- wind campaign, raised $15400,. which enrolls every one of the 5.600 children. Inquiries on how to — conduct a campaign are coming in from Texas, Alaska and every part of the United States. Dr. MacCracken is national director of junior membership. His office is in the national head- “quarters of the Red Cross in Washington, D. C. SODA FOUNTAIN ECONOMIES, One cent a day wasted by every soda fountain | employee in .the country means a loss of $5,000 a day, says the Soda Fountain. Soda fountain men can save, by preventing the drip of syrup from faucets, seeing that perishable soda ingredients do not spoil, and using care in other directions. Soda fountains now serve many articles of food as well as drinks. The use of cooking oils and butter substitutes is urged instead of butter and lard. The use of loaf sugar instead of granulated is — recommended where patrons help themselves, as in ‘ sweetening, coffee, because there is no waste by’ — spilling or wetting: Where fresh fruit is served at — soda fountains, on the contrary, powe tered sugar is best, as it dissolves immediately. hs LA's > _ v. a ? sy. a $ ei c

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PLUCK AND LUCK. ’ t 23 OUT FOR MONEY ; Oe ata ; : A POOR BOY’S CHANCE IN A BIG CITY | By J. P. RICHARDS (A Serial Story) CHAPTER XVI (Continued). : Mrs.*Mulligan, in order to make up for Kitty’s fault and also to return a favor, invited Phil and Bess and Mr. and Mrs. Matthews to a Christmas ‘3 party in honor of Bess on Saturday night, promising to have a Christmas tree, and to make the day one x to be remembered. — Ts not an iligant mansion Oi hov, nor yet a _ cozy Harlem flat,’ the good woman said in extend- . ing the invitation, “but yez will be welkim an’ av _ be any the gladder to see yez.” F Phil went home early that afternoon, and they all started down-town by the subway shortly after _ dark, so as to be home in good season. Jt was snowing when they started, but Bess had a warm coat and a big hood which kept the wind and cold away from her, and Phil carried her to _ the station. £ When they reached the ere the bay picked the _ child up in his arms, and carried her up to the _ street, the snow at that time being quite heavy. As he reached the park some one stepped sud- denly forward, clutched him by the arm, and said: “Tt’7ll be worth your while, my boy, to pay me for ~ what I know about that child.” Bess‘eried out in alarm, but Phil, who recognized A Fins old woman, said sharply: : “And it'll be wiser for you to keep out of the way, be Judy, if you don’t want to go up to the island again.” ; - “T know who she is, Phil, and I’ll tell you if you ie bay. me.” “You may be made to tell without being paid,” _ Said Phil. “Get out of the way, you miserable crea- IT don’t want to have anything to do with eg se “Give me something for my Chr Te Phil, that’s a good boy,” whined the old woman. ae “Here, ay said. Phil, taking a quarter from “Ha-ha; you could. make a ‘fortune aot of that - child if you'd only listen to me,” piped the old oman, in shrill tones. “Maybe. I might,” said Phil. “Come on, Mr. latthews ; come on, Mrs. Jim, they’ll be waiting r us. ‘et the old woman get hold of you.” | : Then they hurried Across the street, bens) were _ I had the opery house to entertain yez in I wudn’t | ; | the——” Don’t. be afraid, Bess, Pm not going . tO;\h5 ae soon at Mrs. Mulligan’s, where their welcome was as hearty as the good woman had promised. There was a Christmas tree in the little parlor, bright with lights and tinsel, and under it was a big new doll for Bess, while hung upon its branches .| was something for every one there. Butts acted as Santa Clause, and. distributed the presents while Kitty kept so close to him that it seemed as if she were afraid he would run away. At last they sat down to supper, Kitty sitting between Butts and Phil, Bess close to Phil, and Mrs. Mulligan presiding and beaming hospitably from every line of her broad face. : In the midst of the meal there was a knook at the door, and then, as on former occasion, in walked Hiram Maynard. ; “Merry Christmas, folks,” he said. I’m welcome.” “Then yez hov another suppose comin’ to yez,” said Mrs. Mulligan, “for ye’re not.” “T suppose , CHAPTER XVII. | WHAT PHIL OVERHEARD. Hiram came in, shook the snow from his coat and | hat, closed the door, and said You’ve added Boarders, “Quite a family party, isn’t it? one or two, missus, since I was here. ma’am?” “Tt’s nothin’ to ye who they are, ye blarneyin’ maraudher,” said Mrs. Mulligan. “I hov a welkim as big as all outdures for me fri’nds, but not the laste schrap av wan for a vilyan like ye, so the sooner yez tak yerself off the betther.”” “Beat it, ye old stuff,” said Butts. “Get out o’ here,” added Kitty. yer. ” “Better take the hint and get out, Hiram, while you can,” spoke up Phil. “It’s not far to the Oak street police station, and I can send Butts out by the front way.” “Don’t seem to want me, any of you, do you?” replied Hiram, with a laugh. - r “No; you’re a bad, wicked man,” said Bess, “and you o ght to be tooken up. Go away, you nasty fellow. We don’t want you.” “Butts,” said Phil, “just take a run around to _ “No one wants “Tt isn’t necessary,” interrupted Hiram. “I’ve got some information for you, Mr. Phil, that I thought you might like to tell your high-toned ‘friends on Christmas, but I want money for it.” “I’m out of money, and can’t pay for your in- formation,” answered Phil. | “Not’n, doin’, boss,” said Butts, “s0 you better & ” ? _ (To be = Se

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’ announcement that “Joe,” a pet monkey belonging ~ the armed forces of the Nation. * used for fats, fertilizer, and other by-products. ‘has been passed upon by the American legation at ‘the United States. the University Club of Chicago is effecting savings of a ton of flour and 2 tons of meat monthly, with ments of food saving are published together with | ‘ We ae view. of is bumper corn crop this year, some ci figures published in an implement paper are inter- ty) (eas A Dey show what becomes of our corn Ears PLUCK AND LUCK. CURRENT NEWS . Adherents of the Darwinian theory of man’s de- scent see additional evidence in its support in’ the to Frank A. Ubel, at St. Paul, Minn., had just sub- mitted to a’ successful operation for appendicitis. The monkey’s ailment was diagnosed by Humane Society physicians, and under an anesthetic its ap- pendix was removed. Boneless beef is now being shipped from the Brit- ish colonies for army supplies and effects consider- able saving in ocean freight. The bones are trimmed out of the beef before shipment, reducing the weight 20 per cent in some cases, permitting more com- pact stowing in the coolers, and leaving the bones near districts where beef animals are raised, to be In training aerial marksmen to shoot straight, the British government makes use of small target balloons which are manufactured in large quanti- ties. These balloons are made in two sections, so that when one section is punctured by a successful shot from the gun of the aerial apprentice the bal- loon remains in the air, permitting a second hit, and thus doubling the life of the target. An electrie air pump is being used to fill the balloons. ' American veterans resident in Germany and Austria, whose pensions were interrupted by the break in relations between the United States and those countries, will soon begin again to receive regular payments. The Spanish embassy at Berlin has agreed to undertake the work, after each case Berne. Proof will be required that the person re- ceiving the pension actually is unable to return to. ¥ Through systematic observance of the food pledge, large economies in sugar, butter, eggs, milk, cream, lard, and poultry. Portions in the dining room have been reduced to effect these savings. Tuesday has been made a meatless day for members and em- ployees. Pork and bacon have been eliMinated as a garnish for other meats, and no veal, baby lamb, suckling pig or squab poultry are served. Annouce- a roll of honor of club members who have abana On a basis of 2,700,000,000 bushels, 500,000,000 are consumed in the industries and the rest on the farms. Nine per cent