Pluck And Luck (no. 136) (1901 01 09)
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} Issued Weekly—By- Subscription &2.50 per year — Entered as Second Clase Matter at the New York Post Office, by Frank Tousty No. 136. NEW YORK, JANUARY 9, 1901. Price 5 Cents. = THE RIVAL STUDENTS ofCORRINA LA “By Attyn DRAPER ; en ee a seh ed Mexican Madge led, with Black Kanuck close on top of her,.and at least three of the ponies within half a length of the goal. “Hip, hip! Three cheers for Bob Fuller! roared the Academy fellows “Bully boy, Bob! Go in! You've got ‘em.’
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SG KO | of oinan’ in | Hd, — Sr a ee x Splendid Chance for “PLUCK “AND tone | Readers to get a.good Time-piece. — Bea, This ca tev aed aide retails ee $3.00, but owing to the immense quantity we shave eontracted fcr we procure them at such a low figure that we can afford to dispose of them to readers of our publications at the etemocly low price of 81.00. THIS IS A FAIRLY GOOD DESCRIPTION OF THE warch, A HARDLY DOES IT JUSTICE, - ey It is an American watch that will keep accurate time, and will This we guarantee. The Case is strongly made and. ‘carefully fitted t is Open Face with heavy polished bevel’crystal. Case is: heavily, nickeled , a handsome appearance. Weight of watch complete 4% 02. The ‘Movement. many patented devices, including American Lever, Lantern Pinion, Patent Hses and is a stem winder and stem setter, the, same as a sch short. of doing it justice, pies bey repres five of these! ON feo any n he this office Wie $1. .00 in money or postage’ ri iN Ta Te ion .
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PLUCK AND LUCK. — Complete Stories of Adventure. Issued Weekly— “By Subscription $2150 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. . Y., Post bok tes November 7, 1898. ntered according to Act. of Con gress, in the igi? 1901, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C., by Pra nk Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York. No. 136. Price 5 Cents. NEW YORK, January 9, 1901. \ "he Two Schools at Oakdale OR, THE RIVAL STUDENTS OF CORRINA LAKE. BY ALLYN CHAPTER I. . A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. “Help! Stop her! Stop her! you ‘ll stop that boat!” : Now a hundred dollars was a great deal of money to Larry White, whose father was nothing but an ordinary operative in the Oakdale Hosiery Co.’s factory, one of the most flourishing of the many enterprises on the banks of Lake Corrina, and very naturally he looked around. “Help! Stop her, Larry! Stop her! Look alive there, boy, and head her off, or Bub and I will be left on this, infernal isl- and all night as sure as fate.” The last part of Colonel Fuller’s remark was a manifest absurdity. It would have been just as easy a matter for Larry White to pull his old leaky skiff to Bark Island to the rescue of Colonel Fuller, the rich man. of Oakdale, and “Count Robert”—so cer- tain light-minded boys were wont to style him—his son, as it rrould be for him to give chase to the Sphinx. But the colonel was excited and had evidently’ lost his oy and no ‘wonder, since the rain was coming down in tubfuls, the lightning playing around the trees beneath which he stood, and the thunder crashing and rolling all about him as vores everything were doomed to eternal smash. “Can't you head her off, Larry?” bawled Colonel ‘Puller, Help! A hundred dollars if grasping a tree with his left hand, and making an improvised | speaking-trumpet with his right. “She’ll drift round into Beaver- tail channel just as sure: as’ fate. a eee strikes the rocks on Cram’s Island she’s gone.” “You're mistaken, father,” said Bob Fuller, his eye fixed on the drifting. steam launch; “the Sphinx is heading in a direc- On /which will ene her, around Cram’s ayer you don’t make Yes, if do.” Oe ] you oem are mistake, There! ee I right? she -_| the ‘great man of Oakdale, grasping a, manly, ‘| poorly-dressed | youth, who stepped from DRAPER. has passed the entrance to Beaver-tail channel now, and—by George! lLarry’s got a grip on her as sure’s you're born!” “Aud this stupid fishing excursion has cost me a hundred dollars,” sighed Colonel Fuller; “but I suppose you'll say it’s all my fault, Bob.” i . “I don’t see what else I can say, father. I told you that sapling would never hold’ when you made the Sphinx fast.” “Well, you were right. I have found it out to my cost. Gather up the traps, Bob, we’re sure to catch our death 0’ cold. The very instant Larry gets the launch here we ee board her and make for home.” Bob Fuller obeyed. Poles and lines, provision baskets, ete., were soon brought together on the little point where his father stood. waiting for the captured Sphinx. “Tt would be a bad job if I happened to get sick from this,” growled the colonel. “You know we open school on Monday, — Bob, and it wouldn’t look right if I were not present to ad- dress the pupils of the Oakdale Academy at the commencement of the fall term. Dana will make a great to- do over his old commencement, you may rest assured, and “twouldn’t be the a thing for us to be behind.” ; “Oh, you won't get sick. A Aittle wetting wour't Kat you,” replied Bob, with his eye fixed on the boat. — “TI don’t know about that. I’m not as ae as you are.” “Don’t think you are going to take oeuy father, and maybe you won't.” $y “That's all very well. Talk is cheap.” Is “Cheap ‘or not, here’s Larry, The Sphinx is safe. Three rae jie i cheers for Larry White!” ' : Even as Bob Fuller. spoke, the skiff with the eee launch in a . tow grated upon the sandy beach at a little distance: ia a BG: point. f Colonel ‘Puller « and his son hurried to the spot.” “rm sure I’m very much obliged to you, Larry, His aa e skiff, warmly | by at: hs happened : Wee hand. a was a Ee, bean for u
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: hi - ad ing SC bere, a AT Bees eee pacer pet Saeed hile a! into a a Soe me et Fuller would have destroyed his independent ‘position - ab i once. « iy “Steam’s up, father,” called Bob Fuller from the a at last. “Then make for home as soon as possible,” replied the — colonel, as he stepped aboard the Sphinx. . “Larry, you take the — wheel. Be careful, now, in going through — ‘Crooked Pass. or wouldn't have another accident happen for the world.” Now, Lake Corrina, as every one who knows the region at. all is fully aware, is divided into two parts, resembling as” much % the shape of the two bulbs* of a huge hour-glass as pee else, with a narrow connecting space between. This was Crooked Pass, a tortuous channel filled with roeks its windings, which connected the upper and lower lakes. st Both Hamden and Oakdale proper were situated on the lo lake. Since it’ was all-one sheet of water it seemed strange that good fishing should be confined to the upper lake; yet such was the case, and the fishing around Bark Island was the best, mes all. idly to the eastward. ‘ When the Sphinx rounded Pote’s Point, on the Hamden de of the lake, the setting sun burst forth, = « The Sphinx was in the act of shooting across to the easter! side of Crooked Pass, where the deepest water was to be h d, when an exclamation from Colonel Fuller, who sat at: the suddenly drew the attention of, Larry and Bob. | rie “Look out! There’s the Minnie!” The colonellsioke none too goon.
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THE: TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. channel, heading directly across the path of the Sphinx. It required no telescope for Colonel Fuller to see that the launch contained his rival, General Dana, and a merry party | bound for the upper lake. Io) “Heavens! he’ll cut us in two!” roared the colonel. “Stop the engine, Bob! Back her! Larry, shake off to the Star- board! No use—it’s all up with us!” And so it was, at least so far as the Sphinx was aopenrnat _ The launch had acquired altogether too much headway to es- cape the threatened danger. ' Almost before Bob and Larry understood what was going on the prow of the Minnie struck the Sphinx amidships with tremendous force, cutting her in two like a knife. Before Colonel Fuller had time to ‘recover from his aston- ishment he found himself floundering in the lake. : EE - . 4, as CHAPTER II. } LARRY’S LUCK IN CROOKED PASS “Back water! Back water! ‘Stop her! » game the shout from the Minnie in the voice of General Dana... “Here’s a nice mess! _ Why didn’t you look where you were going, Joe?” “Much as I can do to run the engine,” retorted Joe Dana,, aghast at the ruin the Minnie had ite And well he might be. \ The Sphinx had alr eady sunk to the bottom of the shallow channel, Larry’s boat only remaining afloat, toward which - Colonel Fuller, Bob, and Larry were swimming’ for all they --were worth. ’ On board the Minnie the ladies and gentlemen of the sae a) all crowded over on the side nearest the wreck. ' ‘Now there might have been no danger in this had it not happened that Joe Dana, in obeying the command to back water, managed to crowd ‘the stern of the launch against one of the great bowlders with which the channel was filled, — ’ This was more carelessness. _ There was a tremendous shock; the launch yawed over to H-e-l-p!” 3 ~ Amid the shrieks of the ‘ladies there broke one ery louder ‘than all the Test. Miss Minnie Dana, who had incautiously leaned too far over the rail, was seen to lose her ee and ed over into the lake. “God\ help me! My davieneant My daughter!” gasped the general. “She’s SR: and neither Joe nor I can swim a stroke! ” There were ott} two. other gentlemen anions the party— slightest disposition to imperil their lives. “Tt’s all that confounded Sphinx!” eried the general. “I'll make Fuller pay for this: What business had Se to cross my 3 path?” y _ And the agonized father, despite his inability to swim, would have leaped into the lake had not des seized - by the coat- tails and held him back. It’s all right, father. See—Minnie is safe! ane White n swim like a duck. He has caught her in his arms! 2 was just as Joe Dana had said. ugh it has taken some space to describe the accident in ess than three minutes, all told. lonel Fuller went into the lake Bob and Lape sek eye ‘ suddenly around the end of a wooded island which divided the son! both Cudish-looking fellows—neither of whom showed the]: | himself.” ¢ rf ROR were the first words of the e ! Fortunately, all three could swim, and the colonel and his son ~ were making for Larry’s boat when its owner saw Miss Minnie Dana go over the rail of the launch which bore her name. It was an exciting moment for Larry W ute, To be sure there was but little danger; but then Larry | was Jess then twenty and Miss Minnie just sixteen, For a long time Larry, in common with half the poorer fie: : in Oakdale and Hamden, had admired the young girl at % Qis- tance, To speak to dia to hold her in his arms with that golden: u j head resting on his shoulder, and those great blue eyes turned pleadingly upward toward his own, well, that was—bliss, shall we say bliss? Pshaw! The word is too tame; but as we have no other which will begin to express the feelings of Larry “White when he transferred the light form of Minnie Dana to the arms of her anxious father, we will have to éhoose Reyer: bliss or nothing—it’s one of the'two. “Larry White, you shall be well paid for hese “i Larry was disgusted. : He-had accepted the hand of Joe Dana stretched forth to pull him on board the launck, and now as the’ dripping form of Miss Minnie was turned over to the care of her femalé com- panions, these were the first words her father said. “T don’t want any pay for ot my ata sir,” he ia = flushing proudly. - AONE EES “But you shall be paid—I insist upon it. I——” et “RPather, how can, you?” It was Minnie Dana herself who apeke: ‘ ‘ “J am very much obliged to you, Mr. White,” she addea, as Larry blushed the redder. “You have saved my life, and I shall never forget it. I should certainly haves downed but for your help.” i “Tm net so certain of that, Minnie, » blustered) the genet “To be sure, I’m not panier of a swimmer, but I ake have “Yes, and have been dkowned yourself,” interrupted Joe leat unfilially. “What’s the use talking; pop? If you or I had > gone over Larry would have had to save us both.” “Joseph! Hold your tongue, sir! I shall enter into no un- seemly discussion. About ship at once. Start the engine, beh ee are going home.” “If you please, sir, I should like to go. ‘aboard my boat,” Larry, meekly, “What? Join that old scoundrel Fuller and his whelp of a By no means. I shall pay for the damage I have caused, and as for } your boat, Larry White, you shall ae a new a and a thousand dollats besides.” oes “TI can’t accept it, sir. My boat is‘'good enough forme.” “There will be no option, Ha! What are you going todo?” “To jump overboard and swim to my boat, since there seems ne no other way,” laughed Larry, to whom the feat was. nothing, | And before General Dana had opportunity to. speak a word ns the boy had leaped into the lake and was striking out for the — a skiff. ' He was on board in less than two minthas, i , Colonel Fuller, who .possessed sufficient dignity to. ean. : quiet and avoid a quarrel with his rival in public, raghe been a silent witness to the whole affair. “You did well, Larry.” he said,as the boy scrambled into the. eae skiff, “Had it been Dana himself I should haye said bide cats drown, but a lady is another part of speech.” < “Hush!” whispered Bob. “Dana is calling you, father.” Cy tage “Pull up the launch, Larry,” said the colonel, ‘gritting his ‘ |teeth. “I’m curious to hear what the old beast has to. say for said “Colonel Fuller, I have accidentally destroyed your ‘Hamden magnate, the
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4 ak E a ted AT: pine quences,” answered the rich man of Oakdale, striving to éon- | trol his temper as best he could. “Do you mean to intimate that I ran into your old tub on purpose, sir?” “Wouldn’t like to say. You’ll pay for it, 1 presume?” “Yes. sir. I shall pay for it. The Minnie is yours, sir.’ I make you a present of her. If you will allow me the privilege of using her long enough to convey my daughter to her home, whose accident is the direct result of your careless handling of the Sphinx, I shall deliver the launch at the pier in front of your school-house by ten o’clock to-night.” The general would not have called the Oakdale Academy by its proper title—no, not if it would have prevented his falling dead on the spot. “ } “Why, you impudent old scoundrel!” roared the colonel. “How dare you address me after that fashion? First you sink my boat, and theh you accuse me of trying to drown your daughter! I take your boat! Never. But for the presence of ladies I'd board her and take satisfaction out’ of your hide!” f “Pull, Larry, pull!” whispered Bob Fuller. “There’s going to be a fight presently. Pull for your life!” “Dare to pull this boat, Larry White, and I’ knock you over- board!” bellowed the colonel, who had now lost his temper completely. “Pull to’ the Minnie—that’s where you'll pull! I propose to-have an understanding about this matter at once.” “Come on board the Minnie, Larry!” shouted the general. .’ Pl) see that you are-protected from the machinations of that hes. een)” “He'll do. kotinuie of the sort, sir. He saved my life and that of my son, and I propose to reward the young man suitably after I’ve settled with you.” _“He saved the life of my daughter, and perhaps my own!” sereamed the general, “and I propose to reward the young man F liberally—liberally, you understand—not suitably, as a person of your mean spirit would do—after I’ve delivered up the Minnie to you, in payment for that old tub, the Se as mr ie “You shall pay for this, General Dana!” é “T’ll make it hot for you, Colonel Fuller!” They were still shaking their fists at each other, shouting and screaming in a most ‘disreputable manner, when the ‘Minnie steamed away. } CHAPTER III. MEXICAN MADGE MERJ'S WITH A MISHAP. “Hurrah! Three cheers and a tiger for Bob Fuller! Mexican py Madee has won again!” . And six ponies, mounted by as many boys, in jockey caps and - riding costumes, passed beneath a wire stretched from a tree to a pole planted in front of an improvised judges’ stand, a gay tent of broad red and white stripes, from which floated a pen-, A nant bearing the letter O in red upon yellow ground. . “#ip—hip! Rah! Rah! Rah! Tiger!” yelled the boys gath- ered about the tent again, as Bob Fuller vaulted lightly from the back of a beautiful black pony, of the pure broncho breed, ra “4 which had passed under the wire less than a hand’s pti n ahead of a brown Canadian, ridden by Ben Spurr. : “How is it, Larry? Who's ahead?” demanded the latter, as. the boys gathered about the tent beneath which Begs Larry White enacting the role of judge. “Why, Bob, of course,” replied Larry. ° “It’s no use pretend- g you don't know, Ben, Of course Mexican Madge was enead, 4 Pages ae bine’ otal must be crazy!’ Lat t It was the second week in the school term at the Oakdale | obstinacy. 7 ENO. DE shan’ t do that. He has told ie truth, | ba am non Tam not going to break up the Tracing to Eyer satist L 5 Academy; and, it may be mentioned, the. second since the opening of the Hamden Institute as well. ; Colonel Fuller, who delighted in springing surprises of a pleasant character upon the students of the academy, had, dur- . ing the vacation, purchased six superb little ponies, some of © Mexican, others of Canadian breed, to be at the absolute aie posal of the boys. Ii was a happy thought. Nothing couid possibly have proved more acceptable, The only trouble was the roll of the Oakdale Academy showed a membership of some eighty students, and it was | pretty hard to make six ponies go round. Boys, however, have their own way of settling such diffi- culties. In this instance it was decided by drawing buttons from a box who should ride the ponies on Saturday afternoon, White buttons were a: blank, black omnes, of which there were five, gave a pony, while a solitary button brought to the lucky | youth who drew it from the box the privilege of ee the » favorite—Mexican Madge. Away up on the east shore of Lake’ Corrina there was at nf broad level stretch, which seemed strangely out of ae te hay region of bills and valleys. ie It was called the “Five Mile Reach,” and was but a sheet distance from Downingtown, an important plate at the head of the lake. , It is here that we find ‘he boys of the Oakdale wore on 2 this particular September Saturday. : Such as had drawn. ponies rode them. Others came in wagons, others still in boats. There were at least forty boys assembled, and lots were ‘east fe in the manner described for the possession of the ponies for re each particular race. i, “T say, I was in first,” persisted Ben Spurr, with his usual “Larry White isn’t fit to be judge. He's nothing but a charity scholar, anyhow. Colonel Fuller only took hii into the academy on account of that little affair on Nis lake.’ ; “Shame on you. Ben!” cried a dozen voices. ; ee “Don’t you know better than to talk like that?” spoke up Ea Topliffe. “Larry could have gone to the Hamden Institute jus z as easily as to the Oakdale Academy. General Dana offered him free tuition for his bravery in saving his daughter's life, but he chose the academy, and he shan’t be insulted 4 on ee boys while I’m around. vA yas Meanwhile Larry, with a proud flush inoue his cheé had arisen and walked out of the'tent. . 1’ i “Don’t mind him, Larry,” said ‘Bob, justly indignant ‘punch his head if I were you. ie But when he says ae judgment’s not. ane he lies that’s bol 36 8 make you eat those words, Larry White! Bh mit! “Ym ready for you at the proper time and place, Ben out of a fellow like you.” : “Hey, fellows! _Look there!” shouted Jack Goodwin, ling off in ‘thesdirection of Downingtown, va | be. blest if ‘here ain’t the a sae gba on ee that Jock, ours ut of Sight!" : , Now up to the sme of which we write the riv 1
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. ° THE TWO: SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. : 1 5 “Just like old Dana,” cried Bob Fuller. ging in my father’s wake.” “That’s all very fine for you to say,” sneered Ben Spurr, “but I take notice old Dana has managed to raise ducats enough to buy twelve ponies, while we have only six.” During the next Cfteen minutes there was a perfect pabel of sounds about the tent. : All were ambitious to mount the ponies, and as thé Danaites had as yet decided upon no system of ballot, much squabbling ensued. “I’m going to ride Black Kanuck, that’s flat,” said Joe Dana, who was very much accustomed to haying his own way. “Then we won’t any of us ride, I tell you that much,” af- firmed Tom Joslin, one of the leading Danaites, stoutly. “Why can’t we draw lots as the Fullerites do?” “That’s the talk! Lots it is!” shouted the Danaites. It was noticeable that those who had driven out to “Five ' Mile Reach” in the wagons were particularly loud im their shouts for lots. “Tf I can’t ride Black Kanuck I won’t ride at all,” unephat Joe Dana, obstinately. But he was overruled and lots were pee on both sides. As luck would have it Bob Fuller drew the red button a sec- _ ond time, while Joe Dana—they were all using the Fullerites’ box—drew a blank. “Some one’s going to pay for this,” snarled the son of the rich man of Hamden. “If it hadn’t been for your confounded button box, Bob Fuller, I’d have shown you what Black Kanuck could do.” “Show me next time, then,” laughed Bob, in high good hu- mor. “We are going to ride more than one race, I guess.” “There'll be no next time if I can’t ride Black Kanuck, ” an- swered Joe, crossly, as he walked away. ‘ Ben Spurr was also left out in the cold. “Where’s Larry? We want him for judge, ” said Bob, looking about the field. \ But Larry was invisible. Thorough search was made for him everywhere, but he could . not be found. At last Jack Goodwin consented to take his, pldos, and the race began. It was to be for a mile stretch, from a certain pine tree back on the Reach as near that distance as the boys could estimate, to the wire in front of the judge’s tent. As the number of the ponies was uneven as divided between the rival schools, three of those belonging to the institute were ridden by Fullerites, making the contestants nine and nine. At a given signal the start was made. The boys about bg tent watched the result with bated breath, ‘It soon became evident that the vietoty lay between Tom Joslin, mounted on Black Kanuck, and Bob Fuller on Mexican Madge. . ’ _ They took the lead from the start, and held it, too, and the nearer they approached the wire the more certain it became _ that one must win. } “Where’s Joe? Why ain’t he here to see this thing out?” questioned Hen Ricker, a prominent Danaite. Then, for the first time, the institute boys noticed that their ‘leader was not among their number. Like Larry White, Joe Dana had mysteriously disappeared. ' “Gone off in the sulks because he couldn’t ride Black Ka- ; nuck, ” said George Moore, another Danaite. “Look, fellows, ae here ‘they are! By gracious? that’s what I call fine!” — : “On came the ponies, every nerve strained to the utmost. c 1, Henie ftorward, nostrils distended—the wire was just ahead. ve Mexican Madge led by perhaps half a head, wit ’ Black Ka- “He’s always tag- ' Ag : ae s ie from further along among the trees. i ee ae top of her, Ae at least, three of the sdaccsny “Hip! Hip! Three cheers for Bob Fuller!” roared the acad- emy fellows. “Bully boy, Bob! Go in! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” Now there is no such thing as absolute certainty in anything appertaining to worldly affairs. As certain as anything possibly could be seemed the cer- tainty that Bob Fuller woul win the race. Yet he did not. Three feet more would have done it. * With Bob still leading, the contesting ponies came abreast the judges’ tent. # Then all at once the sharp report of a pistol rang through the air, and Bob, was seen to pitch suddenly forward, while Mexican Madge sank in her tracks a few inches short of the goal. You’ve got ’em! Hip! Hip: CHAPTER IV. THE ROY IN THE BOAT. A shout of dismay went up from all the boys who had gath- ered about the tent at the fall of Mexican Madge. Bob—Bob!. Are you hurt, old man?” cried Jack Goodwin, springing to his side, regardless of the danger from the horses, which came flying under the wire. In a moment’s time half the boys; assembled had uahed across the track—Institute and Academy mingled for once. , “There is nothing the matter with me, fellows,” cried Bob. — Fuller, leaping to his feet. “What happened to Mexican Madge I can’t understand——” ; “Can't understand!” cried & dozen voices, the shot?” “Shot! What shot?” “The shot that took Madge from under you, Bob,” said Sam Gardne1, seriously. “Whether it was aimed at you or not I wouldn’t like to say. Anyhow, it has done for the horse.” It was as Sam Gardner had said. The rattle of the horses’ hoofs had si cane the sound from reaching; Bob Fuller’s ears, r There upon the track lay the i fobtandee broncho with her — head beneath the wire. That the race had been hers when the death shot came was ; as certain as anything could possibly be. t ie “It was a mean, contemptible outrage, and I’ll bet you what — you like that Joe Dana did it,” whispered Tom Joslin to Hen chs Ricker---both Institute boys, too. no “Just what I think, Tom, but I wouldn’t like to say so.” “I ain't going to say so until I’m certain of it. But I can’t — He help thinking. Joe went off mad because he couldn't ride | Black Kanuck, and——- Hello, what’s the row now?” vane “There he goes, fellows! There he goes!” came the” shout” “Didn’t you hear ee ee There were cries of: mints “After him, fellows! Down with the Danaites! and chuck him over the bluff! ” i “There—what did I tell you?” whispered Tom Joslin. = Look alive, fellows! We must have a hand in there, It won't do to let them hurt Joe, no matter if he is a fool.” a3 And the Institute boys dashed after the Academy fellows through the woods toward the high bluffs: which skirt the. : shores of Lake Corrina all along the line of the “Five Mile Reach.” — ‘ It was Ben Spurr who had raised the shout. Catch bim thougttt he as, éame suddenly & Hpon: Baw ~ pain on ahead of him ear ae the trees.