of the total crop is ground by mills, 144 is made into starch and corn sugar, less than 114 per cent. is used for making distilled and malt liquors, about 114 per cent. is exported, and 414 per cent. is fed to horses and mules in towns. One-fourth of the whole crop is fed to horses and mules on farms, another fourth to hogs, about 9 per cent. to beef cattle, 814 per cent. to dairy cattle, 314 per cent. to poultry, 2 per cent. to sheep, 314 per cent. is used for human food, and less than 1 per cent. furnishes seed for the new crop. Owing to the shortage of tin cans through war |eonditions, the largest producers of motion picture | film stock in the United States have recently notified raw material cannot be guaranteed in the future. They have also urged all producing plants to return the empty containers they have on hand, for which a liberal price will be paid. How many tin cans are lying about in studios can perhaps be surmised by one typieal instance: Following the call of the with a capacity of 2,000 feet of film. -These cans represented the raw. ‘stock used at this studio in a little over two years, or a total of 16,284,000 feet. When crated, the cans made twelve truck loads, and it is said that when they were converted into money they represented a small fortune. which approach of the winter season, there are a number of original types available for. the coming cold weather. One of the present offerings is made in the form of a copper bowl or reflector, in the center of which is mounted a spiral heating coil. The bowl angle. in any direction by adjusting the bowl. gas stoves, with a diameter of about ‘seven inches and a height of 21 inches: 12 pounds. the heating ‘surface spread out in one, plane. and the inst 16 mse pounds, © BRIA ab aa) » y , ' ty sath sf ‘ } ‘ \ ia rer we 7 italy 1 3y / -. 2 eis their customers that the prompt shipment of this’ film manufacturers, one producing organization — searched its premises and found 8,142 cans, each © Along ery the usual types of electric heaters ake their appearance each year upon the — << is provided with a pedestal which, as in the case — of the conventional electric fan, supports it at any — Indeed, the new device is strongly sugges- — tive of the electric fan, since its heat can be thrown Still an- — other type is made in the form of the common round It provides about six — square feet of heating surface, and only weighs — Odd is the, remaining” ‘type made with — Ines the smaller size there is three square feet: of heat- — ing surface, The length of the radiator is 20 inches : Its weight is only six |

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PLUCK AND LUCK. MAY SOON LICENSE CATS. The City Council of Three Rivers, Wis., is seri- ously contemplating the adoption of a cat ordinance _—an ordinance which will require the licensing of - every cat in the city and also require the cats to wear a collar. It was found that each cat in a city kills an average of ninety birds in a year, which : would mean the killing of about 50,000 birds a year - in Three Rivers, based upon its cat population—a A pretty expensive luxury. - BERLIN BARS SMOKING BY ALL UNDER 16. ; The Berlin police have prohibited smoking by - persons under sixteen years of age and the sale of tobacco to such persons. _ The prohibition is inspired not alone in the inter- est of the youths, but also of the older smokers, who, on account of the shortage of tobacco, are now ‘for ced to form lines in front of the tobacconists to obtain the strictly limited allowance of cigars and cigarettes permitted them daily. c 3 a UR: ; ‘ JACKRABBIT RACES AUTOMOBILE. George Stone, of Humboldt, Iowa, recently was Biting his auto along the Air Line road when _ the light showed a jackrabbit. Stone increased his i pace and the rabbit increased its going. - Taking no unfair advantage, Stone kept to a . Straight course, as did the rabbit, its long legs stretched to its fullest extremities. Re It was a fine race, and at the three-quarter mile post the machine shot ahead and jack left the road. q The speedometer showed forty miles. E ee 4 : Hotel La Salle, Chicago, Ill. Mi “Seventy-five per cent. of the criminals brought into the courts. of this country are between the _ ages “of fifteen and twenty-four years, and 80 per “cent. of them suffer from physical disability,” said : ‘Judge Bridgeman. “In most of these cases this " disability i is responsible for mental disability, mani- Shi a fested i in crime, aps it is pear of aia cage SURGERY CAN CURE CROOKS. “Fifty per cent, of the criminals in this country under thirty years of age can be restored to good _ citizenship under proper surgical attention.” . Judge George W. Bridgeman of Benton Harbor, ‘Mich., made that statement at the dinner of the tn ae ‘The eating: of ete seed by the ‘people of Ore- gon that more beans may be sent to. the soldiers yf nd pee A dae at the ee County maaan American ‘Association of Orificial Surgeons in the Pires ete ay i. we db, Ph eee NEWS OF THE DAY Miss Corbett demonstrated various manners in which the seed may be prepared for the table. She called attention to the fact that vetch seed costs about one-third as much as beans. “The people of Oregon can greatly increase the — supply of beans available for the soldiers by eat- ing vetch seed,” she said. “The troops are not used to vetch and they are to beans. Besides, the government would not be inclined to experiment with a new food in time of war.” Miss Corbett also urged the people of Lane County to can poultry on account of the high eg of feed; demonstrating methods. “The cockerels especially should be. killed and canned, for they will eat their heads off during the winter at the present price of feed,” she said. OLD MAN STRANGLES WILDCAT. In a desperate battle with an 80-pound wildcat he found raiding his chicken-coop early one recent morning, Serge Koreloff, seventy years old, a Rus- sian fisherman living in the Japanese village near Santa Monica, Cal., fought the animal with his bare hands and came off victor. To-day the pelt of the cat-is nailed on Koreloff’s door as evidence of the fierce struggle, in which the marauder was choked to death as it clawed wildly at the aged Russian. For several nights Koreloff had been losing chick- ens from his yard, and he determined to stand guard to catch the thief. Just before dawn he fell asleep, but he was soon awakened by a noise in the yard. Seizing his gun he rushed from the house and saw the wildcat. He fired and missed, and the huge cat sprang at him. -Koreloff dropped his rifle and caught the beast by the throat and a hind leg. As his fingers fast- ened on the windpipe of the animal. tne cav c:awe> him madly, inflicting deep lacerations on the man’s legs and body. When neighbors arrived, attracted by the shot and by the noise of the desperate struggle, they found Koreloff breathless and bleeding, standing ever the lifeless form of the feline. The hardy Russian, who is six feet and two inches tall and unusually ‘muscular, refused all offers of — medical aid. Peeling off his clothes, he plunged into the surf. | When he emerged from the water he explained to infection. Koreloff pointed to the fact that the hide of the [iss Ruth Corbett, conservation agent for Lane |in it as proof of his ees steal Dil in a the on ‘ te ie battle. the crowd that had gathered that the salt water — would stop the bleeding: of his wounds and prevent ou

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had come. « - “had ever dealt wit this man. (26 PLUCK AND LUCK. HUSTLING JOE BROWN tr, | ee THE BOY WHO KEPT THE TOWN CLOCK _ By WILLIAM WADE (A Serial Story) CHAPTER XIX. JOE’S WONDERFUL SUCCESS. This increased as Joe began to talk about Colonel Redding’s idea of leasing the Wapamsett works to a new company. At last he had said his say, and had not once been interrupted. “Mr. Brown,” said Grimes, -then, “did you recog- nize the man who went out of this office a few minutes ago?” ‘ “T did, sir,” replied Joe. “He was P. H. Dodger, the president of the rifle trust.” “Exactly. Now let me tell you something. That man is one of the biggest rascals who ever went unhung. For five years I have been looking for a _ chance to trap him; and now, if what you say is true, that chance has comé> You started out on a bold mission, boy, but fortune has favored ‘you. They say that fools jump in where wise men dare not tread.. You have certainly jumped into the - right place. I will help you organize your\company, $f such a thing can possibly be brought about.” Joe list@ned to Mr. Grimes with wide-open eyes. ' Where he had looked for certain failure success “You will help me organize the company!” he repeated, scarcely knowing what he said. 2 Mr. Grimes smiled. ne The situation was so absurd that he could scarcely keep back a laugh. Here was he, the great, Grimes, the king of the cartridge trust, the owner of a hundred patents, every one of them the outcome of the brains of some poor skilful fool who had come to him for “help to organize a company,” and who had been “frozen ‘out” just as quick as the law would allow. Facing him was our hero, the simple country lieved in him. Who actually believed that there ' would be something left for himself after fhe organi- zation was complete. ’ BRP set ~ Really the situation was too absurd. A Perhaps Joe’s trusting confidence may have made the great Grimes feel just a little bit ashamed of himself, we cannot say, but even that would not ; eye who had come for “help to organize,” and who - have prevented the boy from being swallowed up as every other brainy, hustling pauper had been who S _ Nevertheless, Joe was already ‘slated to win, and the reason was many sided. — Ee is of ; whe hes de FE J ft ty © : ¥< First and foremost, Jacob Grimes had long been desirous of getting a foothold in the firearms market. Second, Jacob Grimes hated P. H. Dodger with a deadly hatred, and had long been laying for a chance to crowd him to the wall. Third, Jacob Grimes knew what the leather man had been in the past, and knew that if his reason was now restored, and he could be lassoed, cotralled and brought into the fold, that he would be a most valuable asset in more senses than one. Such were the thoughts which ran through the brain of the cartridge king, and which induced him to say to Joe in his blandest and most assuring tone: “Why, yes, my boy, I will help you organize your company. I consider the idea an excellent one. Now just tell 'me all about it. Talk to me with as much confidence as you would to your father—see?”’ And Joe opened up his heart. Oh, that wily leather man! Hermit, madman, he may have been, but.he cer- tainly knew the world! He also knew Grimes. Perhaps that was the reason why he suggested - the scheme of interesting the workingmen of Red- dington in the new company, to the extent of a few shares of stock. For this was Grimes’s pet scheme, and was in practise at each of his factories. It kept the men in good humor, and helped to avoid strikes and labor troubles. Grimes firmly believed in it. He complimented Joe upon having suggested it, while Joe, in his honesty, gave all the credit to the leather man. And it ended in Mr. Grimes saying: “Now, my boy, you can tell Colonel Redding that if Mr. Noble will put up $50,000 towards organizing a new company to take over the Wapamsett works, I will go him one better and subscribe double that }amount. If he wants it in writing, he gets it—see? You go ahead and see Mr. Henshaw. He is a man who, although practically out of business, is still aver on the lookout for a chance to make good in- vestments. I will telephone him that you are com- ing, and explain who you are and what you want, which will make it all plain sailing for you. I have little doubt that you will be able to enlist his sym- pathies in your enterprise, hut you must see Noble again, too, and try to make him come in on equal . terms with the rest of us. Don’t fail to look in on” me again before you leave town.” And so Joe left the offices of Jacob Grimes in, triumph. Y Shall we excuse him for believing that the re- — markable success he had made was due to his own _ hustling? . We shall have to. But Joe might have hustled till the cows dame’ 3 home with these New York financiers and never even got a sight of one of them had the situation — yeen otherwise than just what: it was. ae ae Pea tb NV ot (To be continued.) ip it 4 cay j a. re ee ee es a ee

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SUGAR ECONOMY BY BOTTLERS.. Tf each of the 10,000 bottlers in the United States - can find a way to save just 1 ounce of sugar a day, _ says the American Bottler, it will mean a’saving of - 195,000 pounds a year. Bottlers can save sugar by eliminating waste in their plants, such as dripping j faucets in the sirup room, extravagant use of sirup : and sugar in their fofmulas, and other losses. MESOPOTAMIA’S HOT SPELL. \A report from Bagdad | states that this has been : the hottest season in Mesopotamia of which record _ exists. The highest temperature at Bagdad was 122.8 in July, and at Basrah 122, while in the tents of the soldiers the thermometer rose to 10 degrees higher. This was 10 to 12 degrees higher than in \ 1916. August was also severely hot, and September é opened with a heat wave which drove the thermom- _ eter to an average of 8 degrees above normal. The 3 mercury at Basrah on August 28 was.118, and on _ September 5 was 116 in a damp atmosphere. In spite of the abnormal conditions the spirit of the troops has been excellent, and in the hottest , weather sports have been enjoyed as usual. Early : in June a football cup series was played at Samarah. 4 The first week of September was marked by a re- gatta and race meeting at Bagdad and a large num- eh ber of men are now in training for a big boxing “ _ tournament. _ MILLIONS LEFT HOMELESS BY FLOODS. In a two weeks’ boat and overland tour of the flooded sections in Shantung, and Chihli provinces, an Associated Press correspondent found that the breaks in the banks of the Yellow River were comparatively unimportant and ¢ontribute only slightly to the torrent in the Grand Canal which keeps Tientsin under.water. There has been great loss of life, especially among the old, small-footed women, who could not reach the highlands. At least 1,000,000 persons are homeless and pen- aed _ tory has been devastated. _ The work animals have been drowned, pene or eaten. The rains for six weeks have been the iadiiest in fifty years. Whole families. were seen dragging ploughs and trying to plant winter wheat on the dry knolls. The American Red Cross is putting up huts for 5,000 refugees, BEAR GOT ALL CAMP’S HAM. | With hams at present prices even a rich corpora- tion like the Great Northern Paper Company cannot : soe : Ne a + %, te f PLUCK AND LUCK. THE NEWS IN SHORT ARTICLES / RAILROAD CAR COLLEGE. niless, and probably 25,000 square miles of terri- afford to feed bears on Mek sort of Pie and 8 so it was a distinct relief to the boss of the company’s camp on Elm stream, nine miles from Seeboomook Falls, when the camp timekeeper, Raymond Dyer of Banger, acted. In the camp on Elm stream was a barrel of smoked hams. September 23 the barrel was full. The morning of October 1 the barrel was harmless, the cook found. Tracks of a young bear were around the building. Dyer set a trap. One morning at three o’clock the crew were aroused by a tremendous grunting and thrashing.’ The ham thief was in the trap, fat, furry and furious, securely pinched by his right fore paw. A logger smashed the bear’s skull with an ax. The men ate some of the bear meat and Dyer got the skin, which he sold for a good price in Bangor, and also collected the State bounty, five dollars, from City Clerk Victor Brett. Apprentices in the shops of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad are given an opportunity for self-— improvement in a day coach refitted to serve as a classroom by the company. Light and heat are furnished as well, and the corporation even goes so far as to pay the boys wages for a portion of the time they spend in this novel school. The Department of Education of New York is interested in'this plan to the extent of paying the salaries of two instructors, one for the course in mathematics, the other for mechanical drawing, as these subjects form the curriculum of the school in the railroad car, writes C. D. Edholm in St. Nicholas. In order to afford the apprentices some free time, the classes are held on three days, only, a total of six hours each week, and the interest of the young fellows is held by the fact that instruction is given to each according to the task in which he is en- gaged in the shops. Thus the pupils were drawn from shops where they worked as machinists, boiler- makers, tinsmiths, painters and carpenters, and the - problems given them in class were of the sort that they would have to solve in everyday work. The mechanical drawings were allotted on the same plan; the machinists were set to draughting parts of en- gines and tools, the tinsmiths were given diagrams of elbows and rivet joints, and so on through the different trades. This vocational training of a specialized nature is of direct benefit to the ambitious young men who desire to get ahead in their crafts even though they began work before the regular school course was far advanced. Some of them did not, get farther than the seventh grade, and should be severely han- dicapped as skilled mechanics without such theoreti- _ sus training as they receive in ae “railroad ol es ege.’ “4