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6 THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE, ® ee shouting: “There he goes! lungs. “There who goes?” demanded Bob, catching hold of him as the boys gathered breathlessly about Ben at the edge of the bluff. ; “The fellow who shot Mexican Madge. way just as plain as I see you now.” » “Well, he ain’t here now! , “So T see. I can’t imagine where he went to. He was right ahead of me when I gave the call.”... There he goes!” at the top of his I saw him run this “Ti’s mighty funny, then, that there’s nothing to be seen of. him now,” remarked Ed Topliffe, looking up and .down the line of the bluff. “One can’t get any further in this direction, unless he wants to jump into the lake a hundred feet below.” There was certainly no one to be seen, and no place where any one could have hidden, for right here on the top of: the bluff the woods were wholly free from underbrush, and _ it would have been next to impossible to conceal oneself among the trees. “Who was it, Ben? Did you see his face?” demanded Bob, looking up and down somewhat suspiciously. “No, I didn’t see his face.” “But do you know who it was? And, by the way, how came you here, anyhow? I’m certain you weren’t ‘ahead of me when we started from the track.” : “Yes, I was, too. I started the instant I heard the shot fired.” _ “What? You were not on the other side of the tr ack?” “Yes, I was.” ; as blest if I saw you, then, Ben Spurr,” spoke up Tom “Look out you stick to a straight story now, bias ve. unless—-—” “Here, here, fellows, there must be no Aptis now,” inter- posed Bob, coolly. This is a ‘serious business, and must be sifted to the bottom. Ben, once and for all, who was the fel- low you saw?” “Well, I wouldn’t like to say. I ig t see his face, Bob.” “But you saw his back?” “Yes. I was a little way in the woods when the shot was fired, if you want to know, and of course I started to run, and _ presently I saw the fellow running ahead of me. When I heard -. -you coming I gave the shout—you can believe me or not, just as you please,” “Of course we believe you. - you think it was?” : “If you know it was Joe Dana, out with it!” exclaimed sev- eral of the Institute boys. “We are just as fair as you fellows are, and ain’t going to stand anything like baa “?Twasn’t Joe Dana.” _ ; “Then who was it?” demanded Bob, growing more and more vangty. “T tell you what it is, Ben Spurr, if you don’t speak out soon I’ll find means to make you, for——” “Took—look! ” eried Ben, suddenly pointing off on the lake ata} point fully a quarter of a mile further along the line of the bluffs. “There’s the fellow I saw now, just putting off in that - boat. If you ain’t blind you can see who it is as well I can tell you. You needn’t look any further to find out who shot Mex- 2 ican Madge.” * ie ore ‘All eyes were turned si the direction indicated. ' It needed no second glance to disclose the myn of the boy in the boat. Tt was Larry White! But why don’t you tell us who CHAPTER Vv. HE MYSTERY or THE TALKING Rook ” »mean thing like this. | behind the place where he stood. And no wonder. The cutting remark made 138 Ben Spurr was enough to ae wounded any one of a sensitive nature—either hoy op man. It is, true that Larry. was. poor, but he was. not ia a proper sense of pride. “There is one thing certain,” muttered Ghe satan Ketiniy, as he strode away into the woods, “I shan’t take part in any more of their comes from this time out... I’m going home in my boat.” Now Larry and his leaky skiff were “inseparable com- panions. He had come: up to the “Five Mile Reach in sie “Fox, * as he called the boat, landing in a little cove under the bluffs, joining the boys on the track some time after the races began; and he now hurried through the woods till he reached a steep, water- worn path which led down to the shore of the lake. It was at least a quarter of a mile from the race track to the beginning of this path, and most of the boys knew it. Hence the accusation of Ben Spurr—we may as well tell it tight here—-was received with much incredulity, particularly « by Bob, who was entirely familiar with the ground. “It’s all nonsense,” he said, after the boys had ahowted themselves hoarse trying to attract Larry’s attention.. “That’s — Larry in the boat fast enough, but he ain’t the fellow to do a He’s gone off because, you insulted him, Ben Spurr. Besides, he never could have got down to his boat in so short a space of time. Whoever you saw, it wasn’t Larry White.” “Well, it looked like him, anyhow,” ‘petaiated Ben, doggedly. “Of course I ain't going to say it actually was paige since I didn’t see his face.” But it ended the racing.’ — } Meanwhile, Larry White, entirely unconscious of what was transpiring, had hurried down the bluff to his boat. It was a lovely day. The sun was shining brightly, and the hel awcertoe of the lake ~ was calm and placid. Larry, who was passionately fond of seeder g knowing as he did that the water still remains warm well into the month of October, résdlved to take a plunge before starting for home. ‘ He: ‘decorate walked along under the projecting rocks to a little cove where he had’ often swam, pulling off his clothes, — rushed into the lake and indulged in a most refreshing’ bath. _ Perhaps it was the water which served to soothe his ruffled é feelings; perhaps finding himself alone his good judgment got ‘the better of his temper. eC faa At all events, when he began to dress at last, Larry was. Bes ‘quite himself again, 5 ei “I was a fool to. mind wha: ‘Baa Spurr said, aehiow ¢ “He Res muttered, as he pulled on his trousers. “Bob’s a good fellow, and so are most.of the other boys. When a fellow has plenty of money to spend I suppose: he puts Bed ‘airs Be gehen and——-” ark The current of the boy’s reflections was ‘guddenly” inter-_ rupted by the ‘sound of voices proceeding seemingly from jist “~ Larry turned abruptly, nearer able to credit the plain eyi- 7, dence of his senses. is i Nor. was this to. be wondered. ate since directly Nenae: rose the rocky wall of the bluff, towering above him pérpendicu- larly to the height of a hundred feet and more. — As he stood wonderingly listeniag, Larry remembered some- a thing which caused his wonderment. to. increase. Sui | It was that the projecting ledge before which: he stood bad always been, known as the “Talking. Rock” - db; Indians many generations, before, 3 This: sine ee bean ake ever
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* THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. ih a though he had, of course, only inuehed = oe ped of the | butler, “but he’s jist attey sitting down to his egies Walk idea. Just now, however, it did not seem quite so absurd. into the library an’ I’ll tell him yer here.” “Hello, Larry! that you!” shouted Bob, from the top e ime ' There was some one talking—he could wid the sound of |-stairs. “Where in the name of common sense have you been? voices. plainly. That he felt for the instant somewhat startled ise 3 eause no surprise. First one voice would speak, then another answer. On Larry’s ear it fell a confused jumble of sounds. For several moments the bey stood motionless, listening. “I wonder if I were to put my ear against the rock I could make out what they are saying?” he thought.» “There ‘must be some sort of a cave in behind there, though { never heard of it. I can’t account for it in any other way.”:. “M—um—um—um—um,” came the soynd again, as though in reply to the unspoken thought. Larry clapped his ear.to the rock, To. his intense surprise, he discovered that aanen the sounds were still deep and muffled, there was now no difficulty in distinguishing words. “Do you think you can arrange it?” was the first sentence which reached his ears. “Yes. I am sure of it,” came the answer in the s same smath- ered tones. “I know all about. an engine, and can fix it as slick as a whistle. All I want is to be certain of the dosh.” “That boat must ever win the race.” i i “Nuther sht shan't ef, 7 am paid to hinder her—you can jest et life on that.” Y Ill sce that i ost right and m—um—um—um; ” o iiigistinct, falling off into the mum- ly all was stiti ; econds Larry White rea a motionless, his ear pe the. Talking Rock, _ “Whoever the speakers were and wherever va! had. been, they ‘had evidently taken their departure, for he seconds passed the sounds were not heard again. , Now, however mysterious this convermatolat seem to be to our readers, it offered no mystery 0 sph ind of Larry White, and after anxiously. “waiting a moment or . two, ‘he sprang away from, the Talking Rock, and, sunning forward on the shelving beach, took. a hasty stirvey of the bluffs: ~ ; Not only was no one visible, but Larry, familiar as he was with every inch of the ground, knew perfectly well that there was no pilace any one could hide.” “By gracious, this thing means treachery if it’means any- thing!” he muttered, as he hurried back to the ‘spot where he ‘had left his clothes. “I must see Colonel Fuller and let hitnh know about it the very first thing. om He finished dressing with all possible haste, entered his boat and pulled away for Oakdale with all his strength. / CHAPTER VI. LARRY TELLS His STORY. It was half past seven o’clock when Larry timidly pulled the _ bell of the great mansion in, which dwelt ‘the magnate of Oak- dale—pulled it for the second time, we _Showld “have stated, since his adventure at the Palking. Rock. Cag : Upon reaching Oakdale Larry, true to Ais resolve, had pro- | ceeded directly to Colonel Fuller’s,. “learning, to his disappoint- ‘ment that the proprietor of the Academy would a be home until seven o'clock. Se : As there seemed nothing for it but to wait, Larry wenk home ‘ “himself and ate his supper, returning to the colonel’s mansion We Tater ¢ on, as we have seen. kun'l's in now, | sap a moe; said = the ee = Pine, it—and ust as Sis As ane it was he whom, z What do you mean by deserting your friends the way you de- serted us this afternoon? Do you: know what pepe after you left?” “No, Mabe hae “Then come. up here to my room and I'll tell you. I’m dréss- ing for dinner, but you won't eee Come right up.” Larry obeyed. He found Bob standing before the glass in the act of brush- ing his hair. % “Perhaps you don’t know that some scoundrel pit a “ball through Mexican Madge and ‘killed her, and came almighty near killing me.” : “Bob Fuller! But you can’t mean. it!” ; “But I do, though, Larry,” answered Bob, tossing ‘the hait brush down upon the bureau; and he immediately related the whole affair. ‘ Of course Larry was thunderstruck. 1h eats Tt needed but one glance into the boy’s honest eyes to see that he was wholly innocent of the slightest knowledge of the dastardly deed which Ben Spurr would have fastened upon “Bob,” he exclaimed, his face red with indignation; “you don’t believe for an instant. that Ben Spurr actually saw me running through the woods?” ; “Of course I don’t, Larry. Now keep cool, and don’t cae your mad up. You’ye got a bad temper, and——”. “And I'll thrash Ben Spurr till he takes back what he said.” “No, you won't. Mind, now, he didn’t actually say it was you. He said he thought so.” “He’s no business to think.” “Why did you go away?” ; “Be called me a beggar, and I was mad.” “That was contemptible, but cane you a beggar don’t aus you one.” “That’s so.. Perhaps I was too Mages Now look fener Bob, I can account for every instant of my time, and I’m going to- do it.” — “Nonsense, Larry. I don’t want to hear anything of the - sort. I never believed for an instant that you fired that shot— neither ie any of the other fellows. It was some tramp, most. - * ~~ “But! ‘you must hear me,” interrupted Larry, earnestly. “Pye 4 got “sophething very important to tell; that’s what brought me _ up to'see your father. Some one is plotting to play tricks with the Gomet and make our fellows lose the. race,” ae “Larry, you can’t mean it?” Piet se WA “But,I do, though.” : s ee “Joe Dana?” “JT can’t tell you. Hear my story and judge for youre mn 2 “Come right downstaits tothe Pee FOURS, Father must — hear it, too.” i = “No—no; I’d rather rd ing it twice.” ; / “But I don’t look jus “Oh, confound your ¢ the arm and pulling him magnate, his family, and: “Tm not surprised, * Sat i was com: leted. “That man’ Dana is me sibtieh for. any: thing. There's no sort of doubt in my mind that it was ‘Joe who slink the pony. Id have him) arrested if there 4 =