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28 PLUCK AND LUCK. A FEW GOOD ITEMS HORSE MEAT 10C A POUND IN CINCINNATI. Horse meat now is an officially approved war econ- omy diet here. It is being readily sold at Cincin- WORST HURRICANE OF ALL SWEEPS GRAND CAYMAN ISLE. The island of Grand Cayman, British West Indies, nati’s first-class butcher shops, according to the re- | was visited recently by the most violent hurricane port of the Pioneer Dealers. ever known there. Wind, which reached a velocity Twenty old Dobbins, halt and lame, were turned jof 120 miles an hour, heavy rain and giant breakers into sausage and steaks which sold at 10 cents a /|from the sea, combined caused a property loss esti- pound. Fred Frey, a firm dealing exclusively in horse meat, said that as long as he could buy old horses at $40 each, as at present, he would continue to sell ‘meat at the present prices. Horses at $40 each pro- duce the same quantity of steaks-and sausage as . $teers costing $100 each. This city is declared to be the first American city to approve officially of horse meat. - STUDENTS PICK PRUNES. Students of the Boise High School, Boise, Idaho, _ have earned $329 in two days picking and packing prunes in orchards in the valley. The results for one day recently, as announced by Mac Hoke, in charge of the volunteers, show that 51 boys and 20 io girls picked 350 boxes and packed 191 boxes. of prunes, earning $79. The students worked a total of 502 hours. ; _. The following day 100 boys and 65 girls responded and picked about 1,200 boxes and packed 265, work- ing about 1,200 hours. The total earnings were ~ about $250. Teams No. 5, No. 8 and No. 1, cap- tained by Sam Coons, Searle Hosley and Voltiey Hoobing made the best showing. - The average pay for picking is 15 cents a box, although at some orchards 18 is paid. B. F. Hurst, at Manville station, has offered a bonus of a each day for the best team. SUBMARINE RESCUE. - One of the most dramatic and thrilling of the epi- ; sexes of this war was the escape of a boatload of British seamen from a German cruiser in the naval battle off Helgoland. The British steamship De- _ fender, having sunk a German craft, lowered a - whaler to pick up the swimming survivors, says the Public Ledger. Before the task had:been completed _ -a German cruiser came up and chased the Defender, - which thus had to abandon its small craft. The men in the whaler were in a sad plight. With- | - out food or water, in an open boat, twenty-five miles from land and that land a hostile one, with nothing 43 “but fog and foes surrounding them, they hardly ‘snew which way to. turn. Suddenly there was a -3wirl alongside, and up “popped the British sub- zs marine E14, which opened its conning tower, took » athe. occupants of the whaler on board, closed the - away. ay | Pe opening, submerged, and sped peney ess 250 miles duced. Not until then is iyiet any agente of my mated at $300,000, exclusive of shipping. A watch- man on a vessel in the harbor was drowned and a woman was crushed to death in the ruins of her home. Houses built to withstand the is hurricane in the Caribbean were shaken to their foundations ; 120 were blown down. Windows were shattered and doors and roofs carried away. The streets and roads were flooded and filled with uprooted trees. Thirteen vessels were driven ashore, two were cap- sized and every one at anchor was damaged. Grand Cayman, one of three British West Indian Isles, known as the Caymans, is about the size of Staten Island, lies some 200 miles south of Cuba and the same distance northwest of Jamaica. ABOUT GUN COTTON. ¢ Thirty thousand men are employed in one plant in Virginia making gun cotton. a: Every entrance to the works is closely watched by armed guards. Every employe must show a pass when entering or leaving. Only twelve persons in — the whole concern have authority to admit visitors.\ — Each of these is required to accompany his guests qi while they are inside the plant and is held person-_ ally responsible for anything which may happen as S a result of the visit. At one end of the plant sulphur is made into sul- yi phuric acid. At the other end the cotton is prepared. — Then they are brought together. The “gun cotton,” the product is called, comes puns down long chutes in snowy masses. f At the bottom of each chute is a press. Into the — press goes the cotton. Pressure is applied. A bar- — ne c of cotton is compressed into about one cubic © Bi ! ! The visitor winces as the powerful press squeezes _ the deadly explosive. There are cars full of it stand- _ ing on the tracks and more being Toaded. What if it should “go off ?” ‘ - But his fears are gr oundless. From the time the — acid and the cotton are brought together the explo- — ‘sive is kept wet. Even after the press has squeezed — it into compast cubes it contains twenty per cent of — water. It is shipped in air-tight, Jead-lined cases to prevent its drying. ae Just before the cotton is loaded shies shells sé an- $j af other plant, far away, the percentage of water is re- gt ies

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PLUCK AND; LUCK. PLUCK AND LUCK NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21, 1917. TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS Single Copies eee e eer eet eens at teeeeses One Copy Six Months One Copy Ono Year Se is fir Raeeeecese POSTAGE FREE HOW TO SEND MONEY—At our risk send P, O. Money Order. Check or Registered Letter; remittances in any other way are at your risk. We accept Postage Stamps the game as cash. When sending silver wrap the Coin in a separate piece of piper to avoid cutting the euvelope. Write your name and address plainly. Address letters to HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher, 166 West 23d St., New York Good Current News Articles The biggest billiard plant in the world had its formal opening in Detroit, Mich., the other Satur- day. It is the great Recreation Building, just con- structed by the Sweeney-Huston Company, which will contain 105 billiard tables and 88 bowling al- leys. Ora Morningstar, Clarence Jackson and Bert Kortlang are the leading professionals in' charge of the various departments. Ferncliffe, the country home of Vincent Astor at Rhinecliff, N. Y., overlooking the Hudson River, is to be converted temporarily by the War Department into a hospital for convalescent American soldiers - who may be wounded in France. Vincent Astor, who inherited the estate from his father, Colonel John Jacob Astor, offered it to the Government for this purpose, and it has been inspected and approved | by the Sanitary Corps of the Army Medical Depart- _ ment. It has also become known that other New - York men have offered their country homes for the “same purpose. One of these is M. Taylor Pyne, who | 88% Sit. He died last night.” has turned over his country home, Drumthwackett, néar Princeton, and’ it too has been approved by the Sanitary Corps. What are the canning kitchens in Nassau County, 29 The Squantum Aviation Field, near Boston, Mass., will be the site of the greatest destroyer plant in the world, which will be built for the government by the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation. It was de- 'clared in Washington that the plant would be near- ing completion by the end of the year and that the unloading of the hundreds of thousands of tons of | steel, which will be used in building forty-six of the largest, fastest and best-armed destroyers ever laid than January 15 next. Ninety million dollars will be expended before the work is completed. Not only will the Fore River Company build the destroyer plant at Squantum, but it will erect a turbine plant at Buffalo, which will cost $2,500,000 and will con- struct a boiler plant at Pxovidence, to cost $1,500,000. The destroyers’ hulls will be built at Squantum. The boilers will be made at Providence, Squantum as rapidly as completed. ’ Grins and Chuckles “So Miss Passay is angry with her doctor. is that?” soon have her looking her old self again.” Why Lawyer—-Want a divorce, eh? On what grounds? Mose Possum—Incompracticability of temperamen- tality. I like to fish and she don’t like to wash. Master—Norah seems quite gone on that letter- carrier. Mistress—Gone! Why, she actually mails a postcard to herself every night, so he’ll be sure to call at the house next morning. “Well, John,” the doctor said one morning, “what is your master’s temperature this morning?” “In- deed, sir,” replied the servant, “I should not like to down, would begin to arrive at the plant not later the turbines. at Buffalo and will be shipped to . “He tactlessly remarked that he would — “I don’t see why you call your place a bungalow,” _ said Smith to his neighbor. “Well, if it isn’t a bunga-— “The job was ae low, what is it?” said the neighbor. bungie and I still owe for it.” _N. Y., going to do with the 20,000 cans and bottles of preserved vegetables and fruits? This was the| _ question asked at the committee meeting of the com- _ munity members at, the Home Economics Depart- ment of ‘the Nassau. County Farm Bureau, held at the courthouse. The women of the county have been hard at work all summer and fall canning their sur- _ plus produce,.and now that it is all ready for use i __ by the government for shipment abroad, they natu-| The head of a certain well-known family was re- _ rally ask the question, “What are we to do with it?” | cently approached by his son, just nearing his ma- _ _ Miss Olga Goehler, head of the department, has| jority. “Father,” said he, “I want to have a talk — been deputized a committee of one to investigate| with you concerning my future. I have decided to — _ this important matter and report to the committee | become an artist. Have you any objections?” The — employed in getting this rich|old man scratched his head reflectively and replied: Mother—I have just heard something that you ought to know. Your father tells me that your hus- | band is hopelessly involved. Married Daughter— Isn’t that lovely! Now, maybe, he’ll make over all his property tome. ~ ; on the methods to be | : cng - supply of food to its proper destination. The cans| “Well, no, my son—provided, of course, you don’t - is and bottles are stored away, ready for distribution. draw on me.” pee 1 2 rte Dy 2 ¥\ ; t ' ‘ b Hv AM fe

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7 ~ 30 PUUCK AND LUCK. A RTICLES OF ALL KINDS CHICAGO ENTERS POTATO BUSINESS. The city is going into the wholesale potato busi- ness for the benefit of the poor. The City Council - recently authorized the appointment of a board to which the city will loan $200,000 to be invested in potatoes. The spuds will be stored and the city will be guar- anteed the return of its $200,000 in nine months, plus 2 1-2 per cent. The guarantors are fifty weal- _ thy citizens. _ Potatoes can now be bought at primary points at 90 cents a. bushel. The poor will pay about 95 cents a bushel, to cover cost of freight and distribution. . The retail price now is $1.56 a bushel. $2,500 LEFT A WOMAN. Because she was the means of saving his life when a canoe overturned six years ago, Lloyd F. Vos- burgh, whose will was made public at Greenboro, __N. Y., recently, left to Mrs. William Loftis a-$2,500 ‘Jegacy. Mrs. Loftis, who was Miss Mirian Booth of Stony Point, lives in Lakevile. At Lake Ontario, in 1911, she saw Vosburgh fall out of a canoe. Swimming to his aid, she kept him afloat and landed him safely ashore. His will, filed with Surrogate Hathaway at Green- boro, shuts his two sons off with $5 each, and leaves the balance of the estate, $35,000, divided equall between two nieces. Mrs. Loftis had not heard from ~ Vosburgh since a week after the accident. A GIANT TURTLE. Bed fA gigantic turtle was landed at Yokohama on Au- : gust 1 by Japanese fishermen. The turtle was said ~ to be fully 1, 000 years old and weighed 600 pounds. _ A showman ‘offered to give $5 for the prize; but an- other purchaser appeared willing to pay half a dol-. at as when a Chinese tailor, Ah Long, appeared. lar more, and was about to take away the aie e ‘promptly offered $50 and bought it for $55. After a ceremony, in which the turtle was given several bowls of sake, Ah Long, accompanied by friends, boarded two sampans, and, after carrying the tur- tle many miles to sea, released it with a blessing. ‘The Chinese have a belief that by setting turtles _ free they will be blessed of heaven. The turtle un _ measur ed 6 feet from head to tail and 5 feet across -. its’shell. - Its head was 15 inches in circumference. WOMEN RACE‘FOR LIFE. age ‘Bears. are so numerous and bold in Maine this a age the natives don’t have to 80 to war to get excitement. It is a popular belief that the bear fears the hum of civilization and instinctively avoids settlements, but like most popular beliefs, that one is subject to frequent upsets. One of these upsets occurred in the town of Milford, fifteen miles up the Penobscot from Bangor, the other day, when a bear described as “big as a cow” pursued Mrs. Alice McAllister and Mrs. Millie Powers, who were driv- ing along the county highway on their return from Greenfield. Mrs. Powers lashed the horse into its top speed to keep ahead of the fast loping bear, but at a turn in the road the front axle of their carriage broke, pitching them into the ditch. In an instant the women were on their feet and freed the horse. They mounted the animal and rode at top speed. After a race of a mile or more they reached the Fred Allen place, but there was no one at home. They barred the doors and telephoned to the Tom Simmons farm for help. A dozen men were soon out after the bear, but no trace of him could be found, + Di tptiectedetpceelgesteasiss ase erences! FIRST U.S. NITRATE PLANTS... Following the recent report of the nitrate board, the Secretary of War has authorized this announce- ment regarding the location % the government nitrate plant: The Secretary of War announces that the Presi- dent has approved the location at Sheffield, Ala., of the initial ammonia and nitric acid plants to. be constructed with a portion of the $20,000,000 ap- propriated for nitrate supply by the national de- ‘|fense act, providing a suitable site be there obtain- able at a reasonable price. As satisfactory prices have now been agreed upon for the transfer of the several parcels of land involved, the location ‘of these initial plants at Sheffield may now he meeprace as assured. Sheffield, Ala., phosphate beds of central Tennessce. _ On the siti selected there ‘are several. substantial steel build- ings which can be utilized with a saving of ex- pense and of time. These initial plants were planned with a view to determining the best and most economical proc- ess of nitrogen fixation. Enough land is being ac- the same place shall be decided upon. These plants will produce material of much value — the-war any excess of their product over the muni- be 1 quired to permit of large expansion—by the same Jor by other processes—in case such expansion at — is located on the Temmessee Rives : just below the “Muscle Shoals, and is near to the — in the manufacture of munitions for the war. After _ tions requirements may be sold for use in fertilizer.