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8 THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. t Larry heard plotting against us behind those rocks. I suppose there must be some sort of a cave in there under the bluff— there is no other Way to account for it that I can see.” _“T hardly think Joe Dana would shoot the pony,” ventured. _ Larry, “and.1 wouldn’t like to say that it was his voice I heard.” : “Pshaw! You don’t know the breed,” answered the colonel, angrily. “Look here, Larry White, you understand all about boats and all about running an engine, and Bob wants your help, I put the Comet in charge of both of you. The Academy military company shall stand regular guard over her till the day of the race. Not a soul must go aboard except yourselves. Now, ming. I shall hold you both to strict account. I’ll show old Dana that he can’t come his tricks over me.” Now this race was Colonel Fuller’s hobby at that particular time, just as it had been the one topic of conversation among the students at both the Academy and the Institute for the ‘past two weeks. The day following the sinking of the Sphinx General Dana had sent the Minnie over to Oakdale with instructions to have her left at the little pier in front of Colonel Fuller’s house. Of course the colonel sent the launch back immediately, and with it an angry note, stating that if he found her on his premises again he should sink her in the lake. Determined to be in advance of his enemy in everything, the magnate of (Oakdale immediately dispatched an agent to a cer- ‘tain large town not far distant, with instructions to purchase an elegant new steam launch, in every way the superior of the Minnie, which a boat-builder of his acquaintance was known to have for sale. \ This was the Comet alluded to by Colonel Fuller. ; She had entered the lake: by way of the Hamden river, and ' was even then lying in the boat-house at the foot of the Acad- emy lawn. Of course the next thing in order was a challenge for the Minnie. x The challenge had been duly accepted, and the following Wednesday had been appointed to test the relative speed of the two launches, over a course mutually agreed upon, extend- ing from Petersboro’ ,at the foot of the lake, to Wimble’s Isl- and, which lay at the entrance to the Crooked Pass, a distance of exactly five miles. Hence the significance of the conversation overheard by ‘Larry White at the Talking Rock. ; Upon leaving the table, Colonel Fuller, Bob and Larry hur- ried to the boat-house. », A careful examination of the launch and her machinery showed them that whatever might be the intentions of the Danaites nothing had. been attempted yet. That night the “Oakdale Guards,” as the Academy military company was called, took charge of the boat-house; nor did ’ they leave it alone for a single instant up to the morning of ey the race. . CHAPTER VII, mae < ; “ 3 . ™ } THE BOAT RACE. 7 \ ; . “We'll show ’em, boys! We'll show ’em!” chuckled Colonel Fuller, rubbing his hands, as he stepped from the Comet into a trim little ‘yacht—his own particular property and especial pride. “Do your best now, and under no circumstances permit bee ‘living soul to come on board. Bob—Larry—if you let them beat us by hook or by crook, don’ t either of you every dare to Jook me in the face again.” : es It was a perfect gala iets for ee eels region ve aueks Corrina. & Re Long before daylight crows could Dae been a oe ‘some one in with them in spite of allI said. It’s a man! that’s sure, and is steering as he should. Give it to ’em, boas RE Ss aga ky, wending! their way in évery sort of vehicle, from a barouche to a hay- cart, from as far off as Downingtown, all Dound for the neigh- borhood of Wimble Island where the exciting part of the con- test must inevitably occur; while in addition every boat on the lake that could boast of sail was pressed into service. ' As the yacht containing Colonel and Mrs. Fuller, Dr. Duffiing- ton, the principal of the Academy, Professor Gerund, the Latin teacher, and several others of the faculty filled away for Wimbie Island, the Minnie was seen to put off from Hamden and, steam slowly in the direction of Peterboro’, the starting point of the race. She was accompanied by General Dana’s yacht, gaudily dec- orated with flags and bunting, from whose deck the blare of the Hamden brass band could be distinctly heard, swept to- ward them by the morning breeze. It was a gay scene, and no mistake. “ The course was fairly lined with boats from Oakdale A Hamden, some filed with students from the rival schools, others with towns- -people, while the lake shores on both sides —there was not a quarter of a mile between them up at Wim-- ble Island—were black with people anxiously awaiting the contest to come. ; Perhaps it made Larry a bit nervous to’’see Miss Minnie i Dana cast anxious glances in his direction now and then from the deck of her father’s yacht, but it disturbed neither of the boys to learn that Joe Dana was to have charge of the Minnie; it only made them more determined than ever to do their beet: But there was something more than mere pride at stake, though we have neglected to mention it, for the selectmen of the town of Oakdale had voted a handsome gold medal to the winner, and neither Bob nor Larry had | ie e slightest intention of allowing the Hamden Institute to carr ff the prize. Precisely at twelve o’clock the start’y “made. But few of the accompanying boats fad remained at Peter- boro, and as a consequence it was not until the vicinity. of Wimble Island was reached that the excitement could i said | to have fairly begun. 4 As the, launches steamed in sight’ of Colonel Fuller’s Yacht, 5 1a” the mmpeniate of Oakdale perceived to his intense disgust that the Minnie was several lengths ahead. On the Hamden side of the lake the excitement was tre- mendous., j People ran along the bank Bhsecein! ‘shouting, enne hats | and handkerchiefs, while the boats on both sides pressed to- - ward the island with all the power of oars or sail. “Three cheers for the Hamden Institute!” “Three cheers tot. Joe Dana!” shouted the students in the hoat on the west side _ of the lake, as Colonel Fuller leveled his powerful marine glass _ at the contesting launches. ity “Confound those fellows! - roared the Oakdale magnate. . / “ : What are they thinking of?” “As true as I live they’ve taken He’s fighting with Bob! It’s treachery, by thunder! By all that’s — good, Dana shall pay for this.” a “See! See! They are gaining on the Minnie!” cried Dr. : Duffington, in great excitement. “Larry is engine: her et <i all she’s worth.” ae “Yes, and Bob has got the best of the fellow, whoever he is, m: a ; added the colonel, lowering his glass. “He has him down, : Give it to’em! You'll come out ahead yet.” Evidently the fight on board the Comet had ‘been seen by other eyes than those of Colonel Fuller, for among the oceu- pants of the surrounding Boe: the saplatett Bis ie do fais) be seen to. Prevail. : Now ¢ came the critical moment, and ce, excitement was in- i:
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THE TWO so far as could be seen from the deck of the yacht, had the ad- vantage by so much as an inch, “Neck and neck!” shouted the colonel. “One second more and all is over. Confound those trees—they’ve cut off our view and—by Jove! Bob’s done it! Comet! Three cheers for Oakdale! ” And all along the line of the east side of the lake echoed the cry: “Three cheers for the Comet! Three cheers for Oakdale! ” CHAPTER VIII. THE DANAITES LITTLE TRICK. What had happened on board the Comet? How was it that in spite of Colonel Huller’s express orders, a third person had been taken into the launch? Questions of the importance of these should be gauwered without delay. The launches had started from Peterboro’ together, at sound of a pistol shot fired, as had been previously arranged, by Dr. Glassbrook, the mayor. As they steamed off into the lake there was a abutsried of perhaps twenty feet between them, their prows being just about on an even line. Larry had taken charge of the engine of the Comet by Bob’s particular desire, for having served a year’s apprenticeship on board a steamer which had formerly plied between Peterboro and Downingtown, but which had been unfortunately blown / up shortly before the opening of our story, he was certainly something of a professional, and could get better work out of the Comet on a trying ‘Sceasion, as Bob had good sense enough to see. “Crowd her for all she’s worth now, old man,” Bob had said. “T’ll attend to the steering,.and if we don’t show the Minnie ‘our heels we’ll.know the reason why.” In fact, this interesting operation had already begun, for al- though not yet, outside the Porcupines—two small islands be- 4 tween which the launches were obliged to run in leaving Peter- boro harbor—the Comet had wer gist: upon the Minnie as much as a dozen yards. “Bet you ten dollars to five the Minnie wins,” shouted Joe Dana from the rival craft. “Leave betting to the spectators,” called Bob in return, “We've got as much as we can do to ate oh to our business and steam the race.” “Hush! hush! for goodness sake don’t answer him, Bob,” wwhitapened™ Larry. “Don’t you see it’svonly a trick to draw off your attention., See how wildly, you've been steering; by the timé we have the course again the Minnie will have picked po on us almost as much as we had gained on her.” “By thunder! but you’re right, Larry,” pes Bob, looking about him uneasily. The wisdom of Larry’s advice was soon evident, for during the next twenty minutes the Comet continued to’ gain steadily on the Minnie. f By the time they were abreast of the Oakdale stadie, bee was so far in advance that success seemed assured. “Well, this settles it,” remarked Bob, relaxing his attention at last. “Joe can’t get the best of us now, let him try as he will. Guess they ain’t going to attempt to come any tricks over us, Larry—what do you think?” viet “Don’t be too sure, Bob. *Twon’t do to trust the Danaites. % “TI know that; but what can they do?” ; “Ym sure I don’t know, but I haven't forgotten what I heard at the Talking Rock. is “Nor I, either. Still, I don’t see what they can do.” nd your helm!” shouted Regis’ suddenly. “There's al Lgeri nines SCHOOLS ATS OAKDALE. Three cheers for. the) hmay. “Crowd her! inte eal Sa 9 boat ahead of us, just shooting out from among the Hen and Chickens. By gracious! we are too om The man is a A She’s gone!” F The Hen and Chickens were a group of small islands, ae side of which the Comet was at that moment steaming at the top of her speed. It almost seemed as though the man who pulled the small boat must have crossed their path intentionally, so sudden had been his appearance. Before Bob had time to turn the launch to the port side, she had struck the boat, cutting her in two like a knife. Larry pulled the lever and stopped the engine instantly, “Help! Halp! Save me! Save me!” shouted the boat- man, a rough-looking fellow, whom both the boys recognized as an idle, vicious person belonging in Downingtown, whose name was Sam Slade. Of course there was no help for it. 2 In spite of the delay which would necessarily occur, the hoys could not refuse to save a fellow being from death. Bob threw a rope hastily, calling out to the man to catch it. Instead of doing so he managed to miss it, not only once but several times, handling himself so clumsily, in fact, that it was many minutes before they drew him, wet and dripping, into the launch, sinking down apparently unconscious in the little erait. ; The Minnie, meanwhile, had continueds steadily on mil course, and as a natural consequence of all this delay, was now at some little distance ahead. ’ “Confound the luck! We're dished now!” cried Bob, in ties: “Here, Larry, we'll have to go to work on this fellow. The race must be givén up.” But Larry had already started the engine again, and did not move. “It is all a trick,” he said, emphatically. swim as well as you or I, and I know it.” “But we can’t be sure of that. He may die on our hands, and then I'll be blamed.” “No, he won’t; he’s only playing *possum, Attend to your steering, Bob Fuller, and leave him alone, . I'll bet you what you like he was laying for us behind the island, and crossed our path on purpose to cause delay and make us lose ‘the race.” ‘ “Tf I thought that, Larry, I’d pitch him overboard.” “It wouldn’t do. See, we are gaining on the Minnie again. Just you leave him alone.” The rival launches sped on. , ‘ “Inch by inch the Comet gained on the Minnie: the lines of the spectators’ boats were now on either side of them, and — Wimble Island close at hand. “Crowd her, Larry! Crowd her!” cried Bob in dismay. |) The words has scarce left his lips when his legs were seized =~ and Bob found himself dragged down, upon the bottom of thet launch. ; “You will try to drown me, will you?” shouted the supposed — Ae dead ‘man, suddenly finding himself in the full possession of his strength again. “I’ll show you, you young rascal! , TH i learn you how to handle a boat!” ag And before Larry could fairly realize what was going on, the man was pommeling poor Bob most: unmercifully. In an instant he discovered that he had tackled the e Wrong man. “Don’t interfere, Larry!” shouted Bob, springing to his feet. Stick to it. ’m good for him! You panbliinini: me. overboard if this mean trick makes us lose the ae i “Sam Slade can Ye ‘would have thrown him overboard had the thing been we nah Bob soon: made. it plain to. ‘the Sop that he ne Be his | match. on Se less than a dee as
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10 THE TWO “SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. ing his whole weight upon him, managed to tie his hands with . the life line. Without even attempting to rise, Bob Psciad the tiller once more. The launches were neck and neck now, and Wimble Island not ten rods away. i As they passed the little wooded point at the end of the isl- and, the Comet shot ahead half her length, coming abreast a great white rock which formed the goal, while cheer after cheer from the Academy boys rent the air. The Danaites had tried their little trick, and it had signally failed. An hour later, in the Town Hall at Oakdale, the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen placed the handsome gold medal in Bob Fuller’s hand in the presence of his father and every one con- nected with the Academy, not to mention the admiring crowd of towns-people which had jammed itself into the hall. CHAPTHR Ix, A BOLD PROJECT WHICH RESULTED IN AN ELECTION. _“I want the undivided attention of every boy in the school,” said Colonel Fuller, one afternoon, in the following March, after the usual school session had come’ to a close. “I, have a project on hand which I am certain will. prove both pleasant and instructive, and which, if managed properly, may prove somewhat profitable to the entertainment fund of the Acad- emy as well.” Of course thé boys were-all attention “You are all aware,” he began, “that after our. race last fall, the relations existing between General Dana and myself grew no more cordial than they had been before.” A general titter ran through the assemblage. “You may laugh,” continued the great man of Oakdale, good- humoredly, “but I want you to understand that I shall make this no laughing matter for my friend, General Dana. “As you are aware, he was engaged all last summer in build- ing a steamboat—the General—which now makes regular trips ‘between Peterboro and Downingtown, “You are also aware that no sooner was the steamboat an- nounced than I began the construction of a railroad between Downingtown and Peterboro, working from both ends of the line, until now the track is almost completed; and.in another month trains will be run.” rsp Now all this the Academy boys knew perfectly. . “Now then, boys, my plan is this,” continued the colonel; 2 i “you have learned something about building railroads, and i _ propose that you shall also learn how to run them. “It will not pay to send more than four trhins a day over the road, and these will be run morning and evening, just as the steamer makes morning and evening trips up and down the - Jake, and at such times as shall not interfere with the regular sessions of the school. placed entirely in your hands, I have kept a careful record of the amount of labor each boy has. performed, and shall now award to each stock in the Peterboro and Downingtown Rail- way. ‘Company as compensation for services rendered, figured at the regular rate of wages I ae have had to pay others if _ you had not performed the wor a. As the railroad. was built as much for your benefit as for any other purpose, | I shall, after the ‘award of stock, has been made according to the plan proposed, divide the remainder egually / among you, share and share alike.” 