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EXNK THY LINK PUZZLE. ms an The sensation of the day. : Te Prenounced by all, the most Ks » baffing and scientific nevelty ie out, Theusands have worked at it fer hours witheut mas- | tering it, still it can be done in two seconds | by giving the links the preper twist, but un- less-you know how, the harder yeu twist them the tighter they srow. Price, 6c.; 3 for 6c. one dozen, 50c., by mail, postpaid. FRANK SMITH, 383 Lenox Ave., N. ¥. THE PRIZE FORD JOKE, 7 _ Looks likea story-book, b uit it contains a eap and a trigger, The moment Pd our innocent riend opens the book to read the . {interesting story he expects— Pop! Bang! The explosion ig harmless, but will make him think the Ger- mans are after him. ‘ Price 35 cents each hy! mall. postpaid- Yolff Novelty Co i148 W. 23d St., N. Y. BY~ <n ~~~ A.BLOWOUT BLACK-EYE JOKE, . “New and gmusing joker. The victim is told te held the tube close to his eyg so as to exclude all light from the back, and then to remove the tube until pictures appear in the center. In trying to locate the pictures he will re- celve the finest blacx-eye you ever saw. We furnish @ small box of blackening preparation with each tube, so the joke can be used in- definitely. Those not in the trick . -will be caught every time. Abso- lutely harmless. Price by mail 15¢e, each; 2 for 25c. C. BEHK. 150 W,. 62d St., New York City. — o- MAGIC CARD BOX.—A very cleverly made box of exchanging or vanishing cards. In fact, any number of tricks of this character can be performed by it. A very necessary magical | accessory. ; Price, lic, ' FBANKE SMITH, 383 Lenox Ave. N, ¥. WILLARD-JOHNSON PRIZE-VIGHT PUZZLE. ; ; Tour strips of <ardboard, f each three ipebes by one : and a half inches, showing * Willard and Johnson in yarious absurd postures. The solution in the puzzle ‘ les in So arranging the e ; strips that they show Wil- Jara in the complete picture, the heavy- _ Weight champion. Price, 10c, by mail, postpaid, with directions. { FRANK SMITH, 383 Lenox Ave, N. Y, % A eo THE B&ULANCING BIRD, ° It measures more than four inches from tip to tip of wings, and will balance per- fectly on the tip of your finger nail, on the point of a lead pencil, 9r on wany pointed. instrifment, ouly the tip of the bill resting on the nail or / : ; pencil port ae iale ' body of the oird being suspended in the y- Sr with nothing to rest on. It will not fall-off unless shaken off. A great novelty. Wonderful, amusing and instructive. : Price 10 cents, tailed postpaid. — : WOLFF Novelty ‘Co.. 168 W. 23d St., N. ¥, ve ‘ ay . PLUCK AND LUCK. DEVIT’s LocK PUZZLE. Without exception, this is the hardest one of all. And yet, if you have the directions you can very easily do it. It con- sists of a ring passed through two links on shafts. The shanks of this puzzle are always in the way. Get ono and learn how to take the ring off. Price 15c, by mall, postpaid, with @irections. H. F, LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N. ¥. MAGIC PUZZLE KEYS, Two keys interlocked in such a manner it seems impossible to separate them, but when learned it is easily done. Price 6c, by mail, postpaid. WOLFE Noveity Co., 163 W. 28a St., N. ¥. CASE. This handsome cigar case ap- pears to be filled with fine cigars. If your friend Smokes ask him to have a cigar with you. As he reaches out for one the cigars, like a flash, in- ‘stantly disappear Into @ case en- out of sight, greatly to his surprise and ~ astonishment. You ean beg his par- don and state you thought there were some cigars left in the ease. A slight pressure on sides of case causes the cigars to disappear as if by magic. By touching a wire at bottom of case the cigars instantly appear again in their proper position in the case. As real tobaeco is used they are sure to deceive any one. %t is one g* the best practical ft ELECTRIO CIGAR jokes of the season. novelty with whicb you can have lots of fun. Price 35 cents, sent by parcel post, pvust- paid. ’ ©. BEHR, 150 W. 624 St. N.Y. j JAPANESE MAGIC PAPER. TP Th 4 x (eos EMAGIC Dy est and heat ite xs i ff ie & trick perfected by the ingenious Jap- anese is called Yaka Hula. It consists of two packages of specially prepared paper, one a sens!- tized medium, and the other a devel- ; oping medium. The process oi manufacture is a secret. Ry wet- ting a white sheet, and pressing a pink sheet on top of it, the white sheet will develop quaint photographie scenes, such as land- scapes of Japan, portrait of Japances ehar- acters, pictures of peculiar buil temples, ete. These pictures are replicas of actual photographs, and print up in a bean- tiful sepia brown color. Intensely interest- ing for both old and young, per package. by mail, postpaid. _ WOLFF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St., N. ¥. Ly THE AMUSEMENT WHEEL This handsome Presa 7% inches. in ircumferenee, con- tains concealed num- bers from 0 to 100. By spinning the wheel from ibe cen- revolve rapidly, but only one appears at ‘the cireular ing when wheel stops spinning. It Sie. v4 AN to ae nstantly b ressing the regulator at side. Ronatan grees or bet on the number that will appear, the one getting the highest number winning. You might get 0, 5 or 100, Price, 15 cents; 3 for 40 cents, mailed, ostpaid.. hte Oger post. BEHR, 180 W. 62a Street, N. ¥. st ss aise = Ings, Gods, Price, ize, — terpost the numbers — open- — H. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, de 81 2 to $500 BACH hes for fiundreds of old Coins. Keep ALL money dated be- i fore 1895 and send Ten cents for New Iljustrated Coin Value Book, size 4x7. t may mean your Fortune. CLARKE COIN Co., Box 95, Le Roy, N. ¥. BeYS LOOK AT MER 3s mie ries giris like to hear, write reallove letters and be a daniy fellow with the girls? Write quick for Lovers Cauket giving ramploletters, and lots of other rood things. All 10o AMUSEU Co., 1945 Fremont Ave., S, Mimeapalis, Ming Boys and Girls Earn Christmas Money Send for 25 XMAS PACKAGES. Wach pack + containing 48 assorted Xmas seals, Cards and Tags. Sell for 10c. each. When sold send us $1.50 and keep $1. We trust you. CHRISTMAS CARD CO., Dept. R. Beverly, Mass. RUBBER TAOKS. They come six in a box. A wonderful imitation of the real tack. Made of rubber, The box in wl#ich they come is the ordinary uck box. This is a great parlor entertainer and you can play a lot of tricks with the tacks. Place them in the palm of your hand, point upward. Then sla the other hand over the tatks and it wil seein as if you are committing suicide. Or you can sbow the tacks and then put’ them n your mouth and chew them, making le- lieve you have swallowed them. Your friends Will think you are a magician. Then, again, you can exhibit the tacks and then quickly _ push one in your cheek or somebody else's “heck and they will shriek with fear? Ab- 1 4ohutely harmless and a very practical and | funny joke. Price, ,by mail. 10c. a box of six tacks; 8 for 25e¢., postpatd. WOLFF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St., N. Y. GOLD PLATED COMBINATION SET. Gold plated combination set, with tur- quoise stone. Price 10c. each by mail, post- aid, iL. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N.Y. RUBBER SUCKER, Rubber Vacuum Suckers The latest novelty out! Dishes and plates will stick to the table, cups to the aaneaes like glue. Put one under a glass and pe try to lift it. You can’t. Lots of fun Always put it on a smooth surface and wet ‘he rubber. Many other tricks can be ae- complished with this novelty. Price, 12 ets. each by mail, postpaid. C. BEHR, 150 W, 62d Street, N. ¥. PES aE RENE GOOD LUCK GUN FOB. The real western article | carried by the cowboys. It is mede of fine leather. with a highly nickeled buckle.’ The holster con- tains a metal gun, of the same pattern as those used by all the most famous scouts. Any boy wearing one of these fobs will at- tract attention. It will give him an air of western {i romanes. The ‘prettiest. and most serviceable watch | fob ever made. Send for one to-day. Price 20 cents : each hy mail nostnaid. hh a ¥ a! b Bee e N. ri