5 “Three cheers for Colonel Fuller! ” shouted Hd Toplitte, from ; wey, down at = other end of the hall, and’ they were given ia “The running of the road, in fact the road itself, is to be f was a good t hour “before the meeting broke up, ner each boy retired from the hall with a due sense of increased im- portance, for each and. every one of them enjoyed for the first time the novel experience of finding himself a stockholder in an actual railroad, for the Peterboro and Dew eae ie vee it understood, was no toy. “Now then, the next thing is to meet and elect your Stacshat z shouted the colonel, as they started to leave the hall. “JT suggest next Saturday afterhoon. Say at half-past three.” ‘ The suggestion of Colonel Fuller was adopted. Promptly at the appointed time the students at the Oakdale Academy gathered in the great hall. “Ain’t your father coming, Bob?” demanded Bill Wright, after some little time had been spent in “electioneering” among | the boys who had gathered in little groups about the room. “No,” answered Bob, “he told me he shouldn’t be here. He — thinks that the whole matter of the election should rest with the owners of the road. He ain’t. a stockholder, and consequent- ly has no right to a vote.” “T move that Bob Fuller be chosen chairman,” shouted Sam Gardiner. The movement was carried unanimously. Next tellers were choosen and ballots prepared, “Say, Larry, who are you going to vote for?” whispered Ben Spurr, taking Larry White by the arm ang drawing him a little to one side. _ “T don’t know that it’s any of your business,” “Maybe not. But don’t get mad. I want to be president of this railroad ,and there’s lots of the fellows who think I ought to be. I'm the oldest scholar in the academy, don’t you see,” “No, I don’t see. Bob ought to be president. If it hadn’t been for him. we’d never, have had the road,” a “Then you intend:to vote for him?” “I didn’t say so.” hey “But you méan to. Look here, Larry White, I'll give you ‘ten of my shares and two dollars to boot, if you ‘li just work around among the boys a bit forme. They all like you, and——” ; “Get out. I shan’t do anything of the sort,” retorted Larry, indignantly. “ll appoint you engineer or comcuct either you int ve “If you say another word about it, Ben Spurr, Vl tell me whole school you tried to bribe me—now mind.” “T'll get square with you, Larry bh ace hissed Ben be- tween his teeth, as he walked away.’ ; “I wonder if he really has got any one to vote for him?” — thought Larry, as the. tellers carried the hats off to one side of the hall and began to count the votes. i ‘He was soon to know. ; vy In a moment or two Jack Goodwin, who was one of the tellers, jumped on a chair and called for order. § f “There had been eighty-six votes cast for the president of the Peterboro and Downingtown Railway,” he shouted, “and I will now announce the result: _ P : “Robert. Fuller has seyenty votes, Ben Spurr ten, ais ‘Ed Topliffe six.” tA “Three cheers for Bob Fuller!” phos half the boss in the: op hall. f sera And they made the hal} fairly ine with iets. cries. eer, a “Look out for squalls, Larry White,” whispered Ben Spurr, wt as the meeting broke up; “you could have helped me to twenty yotes if you would have only said the word.” this ee j But Larry only laughed. é ae thes There seemed little reason why he should feel pint to help Ben pate fy etceee renin tiak , «pig ERNE, oo Fs DRIVING hee SILVER ‘SPIKE nae
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THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. 5 Slee Now it happened that Larry White had no desire whatever to speak with Joe Dana right there in the open lake in plain sight of Oakdale wharf, where Colonel Fuller, Bob, or in fact, any of the academy boys could see them just as well as not, if they chose to look. Still, how could he refuse, when pretty Minnie Dana, 1danitive over the rail of the yacht, added her request to that of her brother, that Larry should come alongside with his’ boat. “Do, please, Mr. White. We all want to see them drive the silver spike so much. fyen if Colonel Fuller is a horrid, mean man, who has used papa shamefully, he’s not an ogre to devour us. There can be no objection to our standing on the public road at Oakdale if we do belong on the other ‘Side of the lake.” Now, it was entirely against Larry’s interest to have any- thing to do with Joe Dana—especially at that particular time. If he was to be a Fullerite it was absolutely necessary to be true to his colors, and as this day promised to be one of the most famous in the annals of Oakdale, or the history of its academy, it behooved him to be particularly true now for reasons we shall presently show. The organization of the Peterboro and Downingtown Railway Company had been a complete success as far as any scheme on paper can be so termed. Bob Fuller had been elected president, Ed Topliffe, vice-pres- ident; Sam Gardner was to be the secretary, and steady-going Jack Goodwin the treasurer. As for Ben Spurr, he had been unanimously elected to nothing at all. The stock of the company had been divided among the boys according to the plan proposed by Colonel Fuller, some: re- ceiving more, some less, according to the amount of labor of each—it had all been entirely voluntary—upon the road. Besides the elective officers there were several positions within the appointment of the president, to obtain which there had been much keen competition. — The outcome had been that Bill Wright was appointed con- ductor, Hen Blatchford and Hd Carrington brakemen, while Larry White obtained that which in the eyes of the boys seemed the most desirable appointment of all—engineer. He was to run the train. Now this was not all Bob’s doings, though it suited him ex- actly. Colonel Fuller had suggested it, not ts because he be- lieved Larry to, be entirely competent, but because he was poor and neede@ the money; for it was proposed that to the en- gineer’s position should be attached a small salary, since it would necessarily consume more of the time of whichever of the boys held it than any other on the road. “T’ll have it fixed so that Larry can recite his lessons in the evening,” Colonel Fuller had said, “The boy is smart. He needs the money, and he shall have the place, To run the lo- comotive, we must have some one with a clear head, and on whom we ¢an thoroughly rely.” So it was arranged, and we venture to say that every nay in Oakdale Academy was glad to see Larry get the place, un- less, indeed, Ben Spurr offered the exception to the rule. Three splendid brand new cars had come down from Troy, and a locomotive of sufficient draught for the work required had been built in Buffalo, and even now stood ready on the track in front of the round- house, ' whieh had been erected close by the Oakdale wharf. The Peterboro and Downingtown ransivees was no inker merely a ‘scheme on paper, but a reality; and this particular day in April—we believe it was the 15th—was/to Witness the laying of the last: ‘rail, the driving of the last spike, and the’ starting of the first train hig was’ vs ron down to Peterboro and return. ‘ ‘It was to be a perfect gala day for r Oakdale Doviiinetown and Peterboro, and, in fact, the wees east, side of the lake. ee ‘the ‘cab. Larry had started from home in the Fox, as usual, and had. arrived just off Oakdale wharf, when he encountered Toe” Dana’s yacht, as we have seen. “I have no idea that any ‘one will interfere with you what-- ever place you select,” was Larry’s reply to Joe Dana’s remark. “Colonel Fuller is a gentleman whatever you may think of 2 him. You can land at the wharf and see it all just the same as -|any one else.” “Yes, but I don’t want to have trouble,” answered Joe, per- sistently. “Can’t you show us a good place, Larry? You see, we've quite a party on board.” “Do, Mr. White,” added Minnie. obliged to you, I’m sure.” Thus urged, Larry felt that he could not, in common polite- ness, refuse. : Much against his wishes, therefore, Larry accompanied the yacht to the Oakdale wharf and piloted the little party to a good. position near the tier of seats which had been erected for Colonel Fuller and his particular friends, close beside that part’ -of the track upon which stood the locomotive attached to the ears all ready for a start. “What in the world were you doing with Joe Dana and his erowd, Larry?” demanded Bob Fuller, as the boy hurried up to where his friends had stationed themselves. ‘ Larry told him. “I syouldn’t have done it, then, if I’d been you,” said Bob. “They are a treacherous lot, as you and - know. It’s lucky the “We shall all be very much. governor didn’t see you, or I ain’t so sure that you’d be en- gineer after all.” Bob was vexed, and Larry saw it, so, without attempting bo reply he took his station with the rest of the Academy boys, prepared to witness the ceremony of completing the road. ‘There was an immense crowd gathered. ? Bob Fuller and Ed Topliffe had been chosen to lay the last, rail, and at a given signal each seized an end with a pair of rail-tongs and laid it in its place, directly in front of the ‘Yo- comotive, as the band stationed on the grand-stand —so the tier of seats had been dubbed—struck up “Hail Columbia,” and — amid a round of deafening cheers a the Academy boys and invited guests. “Now, then, every boy in the Academy must strike a Ade = upon the spikes!” shouted Colonel Fuller, who acted as master _ of ceremonies, “and Jennie shall drive the last one home.” Yhe allusion was to Miss Jennie Fuller, ‘the sedate : daughter, the prettiest girl in all Oakdale. i The band’ ‘kept it up merrily While the spike driving was in progress. i Then Colonel Fuller made a little speech, while Bob placed the last spike—it. was of solid silver—in position, and with a ~ few blows of the hammer drove it part way into the tie, © This accomplished, Miss Jennie, tastefully attired in an ex- ceedingly pretty costume, was led in front of the locomotive by her father, and as the band struck up the “Star Spangled Banner,” with her own delicate hands struck the final eee M It was done. / The railroad was completed amid a perfect storm ‘of ap- plause and a violent waving of handkerchiefs and hats. When Colonel Fuller in a loud voice ‘announced the. fact, there was a grand scramble for the ars, as it was perfectly. evident that there were not seats enough to accommodite all hands‘ “Now for the engine, Larry,” said Bob. “I’m dink with: you in the cab. We'll show your friends, the Danaites, that. old tub of a steamer is nowhere before we get through.” mA “Don’t call them my friends, Bob,” protested Larry. i “Well, what did you bring them here for if they are ‘not ss ge friends? I’m certain they. all went on board the train.? — Bes: “To ayoid the necessity ot a ay oe Larry coe goa
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——— 12 reid oes £ THE TWO Steam*was all up, and’ everything had been put in readiness . by the engineer of the Oakdale Hosiery Mills, acting under the | orders of Colonel Fuller. | Not a little excited at the novelty of his position, Larry, at! the signal from Bill Wright, pulled the lever and attempted to | start the train. SCHOOLS AT , OAKDALE, thing? Can you tell us how that handkerchief came to be in the cab? Speak up now, and talk quick.” “I have nothing to say, sir,” was Larry’s reply. | no more about this mattér than Bob himself.” “Be careful, Larry White. If you have made a mistake Tm ready to forgive you, and Bob shall apologize. If you have “T know To the astonishment of both the boys the locomotive refused | been playing tricks with that locomotive you shall suffer for it, to move. CHAPTER XI. LARRY AND THE FULLERITHS HAVE A FALLING OUT. “What’s the matter?” demanded Bob Fuller. “Why don’t the old thing start?” “What is it? Why don’t you let Larry: see what’s the mat- ter?” replied the colonel. “He knows more about a locomo- ‘tive than you do. Larry, look alive there! Find out what ails this confounded machine.” “Hxcuse me, father, but Larry White shan’t touch the ma- chinery of this locomotive again if I know it. I am president of this railrdad, and I want you to order him out of the cab.” Every one started.) As for Larry, his confusion was, for the instant, so great that “he could not speak. “Hxcuse me, Robert,” said Colonel Fuller, slowly, “since you have taken the trouble to remind me that I have no control over the Peterboru and Downingtown Railroad, I will mildly suggest that I can have no possible right to order your em- ployees about. Mr. President, I bid you good-day.” “Bob, what can you‘medan?” stammered Larry. Fuller, I ask you to wait a moment. I—I-——” “Get out, traitor!” cried Bob, suddenly giving him a push. “Go over to your friends, the Danaites, where you belong!” Larry, who was standing close to the steps, went flying out of the locomotive cab, and fell) sprawling on the sand. “for shame!” cried a dozen voices. ‘. “Robert, my son, control yourself!” whispered the colonel. And, stepping to the side of the young engineer, he assisted | him to rise. “Now, then, what is the meaning of all this?” he demanded, sternly. “If things are going to be run after this fashion I’ll foreclose the bonds i hold on the railroad and take it out of the _ stockholders’ hands.” a ; There was a humorous twinkle in the corner of the colonel’s eye; nevertheless, Bob knew that he meant just what he said. “Tt means that Larry is a traitor, father. He brought Joe Dana and a whole lot of the Institute fellows over here. Some one has been fooling with the locomotive. I say it was Joe -- Dana, and I believe Larry put him up to it. Look at this!” “Colonel _ handkerchief with Joe Dana’s name. (47 found this in the cab,” he added. “I don’t know what ails the locomotive. - Send for Mr. Head, the éngineer of the Pa mill. Perhaps he can find out. Anyway, Larry White rupee is enter this cab again.” By this time a consider ‘able crowd had gathered. Nearly, ali the Academy boys had left the cars and many oF the townspeople besides. _ Larry meanwhile stood quietly by the side of Colonel Fuller, ‘very pale, but not offering to speak. The boy was innocent of even the slightest thought of aero, # yet he realized in what. a miserable light he had ae why don’ t you say something? shouted Colonel Ful- er his anger Tiping. with his Treg rhea As And Bob Fuller held up in plain sight of everybody an oily havin: stacked their arms, began to panther. bi atta ab ut “Do you. now. any-} now mind.” ; Just then Ben Spurr elbowed his way through the crowd. “I don’t want to get any one into trouble, Colonel Fuller,” he began with some confusion, “but I think I ought to tell you that I saw Larry White and Joe Dana hanging around the engine a while ago.” “Why didn’t you tell me before?” “I didn’t think it amounted to anything, sir.” y “We'll find out what it amounts to, then! ” shouted the great man of Oakdale, in a torrent of passion. “Here, you young viper, —— Confound the fellow, he’s taken himself off! Where’s Captain Coats, the constable? I’ll have him arrested. Look alive now, boys! Catch him—catch Joe Dana, too, if you can find him! ‘These are pretty goings on!” Sure enough, Larry was gone. They looked for him everywhere, but they did not find him. Strangely enough, no one once thought of the Fox, to which poor Larry had hurried as his only friend. Entering the leaky skiff, he pushed off upon et lake. This in itself was a foolish move. Yet, under the circumstances, perhaps it was just as weil: Long before any one thought of the possibility of his ‘hay- ing taken his departure by boat Larry had rounded the little wooded point which extends itself into Lake Corrina just be- yond Oakdale wharf, and was out of sight. His feelings were deeply wounded. He felt that Bob Fuller had acted in a most unfriendly man- ner in condemning without giving him an Laser Sea to Sneak a word in self-defense. What had happened to the locomotive he neither knew nor eared just then. But long before he had reached his saints home by the lake-side the boy had grown calmer, and was positively re- lieved to see the train go whizzing along the shore with Mr. Head and Bob in the cab. ; “This ends my lite in Oakdale Academy,” he thought; “but after all, I’m glad there was no serious damage done.” . | CHAPTER XII. BEN SPURR PROPOSES A LITTLE SCHEME. ‘ “To the right about, face! March!” A platoon of young soldiers hat about, and moving for ward as one man. j ; ’ “Halt!” ? , The platoon came to a dead stop. | “Ground arms!” Twenty muskets fell to the ground with a Pe “Break ranks!” shouted Colonel Bob, and the discipline < uf ay the day is at an end, i 3 el The month was June, cate Company B, of the Oakdale Rifles, as the doasene silitury oe organization was termed, were encamped on Wimble Island. ES One night had already been spent upon the island, and the second day was now drawing toward its close. “There goes the General!” shouted Hid Topliffe, as the bos! ! the camp. _ “Where?” asked Bob, who stood Pe with B nS Spur
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| “Over ‘there. Can’t you see her? She's making for the Seven Pines, Mrs. Montgomery’s place.” Sure enough, there was the steamer. “Vil bet you what you like that Mrs. Montgomery is going to give a party to-night,” said Ben Spurr. “I heard something about it several days ago. Pity your governor ain’t on good terms with the old lady, Bob. I hear they have bully times at her house, and she sets a famous spread.” “Well, it ain’t his fault that she sees fit to side with old Dana,” answered Bob. “You are right, Ben; the General is making for the Seven Pines. By George! I'd like to spoil their fun.” f Now it is altogether probable that Bob, at the moment, meant by this seemingly ill-natured remark just nothing at all. Ben Spurr, who was always up to mischief, took it quite seri- ously, however, and saw in it a good chance to do what he had long wished to accomplish—to curry a little favor with Bob. “Look here,” he said, along about nine o’clock, just as the boys were thinking of turning into the tents for the night. _“P)) tell you what would be a jolly trick to play on the Dana- ~ Ites—it would square us up on the locomotive affair.” © Now it may be remarked incidentally that the locomotive had been found to be but little injured. The breaking of a certain pin had caused the trouble. Mr. Head, the engineer of the hosiery mill, had taken the engine in hand, and speedily devised a temporary substitute for the broken pin, starting the train without any very great loss of time. The trip to Peterboro had been entirely successful, and the - yoad was now running regularly. ‘ It was asserted by Mr. Head that the pin had been broken maliciously. Perhaps so. No one! knew: Joe Dana and his party had gone off i in the yacht. Larry had been sought in yain. ¢ ‘ “Let the matter drop,” Colonel Fuller had said, when Bob _ proposed to have Larry arrested. “We've found the fellow, out —Jet that suffice. Don’t let him dare to show his face around my premises again—that’s all I’ve got to say,” So. Larry lost his scholarship in the Oakdale Academy, and on the same day, without warning or explanation, his father was discharged from the mill. “What's your scheme, Ben?” asked Bob, rather doubtfully. : “You know my father don’t approve of our playing tricks on the Danaites.” ; “Well, my move, then, is that as soon as it’s good and dark we get over to the Seven Pines and capture the General.” “What! Old Dana?” cfied Bob, aghast. _ “No, no. The steamer. There’s no one aboard of her, I’ll * bet you a dollar, except Larry White, and maybe a deck-hand or two, You can see for yourself she’s tied up at Mrs. Mont- - .Somery’s pier, where they intend to keep her until a party is through.” Pe: “By gracious! that would be just roaring fun,” spoke up Ed Topliffe. “Fancy the Danaites footing it all- the way home to the Institute. Why, it’s a good three miles,” _ “How do you know Larry White is on board the General?” - ‘dernanded Bob, who, it must be confessed, was somewhat, taken ie with the scheme. + “Oh, I heard so.” replied Ben, indefinitely. “He's” ‘engineer en the General. Has been for more than a week.” ¥ “Are you sure?” “Positive.” , “What would we do with the phasis if we were to ‘eapture her?” “Oh, . run her across to the other side of the lake and tie Ler #0 eoinewhore on the edge ot the bcp Hy Kg % THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE <9 7) Fuller peeattrt to wish ee hadn't come at nae ; “You ean just bet it would,” exclaimed Jack Goodwin, s and I say, Bob, you owe Larry one, you know.” “Come, what do you say?” continued Ben; “shall I call up. the boys? Now is just the time to start. We can muffle our oars and be shaper befere any one gets wind of what we’re up to.” Bob still hesitated, put it was ee for a moment. The sentiment of all seemed so unanimously in favor of the plan that only at the risk of making himself unpopular could he refuse, All hands were mustered, and Ben’ 8 little scheme proposed. Of course there was no Natasa was. the aol dis- senting voice. “Well, all right. We'll try it;” he said at ions “but mind, now, not a thing must be injured. If there’s any damage done I shall be held responsible. Ten to one { shall at Hail Columbia from the governor as it is.” “And Larry White? What shall we do with him?” inquired Ben Spurr, with malicious satisfaction. “Oh, tie him up and leave him on board,” answered Bob. don’t care a fig about him.” ‘Half an hour later and five boats pulled silently awayefrom Wimble Island, propelled by muflied oars. bef CHAPTER XIIL THE ATTACK ON THE GENERAL, “Lay low, fellows—lay low! Make as little noise as possible. As long as we’ve started in this business we want to succeed.” - “What time is it, Bob?” called Ben from mie next boat. boas watch has stopped, m “Tt wants a quarter to ten. Now, look here, Ben Spurr, it : the talking can’t stop I’ll order a return to the island—you see if I don’t.” we Dry up, you fellows,” said Ben, in a sepulchral whisper, addressing himself to the boys in the boat next beyond his own, who were chattering in smothered tones. é “Tt’s strange they can’t keep quiet eyen at a time like this,” said Bob, with an angry pull at the oar. “I just wish I had Larry White with me instead of against me; that is, if he hadn’t gone and turned traitor, I mean. He’s worth a dozen Ben Spurrs any day in the week. Don’t you think so, Sam?” “Hvery time, Bob,” was the reply of Sam Gardner, spoken in the same low whisper. “As you say, it’s a pity he isn’t with us instead of against us. But a Danaite is a Danaite. Larry can’t wear your father’s colors and General Dana’s, too.” Bob did not answer. *§ ~~ He thought it just as well to pretend not to hear. ! At the bottom of his heart he liked Larry better than any boy of his acquaintance, and he was sorry that things had come about as they had. The boats moved on jin silence. , The sky, clear at sundown, was now ‘aeacunad by clouds, ‘There was not a star to be seen. pa Ws The boys were all excellent oarsmen—the boat aus to whielr nearly every student at the Academy belonged was responsible _ i i for. that—and, in spite of the darkness, made good progress, | : drawing nearer and nearer to. tis wharf at the Seven Pines | as the moments passed. Before leaving the camp they had donned their fatigue Mu jackets ' and caps, the regular uniform of the military ‘com: Wy pany, modeled after that of the famous Seventh Regiment | of New York city, being liable to attract attention even tande and in the night. * ; ey ‘The nearer they apnbacel to ‘the. steamer ‘the at a ae more. B Bob: 2
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‘steamer, and that 4 handed against the Fullerites. ‘self upward. ‘ Goodwin to the narrow projection outside the guard rail, and} half a - wp in the same ‘way: am j eae 14 It was a mean trick they were about to play, and’he knew it. ae eke once started, he wouldn’t have backed out for the world. -“We are getting awful close, Bob,” whispered Ed Topliffe, who had come alongside with the boat of which he had com- mand. “What’s the programme? We may as well settle it now.” Bob looked over his shoulder. They were, as Hd had said, very close to the steamer. Bob passed the word for all hands to lay back on their oars. “T can’t see a soul on board,” he. whispered. “Nor I,” answered Ben Spurr, who had pulled his boat glose to the cdlonel’s. “I wouldn’t wonder if Larry and all hands had gone up to the house.” “Nonsense!. Mrs. Montgomery wouldn’t give the engineer and deck hands an invitation to her party.” “Maybe not; but she might invite them to a spread in the kitchen with the servants.” “Larry White would starve before he’d accept any such invitation as that. You don’t know him as well as I do, Ben.” “Perhaps I don’t, but if he ain’t at the house where. is he? There ought to be a lookout if any rs is on board, and I can’t see a living soul.” “So much the better, then,” put aki Ed. “But how are we going to manage? We “ought to decide that before we get any nearer, I say.” “T tell you, fellows, * said Bob, “suppose we separate? One party; of which Bd Topliffe shall be the leader, can head down | the lake, working all the while toward the bows of the steamer, “while the rest of us will make directly for the wharf as though we were going to land, If there is any one on the watch they will naturally come aft to have a look at us, and as soon as they do Ed and his fellows can shoot in alongside.” “Well,.and what then?” questioned Ed. “Why, my crowd will suddenly make for the stern and be- gin to board the General. While we hold the attention of the lookout you fellows can board at the main gangway, don’t you see.” “T see that you give the lookout every chance to sound the alarm.” “No, I don’t, either. We'll be onto him before he has time to get his breath.” “T don’t think much of your scheme, Bob Fuller.” _ “Tf you haye any better one to offer, let’s have it.” “Here—here, no squabbling,” interposed Bill Wright. “Boh’s ‘Plan is as good as any. Give the word, colonel, and we'll thy. it, anyway.” The word was given, and the boats moved silently toward the General in the order arranged. Now, it happened that a lookout had been left on board the ookout was'none other than Larry White. Precisely what Ben Spurr had imagined had taken place, and Larry, too proud to eat in ee Montgomery’s kitchen, had re- mained behind alone. As luck would have it, the young engineer had gone below to “Took at his fires as the boats approached. It was while ascending to the hurricane deck again that his attention was attracted to a slight noise in the direction of the stern. _ Larry looked out upon the dake, but could see nothing. Then he hurried to the stern rail and looked down. ° To his utter amazement he heheld three boats beneath him, with half a dozen boys coming up over the guards like so any monkeys, = Fuller in the lead. e a CHAPTER XIV, THE FULLERITES IN A FIX. a White was as ‘quick as Heneatae’ The fact that he was high-strimg and ready to take offense in no. way prevented him from being one of the most active ‘boys on the lake. Bob Fuller had hold of a oe which had been carelessly left dangling over the stern of the steamer, and was drawing