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E TRICK CIGARETT; BOX, This one is a corker! Get a box right away, if you want to have a barre} of joy. Here’s the secret: It looks like an ordi- nary red box of Turkish cigarettes. But it contains a trigger, under which you place a paper eap. Offer your friend a smoke and he raises the lid of the box. That ex- plodes the cap. and if you are wise you will get out of sight with the box before he gets over thinking he was shot. Price lbc, post- paid. WOLFF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St. N. ¥. PAPEL BLANCO. Four cards are placed in a hat. One card is removed and the balance are now shown to be changed to blank cards: ‘The cards can be thoroughly examined. Price 10c, by mail, postpaid. H. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. ¥. JAPANESE BANK PUZZLE. Built up of a large number of grooved pieces of wood. Very dieult to take apart, and yery difficult to put together. It can be so dissected as to make a bank of it and when re- assembled would defy the most ingenious bank burglar outside of prison. Price 35e, by mail, postpaid. ERANK SMITH, 383 Lenox Ave. N. ¥. THE MODERN DANCERS. A) These dancers are set in a gilt frame, the size of our engraving. By lighting a match and moving it in circular form at the back they can be made to dance furiously, the heat from the match warm- ing them up. If you want to see an up-to- date tango dance send “ for this pretty charm. Price, .15 cents, or 3 for 40 cents, sent. by mail, postpaid. WOLFF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St., N. ¥. PRICE 6c PER COPY BUY A COPY! 32 PAGES OF READING i a any number you desire Its authors are the very best that money can procure;its HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher, Pisses] TOKIO CARD TRICK. poatad sy You place five cards in a [nde CO hat. emoyve one of them aad and then ask your audience how many remain. Upon ex- amination the remaining four have yanished. A very clever trick. Price 100, by mail, postpaid, with directions. Cc. BEHR, 160 W. 62d Street, New York City. MIKADO BLOCK PUZZLE, Imported trom Japan. This ueat little puzzis eonsists of six strangely cut pleces of white wood unassembled. ‘The trick is to so assemble the blocks as to form a six- oint eross. Price ize, y mail, postpaid. H, F. LANG, 1815 Cen- tre St., Bklyn, N. ¥Y, MONGOL PLAYING CARDS, An exact imitation of a pack of the finest quality playing ecards in a very neat case. You hand the package to your friend, requesting him to shuffle the cards, and as he attempts to do so a cap {inside expuodes loud enough to make him see stars. Price 25e, by mail, postpaid. C. BEHR, 150 W. 62d St., New York City. 26 RR oe cer eT eat IMITATION BED BUGS. This toy is an exact unitation of the friendly little fellow who shares your bed, eats out of your hand or leg and who ac- cepts your humble hospitality even with- out au invitation, ‘The fact that he also insists on introducing all his friends and family circle, sometimes makes him most unpopular with the ladies; most every woman you know would have seven kinds of fits if she saw two, or even one, of these imitations on her bedspread. Six are contained in a transparent envelope. Price. 10c. by mail. H. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’kiyn, N. ¥. READ THIS ONE! | | “Moving Picture Stories” A WEEKLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO PHOTOPLAYS AND PLAYERS “eal na THE BEST FILM MAGAZINE ON EARTH Magnificent Colored Cover Portraits of Prominent Performers! EACH NUMBER CONTAINS New Portraits and Biographies of Actors and Actresses Six Stories of the Best Films on the Elegant Half-tone Scenes from the Plays ; : Eee Interesting Articles About Prominent People in the Films . hes j Doings of Actors and Actresses in the i pst ; Lessons in Scenario Writing, and names of Companies who buy your plays — Poems, Jokes, and every bright Feature of Interest in Making Moving Pictures THIS LITTLE MAGAZINE GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR MONEY THAN ANY OTHER SIMILAR PUBLI- Screens CATION ON THE MARKET! a y tudios and while Picture-making profuse illustrations are exquisite, and its special arti-- ‘c 9s are by the greatest experts in their Ea) done line. No amount of money is being spared to make this publication the very best of its kind in the world. Buy a copy NOW from your newsdealer, or send us 6 cents in money or postage-stamps, and we will mail you 166 West 23d Street, New York City IMITATION GIANT DIAMONDS. Diamond rings or studs of half-inch and one-inch in di- ameter are heard of in stories only. We have them imitated by prodigious sparkling stones which will deceive the glance of any spectator. Price, by mail, postpald, small size, 25c each; large size, 850 each, HW. F. LANG, 1815 Centre St., B’klyn, N. Y. MAGIC MIRKOR, fat and lean funny faces. By looking in these mirrors upright your features become narrow ac elongated. Look into it sidewlse and your phiz broadens out in the most comical manner. | Size 344 x 2% Inches, in a handsome imitation morocco case. Price, 10 cents each, postpaid. WOLFF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St.. N. ¥. THE CREEPING MOUSE. This is the latest novelty out. The monse fs of a very natural appearance. When placed upon a mirror, wall, window or auy other smooth surface, it will creep-slowly downward without leaving the perpendicu- lar surface. It is furnished with an ad- hesive gum-roil underneath which makes it stick. Very amusing to both young and old. Price, ten cents by mail, WOLFF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St., N. ¥, t THE JOKE SPIKE, This joke spike is an ordinary iron spike or very large nail, the Same as is found in any carpenter's nall box. At the small end is a sinall steel needle, 4% inch in length, firmly set in spike. ‘Take your friend's hat or cout and hang it on the wall by driving (with a bammer) the spike through it into the wall; the needle in spike will not injure the hat or garment, neither will it show on wall or wood where ~ it has been driven. ‘he deception is per- fect, as the spike appears to have been driven ; half-way through the hat or coat, ‘which can be left hanging on the wall, Price, 10 cents, or 8 for 25 cents; by mall, postpaid, WOLEF Novelty Co., 168 W. 23d St., N. ¥. EN PRICE 6c PER COPY ENJOY YOURSELF! OUT EVERY FRIDAY

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_ $93 Makin B PLUCK AND LUCK ' -LATEST ISSUES— 992 The Coral City; or. The Wonderful Cruise of the Yacht Vesta. By Richard R. Montgomery. a/Million; cr, A Smart Boy’s Career in Wail Street. iy . K, Shackleford. 094 Jack Wright-and His Hlectric Turtle; or, Chasing the Pirates of the Spanish Main. By “Noname.” 995 Flyer Dave, the Boy Jockey; or, Riding the Winner. By Allyn Draper- "96 The Twenty Gray Wolves; or, Fighting a Crafty King. By Howard Austin. 997 The Palace of Gold; or, The Secret of a Lost Race. By Richard R. Montgomery. $98 Jack Wright’s Submarine Catamaran; or, The Phantom Ship of the Yellow Sea. By ‘‘Noname.” 999 A ee Cristo at 18; or, From Slave to Avenger. By Allyn raper. } 1007 Jack Wright and His Electric Canoe; or, Working In the Revenue Service. By ‘“‘Noname.” ts z 1008 Give Him a Chance; or, How Tom Curtis Won His Way. By Howard Austin. y 1009 Jack and I; or, The Secrets of King Pharaoh’s Caves. By Richard R. Montgomery. 1010 Buri@a 5,000 Years; or, The ‘Treasure of the Aztecs. By Allyn Draper. 1011 Jack Wright’s Air and Water Cutter; or, Wonderful: Ad- ventures On the Wing and Afloat. By “Noname: 1012 The Broken Bottle; or, A Jolly:Good Fellow: By Jno, .B. Dowd. 1018 Slippery Ben; or, The Boy Spy of the Revolution. By Gen- eral Jas. A. Gordon. 1014 Young Davy Crockett; or, The Hero of Silver Gulch. By An Old Scout. ~ 1015 Jack Wright and His Magnetic Motor; or, The Golden City 1000 The Floating Gold Mine: or, By Captain Thos. H. Wilson 1001 Mol] Pitcher’s Bo eral Jas. A, Gordon. 2 “We.” By Richard R. Montgomery. In Twenty Days. By “Noname. Allyn Draper. On Hand. Thos, H. Wilson. For sale bv all newsdealers. or will be sent to any addres HARRY E. WOLFF, Publisher, - ‘ Adrift in an Unknown Sea. ; or, As Brave as His Mother. The Boy Pioneers; or, Tracking an Indian Treasure. By Gen- of the Sierras. 1016 Little Mac, the Boy Engineer: or, Bound To Do His Best. \ By Jas. C. Merritt. 1017 The Boy Money King; or, By “Noname.” Working In Wall Street. By H. K. Shackleford. 3 Jack Wright and His Ocean Racer; or, Around the World By Stil Alarm Sam, the Daring Boy Fireman; or, Sure To Be By Bx-Fire Chief Warden. Lost On the Ocean; or, Ben Bluff's Last Voyage. By Captain s on receipt of price, 6 cents, per copy. in money or postage stamps, by = 166 West 23d St., New York. IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of these weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from the publishers direct. Write out and.fill in your Order and send it with the price of the weeklies mail. ou want, and the weeklies will be sent to POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. you by return OUR TEN-CENT HAND BOOKS No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DRHAM BOOK.—Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true meaning of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of eards, See ts No. 3. HOW TO. DO TRICKS,.—The great book of magie and card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical flusions as performed -by our leading magi- cians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book. ‘ No, 8 HOW TO FLIRT.—The aris and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it contains a full Hst of the language and sentiment of flowers. No. 42 HOW TO DANCE is the title of this little book. It contains full instructions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball- room and at parties, how to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular uare dances, o. & HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A com- plete guide to love, courtship and marriage, iving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to fe observed, with many curious and interest- ing things not generally known. No, 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE, —Giving full instruction for the use of dumbbells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, hori- zontal! bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; contain- ing over sixty illustrations. : ’ No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Hand- somely illustrated and containing full in- training atructions for the management an of the canary, ockinehieds bobolink, black- bird, paroquet, parrot, etc. No, 9.» HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILO- QuisT._By Harry Kennedy. Bvery intelli- gent boy reading this book of instructions can master the art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the greatest book ever published. No 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self- defense made easy. Containing over thirty {llustrations of guards, blows, and the differ- ent position of a good boxer. Eyery boy shoals obtain one of these useful and in- structive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. No. aa" HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LET- TERS.—A most complete little book, contain- ing full directions for writing love-letters, and when to use them, giving’ specimen let- ters for young and old. No, 12, HO TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES.—Giving complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also letters of introduction, notes and requests. No. 18, HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—It is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know ‘all about: There’s happiness in it. - No, 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A com- plete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice-creani, syrups, essences,, etc, ete, No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL, —One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world, Mvery- body wishes to know how to become beauti- ful, both male and female. ‘The secret is simple, and almost costiess, No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVE- NING PARTY.—A complete compendium of games, Sports, card diversions, comic recita- tions, etc., suitable for parlor or drawing- room entertainment, It contains more ‘fer the money than any book published. No, 21, HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full instructions about guns, hunting dogs; traps, trappin and fis ing, together with description o: game’and fish. : No, 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.— Heller’s second sight explained by his for- mer assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues were carried on be- tween the magician and tie boy op the stage; also giving all the codes and signals, o. 28. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.— This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days. . No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.—Containing full instructions for writing to gentlemen on ‘all subjects. No, 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST. —Containing full instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. Embracing thirty-five illustrations. By Pro- fessor W. Macdonald. No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A.BOAT —Fully illustrated. Full instructions are given in this little book, to- gether with instructions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS—Containing the most ing Dutch pou selections in use, comp) falect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dia- lect. pieces, together with many standard readings. No, 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES,— Everyone is“tlegirous of knowing what his future life wilbring forth, whether happi- ness or misery, wealth or oe . You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be convinced. No, 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVEN- TOR,—Every boy should know how inyen- tions originated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, pneumatics, mechanics, ete. No, 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings eakes and all kinds of pastry, and a gran collection of receipes. No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAK- ER.—Containing fourteen illustrations, giy- ing the different positions requisite to be- come a good speaker, reader and elocutionist, Also containing gems from all the popular authors of prose and poetry. No, 32. HOW TO RIDE A BICYCLE.— Containing instructions for beginners, choice of a machine, hints on training, ete. A cease book. Full of practical illustra- ious. No, 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A com- “plete and useful little book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, backgammon, croquet, dominoes, ete. _ No. 36, HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS Containing all the leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches und witty sayings. No, 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wonderful book, containing useful and t Niohdeze information in the treat- ment of ordinary diseases and ailments com- mon to eyery family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general complaints. No. 39, HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POUL- TRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and. instructive book. Handsomely illustrat- No. 40, HOW TO MAKE AND TRAPS.—Including hints on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and irds. Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. 4 No, 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE BOOK.—Containing a great’ variety of the latest Jokes used by the most’ famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. No, 42, THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP bts grret neat taabetrta f a varied as- sortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch and Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amusement and amateur shows. - ‘No, 48. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICTAN, —Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete, No. 44. HOW TO WRITE IN AN AL- BUM.—A grand collection of Album Verses SET ' suitable for any timé and occasion, embrac- ing Lines of Love, Affection, Sentiment, Hu- mor, Respect, and Condolence, also Verses Suitable for Valentines and Weddings. ‘No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MIN- STREL GUIDE AND JOKE BOOK,—Some- thing new and very instructive. Every ho should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for organizing an amateur min- strel troune. For sale by all newsdealers, or wil] be sent to any address on recelpt of price, 10c. per copy, or 3 for 25c., in money or postage stamps, by FRANK TOUSF®, Publisher, ~ - 168 West 23d St., N. ¥