him- Bill Wright was being “boosted” up by Jack , dozen of ‘the pigies! fellows were helping each other / Instantly Larry. Eomprenended his” position. S Tt was no very, agreeable one, Of course he could not hope to hold the Steamer eingls. elt ANT should succeed in "capturing it—and Jost then it THE VO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE, . | It was the fact that it had been proposed by General Dana | ment’s delay.” | looked as though they might—General Dana, his new patron, pe one to suspect him of having a hand in this midnight attac ‘It was a very serious matter for Larry. After the locomotive episode, as has been already shown, Colonel Fuller meanly discharged Mr. White from the Oak- dale mills. For several days things looked black enough. The Whites were poor people, who lived from hand to mouth. To have the earnings of the head of the family thus sud- denly cut off meant starvation for Larry’s mother, his sister and little brother if something was not immediately done. “Colonel Fuller is a meaner man than I believed could pos- sibly exist,” groaned Mr. White one evening two or'three days after his discharge. “Of course I don’t blame you, my son, except for being so hasty. If you’d only stopped on the ground and tried to explain matters, all this might have been avoided. As it is, I’m sure I don't know what we are going to do.” They sat up half that night talking over the situation. When — ‘Larry went to bed at last he had, much against his inclina- tions, resolved to apply to General Dana for help. Now Larry did not like General Dana. ‘ At heart he was a Fullerite, and believed the general to be v4 mean and tyrannical. He would have much preferred to have nothing at all to do — with nim—to go West and seek his fortune—but there was in _ his case other considerations whizn could not be overlooked. — “When Larry rang the bell of the Dana mansion next’ morn- \ing it was with trembling hand and quickly beating heart. When, half an hour later, he ran down the steps and hurried — toward the lake shore to return to his home in the Fox, he felt = himself the happiest boy in all Oakdale. He had been received by the great man of Hamden with much cordiality. “ “Puller is an ass,” the general had said, when Larry related x his story. “Joe has told me all about it, my boy, and 1 know — how deeply he has wronged you both. Look here, I want a : smart young fellow to be engineer on the General. How would A you like the job?” “I’d like it first rate, sir, if it would only pay enough, ” Te. plied Larry, with some hesitation. “You see,” my father i lost his place in the mill, and——” ss “What! Has that hound discharged your father?” roared — the general. “Upon my soul, that is too isk hearers ies any- 8 thing. I hadn’t heard of that.” ; “It’s a fact, sir. Until father gets work I Pig Baek they 4 whole family on my hands, and——” “Pshaw! Nonsense! Your father has a situation now,” } spluttered General Dana. “I’ll give him a hundred dollars a month to. work for me in the Hamden Woolen Mills. Send — 'him'right over, Larry, and as for yourself, you shall have two dollars a day to run the engine of the General, and a chance to attend the Institute beside.” : Lae 4 So it was settled. , ? Next day Mr. White went to orl An the eats mill, while Larry found himself in charge of tie engine of the General— be a position of which he had every right to be proud. ies And it was the thought of all this which flashed across : Larry’s mind as he beheld Bob Fuller and his Company irs the boats. t Resistance was not to be thought of. Re If he was to save the General, he had not an instant to lose. 4 Now, Larry knew that which Bob did not. & ps > ey to use the General that evening to take all present at. Mrs Montgomery’s party for a sail on the lake. ti Hyen now the Institute boys were on their way down to the little pier at which the steamer lay, and if he could only delay matters for a moment, and make his desperate rare known, Larry was well aware that he would have assistance i plenty, and to spare. , f Without wasting a second, ‘the, boy sprang away from th rail and rushed for the pilot-house. Toot! toot! toot! Toot!.toot! toot! . Loud and shrill sounded the Cipnetay's whistle sd the si a night air. Toot! toot! toot! ‘Toot! toot! toot! The whistle sounded again as Hd mae and the oth came ovyer.the rail at the steamer’s waist. . At the same instant from the other side of the Generat-the. A side toward the wharf—a wild shout was heard, and the Insti- — tute fellows ¢ame tearing down the hill on the dead run, *Great flapjacks! this settles us,” whispered Jack Goodw “We'd better get back to the boats a eae boys, weed “tne psf “Not much!” ‘shouted Bob. “
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steamer, and I, for one, mean that we shall have it. Lay | around on the other side, boys! Give it to the Danaites if they try to board! There’s time enough yet to cast off the lines, and I’m the man for that!” “Hey, Joe—Joe!” Larry was heard to shout. “Be quick! Pirates! I'm boarded by the Fullerites!: Come on—come on!” “Confusion! ayound to the other side of the steamer. “Ba, you look to cast- ; ing off the lines. I'll tackle Larry.. He understands the engine, » and I don’t—at least, I don’t want to attempt to run it! He » must be captured or the jig is up.” Bob rushed toward the pilot-house just in time to see Larry emerging from the door, while Hd Topliffe leaped upon the wharf and began casting off the lines, He had barely time to accomplish his purpose when the Danaites, with Joe at their head, appeared on the wharf. “Here! hold on there! What in thunder are you fellows trying to do?” yelled Joe Dana, springing forward. £d saw him coming, and realized his danger. Without wasting an instant he leaped back on board the steamer, which, propelled by the wind blowing strongly off shore, had already began to drift away from the wharf, “Ha, ha, ha! ‘Three groans for Joe Dana!” he yelled, as he gained the deck. ‘ He was just in time. ' Even now the distance between the steamer and the wharf had become so great that any attempt on the part of the Dana- ites to repeat Ed’s experiment would have been useless. Groans, hisses and derisive shouts filled the air as the steamer continued to drift farther and farther away. a “Tll make you fellows pay for this. I'll have you all ar- rested!” bawled Joe Dana, running up and down the wharf shouting like a lunatic. “Come back with that steamer, wili you, Larry? Hey, Larry! what the mischief are you about?” As for the remainder of the Institute fellows, they could do nothing but stare stupidly. The steamer was moving, and they could not stop her. Then some one shouted out something about boats, and all hands made a dart for Mrs. Montgomery’s boat-house, which, as luck would have it, was a good quarter of a mile down the shore. “Look here, Ned, this won't do!” exclaimed Jack Goodwin. “Sdme one has got to get into the engine room. Where’s Bob? What in thunder is the fellow thinking of, I'd like to know?” 4 “He went on deck to capture Larry. Hasn’t he come back?” 7 “No, he hasn’t. Go up and see what’s the matter with him, will you?” i i Topliffe Sarted ‘for the deck. Aga matter of course half the boys followed him. TT e surprise and consternation of all, not a trace of either Bob Fuller or Larry White could be found. “Maybe they ran down in the engine-room,” suggested Bill Wright. ‘Then came a grand rush below. They found the engine-room wholly deserted. A thorough search of every nook and corner failed to Hind) any light wpon the mystery. “He must have gone overboard,” said Jack Goodwin, hol- ‘Jowly. “And a mighty bad Job it is, for Bob can’t swim a stroke.” Meanwhile the General had moved a long distance away from the wharf, ‘The boys were adrift without captain, pilot, or engineer. “Tt’s all Ben Spurr’s fault,” said Ed Topliffe, at last. “There " ain’t one of us who knows the first blessed thing about an en- ' gine, and just like as not Bob is drowned=-he! S got us all into a pretty fix.” But where was Ben? 4 ; Now’for the first time the boys noticed his absence. } And propelled by the force of the wind the General con- ‘tinued to drift across the lake. ' CTE 4 y: ; ., r aif CHAPTER XY. Le Reyes, x LARRY SAVES BOB FULLER’S LIFE. But what, meantime, had become of Bob Fuller? _ Leaving the members of Company B to take to the boats— : which, most fortunately, had been made fast to the steamer at the time of boarding—let us follow their captain and learn *g _ what had caused his disappearance just. at ie be when he was ‘wanted most, : tre 9 nis oor of the pilot-house. THE TWO SCHOOLS AT |he demanded, stiffly. This won’t do!” cried Bob, as the boys dashed Yet, in less than a moment, Larry was le to. make out st iG; dark ‘object to be nothing ] Jess tha: ie Bom, Fu ler’s” head. _ Larry eto himself face to face with | Bob as he emerged 15. “OAKDALE, : He saw at a glance that there was trouble at hand. — “See here, what do you fellows want on board this steamer?” “T never thought, Bob wichineied je: Beer you engaged in any such mean business as this.” Bob turned as red as a turkey cock. “Larry White, you are my prisoner,” he said, denies: “Company B has captured the General, and we are going to have a little fun with her. Go down into the engine-room and be ready to start her when I give you the bell. si “I shan’t do anything of the sort—-do you think I’m crazy?” “It don’t make any difference what I think—it’s what I say ‘that concerns you. A traitor has no ee it to think. You do just as I tell,you—do you understand?” “Joe! Joe!” shouted Larry, making a dash for the rail on the side nearest to the wharf. — But Bob was too quick for him. Flinging himself upon Larry—it was at the very instant that Ed Topliffe took his dangerous leap—he seized the young en- gineer by the waist and flung him to the deck. “Do what you’re told!” he hissed, his temper mastering him completely. “Mind, now, don’t you'sing out like that again. ie But Larry was to be cowered by no such threats. He was on his feet in an instant. The next, he found himself grappling with Bob Fuller in a rough-and-tumble fight, “Let go of me, confound you!” shouted Bob, finding that his antagonist was likely to get the ‘best of him. “Let €0,. unless you want to get hurt,” In their scuffle the boys had neaniedt their way up to the rail on the lake side of the steamer, and Bob, who had lost all control of himself, now crowded Larry hard against it and en: deavored to push him over into the lake. “Look out! Look out! You'll have me overboard!” cried Larry. ° “T don’t care. I’ll throw you over it. you. don’t let go my coat! us Bob’s sentence remained uncompleted, for, at ‘that instant the rail, which was but a flimsy affair at best, suddenly gave way, and before either of the boys had time to realize what had happened they were floundering in the lake. Fortunately they struck clear of the boats of the Pidlisniten and both immediately sank beneath the surface of the water,. Larry was the first to rise to the surface, Knowing Bob as he did, he was, of course, aware. that he was unable to swim a stroke. In an instant all thought of anger, all desire for revenge, had vanished from the breast of the generous boy, who, at the bot- tom of his heart was quite as fond of Bob Fuller as that hot- headed youth was of him. It was a wretchedly dark night. E {f the moon, or even the stars, had shone ie imitetit have been different. As it was, Larry could see nothing of Bob at all. He could hear the groans of the Fullerites and glen me of the Danaites. He could see the General drifting off shore with the wind, the boats of the Oakdale Academy Rifles trailing after her. Means of speedy telet for Larry, had he chosen to avail him- self of them, and swim’to the nearest boat, leaving poor Bob to his fate. It is entirely unnecessary for us to Hak tie Larry did noth- ing of the sort. : “Bob, Bob, Bob!” he shouted. “Where ate you? Hold your- . self quiet in the water and hollo.. I’ll save you if I can!” Possibly it was the shouting and groaning of the rival stud- ents which prevented#Larry’s cry from being heard. At all events there was no answer. “Man overboard! - Help, some one, help!” yelled Larry, Me swimining frantically about, looking this way and’ that, but | seeing nothing of his former friend. ‘ “God help him! I’m afraid he’s gone!” breathed Larry, ete hoarsely. “What hee I do? I can get to the shore any tim oP ; If I go for help Bob may drown, and—ah! ‘What was that? io “Larry! Larry! Save me! Save me!” . ng Sr It was from away off to the left, in the direction of the isl- and that cry ‘reached his ears. ie Without pausing even to call again for help, the brave fel low, utterly regardless of any possible danger to himselt, threw all the strength he possessed into a powerful side troke, ; forcing himself rapidly ahead. “Bob! Bob! are’ you there?” he called, as he found himsett a nearing a dark object. ap One j Strange enough, there was_ ‘no answer. [-—— ee es: ae poor 2x ‘was alingtig:
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16 SEES THE PWO- $Bi001s Ab OAKDALE. “Bob! Why don’t you answer ms? J’ll be with you in a sec- ond. Hold on! Hold—— Great Heavens! He is gone!” _ dnstinctively Larry seemed to comprehend the situation, and without the slightest hesitation sprang upward, turned a half somersault and disappeared beneath the surface of the lake. When, a moment later, the brave fellow came to the sur- face again, his left hand clutched Bob Fuller’s neck, holding , the drowning boy from him at arm’s length, while shouting for help with all the strength of his lungs. But, for a most fortunate occurrence it is altogether doubt- ful whether Larry would Rave succeeded in accomplishing his purpose, for Bob, now recovered, from his fainting spell, was struggling viciously. Indeed, he was about ready, to give up in despair, when just at that instant the sound of oars was heard behind him, and his ears met an answer to his ery: , “What is the row over there?” Larry recognized the voice instantly. It was Ben Spurr. ; At the first sign of trouble the cowardly fellow had deserted his companions on the General, and, leaping into one of -the boats, cast off the line and started for the island with all possi- - ble speed. “Tt is. Bob! He is drowning!” shouted barr: “Quick! quick! Ben Spurr, if you want to save his life!” Ben pulled the boat alongside immediately, and with Larry's help Bob was drawn almost unconscious into the boat. “Ain’t you: going to get in yourself?” growled Ben, surlily, as Larry began swimming away. | “Not much! I wouldn’t disgrace myself by sitting in the same boat with a liar like you, Ben Spurr,” was Larry’s sole response. ,_ And, throwing himself upgn his side, he coolly struck for the shore. The Fullerites upon disco¥ering that Bob was actually not to be found on board the steamer, had hastened to take to the boats and leave her to her fate. When last seen, the General was drifting Lenneagiy over to- ward the woods on the Oakdale shore of the lake. As for the Danaites, nothing had been seen of them at all.) Of course there was great rejoicing over the rescue of their leader, and the next day at noon Company B broke camp and returned to Oukdale without having ascertained the fate of the General, which was nowhere to be seen when morning dawned. It was a glorigus day, and all Oakdale turned out to greet them. AS, the little dompany marched through Main street in their _ handsome gray uniforms and helmets, with drums beating and flags flying, half the population turned out to welcome them, ' which, was quite the proper thing to do, seeing that Captain _Bob’s father owned the town. . The street was fairly lined with people. ‘Pretty girls filled the windows, waving their handkerchiefs, while men, women and children crowded each other at the curb, shouting themselves hoarse. Bob, who was expecting a most unmerciful lecture from his father, if nothing worse, felt his spirits rise at all this friendly demonstration, when suddenly a man_ darted out from among , the crowd, gis planted himself directly in front of the moving line. _ Bob felt his heart leap into his throat, The man was Captain Coats, the constable. é “Tm very sorry, Bob,” he said, as the captain of the Com; - pany B gave the command to halt, “but you'll haye to come with me, I’ve been watching for you all the morning. Gen- . eral Dana has been before the magistrate, and made:a charge aot pay wa you, and I hold a warrant for your arrest..” We ree } eS : “CHAPTER XVI. THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE, OF THE GENERAL, Larry White, after refusing the proffered assistance ‘of, Ben nee turned his back on the boat, as we have seen, and struck out boldly for the wharf. Pes 4 He had no difficulty in vaseline at ; ‘The boy was a perfect water-dog, and quite ag much at home ; ah the lake as he was on it, which is saying a ‘great deal. ‘The wharf was apparently deserted as he, swam, alongside. onrusten.. were ee to ne a ot see service, i ci 4 Clambering up to the top by aid of a little, ‘stationary ladder i himself free of | better oy as iat you can, about. it for I. “Larry; at last! ” ried ies Dana, auanduainn fuaatiass on. the long boat for the time being. “Now we'll know something ~ about this business. I thought Larry hadn’t turned traitor, es some of you fellows suggested. He isn’t one of that cB ie It did) not take Larry long to tell his story: ee By the time he had tinished he found himself a hero. “By thunder! I wish I’d been with you,” cried Joe Dana “It’s. a downright shame, that’s what itis. If we'd only be a minute sooner and got on board the General, we'd hay shown the Fullerites what we were made of, and——” “And we'll show ’em yet,” said Larry, eagerly. “Bob Ful ter 4 wwill make straight for the camp on Wimble Island. ‘There ain't one of the Academy boys beside him that knows anything about an engine, If we can only manage to overhaul the Gen- eral we'll give them Jesse yet.” sia so. We might if it wasn’t for this. confoimded boat.” “What ails the boat?” , aa 7 ei ; “She leaks like a sieve.” ; : ’*“Here, let me. tackle, her,” éxelainged Larry. “Send some ohe up to Mrs. Montgomery’s to tell them there will be no ex: cursion ‘to-night, and we'll sal at once. I'll manage, to. keep the old tub afloat.” \ It was done. Ten minutes later and the leaky de boat shot out upon - the lake pulled by Joe Dana, Hen Ricker, George Moore, and three other of the dnstitute fellows, while Larry, seated in the ~ stern, did double duty as _[¢oxswein and chief. bailer. of. the . wretched craft,/” pie, P A “Tt was all they could Ae iy: Deen ean The hoat could carry no greater load in safety, and, m ge against his will, Joe Dana had been obliged to leave the Ja ‘ part of his force behind. és “T tell you what it is, father will be as ana asa Row when he hears about this,” said Joe, as they pulled alo: “The General cost a pile of money, and if anything happens i her there’ll be the tallest kind of a row between him and’ ol i uller. Bet lh pelo it hot for them, you can the bet.” i a 7 od basis “T don’t see how he ean, Larry. “YT tried to, Joe.” » “Vm gure of it. -anything of her?” “She’s drifting over toward. the Hen’ “You don’t say so. She’ll go on the r Those feNows are aspack of fools.” “IT dontt more than half believe they are still “on ai Larry, after peering off upon the lake intently for at 10 Pe ments. “I can't make ott any, figures moving about and I ought behind the lights.”, “Oh, no, It’s too far.” You couldn't see them even it were there.” “T saw them just patere we started. Hello! . matter now?” “What is it?” asked Joe, haietrinit on His oar. I’ lwo Ae ' “The lights have all gone out.” J t “By gracious! So ‘they have. where.” - Larry was greatly perplexed. ,Theré was a mystery about’ the sudden extinguishing of steamer’s lights that he failed to understand. - The wind had now increased toa gale, and the night grow darker than ever. Bee It was all the young ehigineer could manage ‘to keep the bo bailed out, and for the others, they had their hands full at oars. Little more was said, therefore, until the group Dd islands known as the Hen, and Beige biptiah in — Where’s the, ne nh what's the I can’t ‘sée the steamer inly- looking anxiously behind him. 5 “Not a thing, Joe, ine I thought I heard the noise ° dles.a while ago.” . te “No, that can’t be possible. Without Pee Pur hos lows would never dare to start her.” ne. gels going, It’s my opinion that He ae un to Wimble Island. One thing is certain—she ain’t hehe ~ “Perhaps she’s. drifted behind the Hen and. Chigk=ne ~ “Pull around and we'll soon see,” answered La : lives" the’ boys 0 x the wooded ns: for am Fle ht as” Spe
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' deal surprised. By this time the boat had begun to leak so badly that it took [growing on the bank over there! right here?” two to keep it bailed out. “'They’ve run her over, to Wimble Island,” said Joe Dana, at last. THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. “You were right, Larry, and I was wrong. The island | heading the boat for the shore. R Hy : aa ie Can’t you put me on shore “It’s the very place I aoedsl landing,” answered Larry; “And now I want you to ex- is where she is, but we can’t follow her in this miserable tub.|cuse me for a few moments, Miss Minnie. While you are gath- Some one’s going to sweat for this. Seven Pines. CHAPTER XVII. MORE MYSTERY. Come, let’s head for the| ering the flowers I am going to leave you. I'll be back very We've got to be spry about it, too, unless. we} soon.” ‘want to swim the best part of the way.” “Where are you going?” “Ah, that’s a secret!” “But it isn’t polite for gentlemen to have a ‘secret where ladies are concerned.” “Stay here a few moments, I may pe a surprise for you. Tl explain everything when I return.” ‘And leaving his fair companion paiva the flowers, Larry hurried away. He was gone longer than he intended, half an hour having a “Well, I’ve fixed him, Joe,” said General Dana, as he came} elapsed, in fact, before he returned to the place where he had stamping down upon the little pier in front of ‘the Hamden | left the boat. Institute, on the afternoon following the loss of the steamer. As he ran along the shore Larry’s countenance wore a look | Joe and Larry were getting up steam on board the Minnie, }of mingled triumph and concern. while on the pier stood the fair girl for whom the launch was named, surrounded by a crowd of the Institute fellows, each tion of every student in the school. It had been proposed at first that Larry should accompany the party and take charge of the engine, but just before Gen- eral Dana started for’Oakdale to interview the justice of the: peace, Larry came to him and asked to be excused. “Why, what’s the matter?” the general had asked, a good . “J want to go across the lake and explore the Oakdale bluffs,” answered Larry. “I don’t believe the Academy boys i ,~ would dare to attenipt to run the General through Crooked . 4 t Pass into the upper lake.” ' “You don’t imagine she’s ashore under the bluffs?” “IT don’t suppose shé can be, sir, or we gould see her with glass,” “Why, bless your soul we don’t need a glass, boy, Joe and I ‘were ali along the line of the bluffs this morning; don’t you sup ose we'd have seem the steamer if she had been there?” till I think T had better g0, general,’ a “But I don’t understand your reason.” “Larry’made no answer. It was quite evident that whatever might be his reason for desiring to make another examination of the bluffs, he pro- posed to keep it to himself, General Dana saw this, and raised no further objection. “Go if you want to, Larry, 2 he said, “but if you must go, I wish. you'd postpone your trip until afternoon, and then go in ‘my “sailboat and take Minnie with you. She has been just crazy to go over to Oakdale bluffs and gather wild flowers. I promised that some of the boys should take her, but they are mostly poor Sailors, and J’d rather trust her with you.” + It is wholly’ unnecessary to state that Larry assented with readiness. Notwithstanding the difference in their social positions, the | hasn't taken the trouble to show it, and——” es bie ii young engineer was by no meams unsusceptible to the charms of Minnie Dana, and he agreeable than to aa the lake. During the school session which followed Larry could think | of nothing else. He longed for the afternoon to come. her as a companion on his trip across lows steamed away for difficulty in getting the boat across the lake at all. He was able to accomplish it, however, and in less than an|gomery? You don’t mean toPinsinuate that my bos hour they had reached the Oakdale shore,’ “Wouldn't it be funny if we were to happen to find the steamer?” said Minnie, as Larry brought the boat about. “It would be just what I want, Miss Minnie, and I don’t mind! that I mean the steame » telling: you it is just what I expect to do,” “ : _. “But father and Joe were here this morning.” © oe “I know that.”, ‘ “Tf the steamer is hots ithey ought to have found her. ¥ <s “Tt seems they didn’t. The fact is, neither your father nor Joe know ‘Lake Corrina as well as I do. I don’t say we ‘shall | ihe General. I say I hope to—that’s all.” ‘But we can see a the way down t shore wharf. It d ossible | saying when you both talk together. It had come now, and as General Dana and the Institute fel-| against my son? Speak up, man! To his surprise Minnie Dana was nowhere visible. The boat was gone, too, and in its stead Larry beheld, drawn ~ trying to do the agreeable, for Minnie Dana was the admira-|up upon the sand, a smaller craft, which he instantly . recog: nized as belonging to the Fullerites. what could it mean? t ——L CHAPTER XVIII. BOB FULLER GOES IN SEARCH OF THE RENERAL: “Halt!” cried Bob Fuller, as he eines | tl of the words addressed to him by the constable. He might as well have ordered them to break ranks, for all’ e meaning — a| discipline was at an end in an instant, and Company B, break- ing ranks without. waiting for orders, pressed about the con- stable in great indignation. ; “It's a shame!” shouted Ed Topliffe. “Might have waited until we had got to the academy, t oe Wd Gardner. “Bob ain’t a tramp. He can be found when he’s. wanted, 1 guess.” “Three groans for Captain Coats!” yelled a voice from the crowd, and the groans were given with a hear he that showed just how everybody felt. 3 “Run him through, you fellers. You’ye got hi good are you if you can’t fight?” roared a ¥ throng which had now gathered about the youn; It was bad advice, but it might have been folfo Colonel Fuller at the same instant elbowed his sé¢ene of action. wr ashe “Bob, what does all this mean?” ‘the great 1 man) ‘of Oakdale demanded, angrily. “Captain Coats, are you aware that hago are interfering with my son?” “Beg pardon, colonel, but, you see——” x “He says he’s got a warrant for my arrest, tather, but BS" Both Bob and the constable began their explanatit ould not. imagine any situation more gether, which resulted in confusion worse confounded. Ae hee Fuller atenyed them sited an impatient gesture of e hand. “stop—stop! I can’t understand a word either of you are. a Coats what's the charge _ If you’ve interfered with | Crooked Pass in the launch, Larry as-|him without good cause, by ginger! you shall suffer forsit— sisted Miss Minnie into the pretty sailboat which lay on the don’t you forset that.” Be = ' opposite side of the little pier. i The day was perfect, ‘and the surface of the lake as calm as: stable, sulkily. - a mill pond on a summer ’s evening, There was scarce wind enough to fill thedsail, in fact, and in| night on the lake as she lay at Mrs. Mongomiery's the hands ef one less skillful than Larry there would have been | now she ¢ can’t be. found nowhere,” “IT am doing my duty, Colonel Fuller, i answered ~ “Your boy has been up to mischie them young rascals turned the steamer Genera “Who? you old idiot!” roared the hanteaal way with the old hag.” ys “Softly, softly, colonel. ‘There’s fmore flies ‘lasses than there is with vinegar. You know well en not Mrs. Montgomery. She can’ be found nowhere, and Gdaerar Dana has sworn out a warra ‘agin your. boy for piracy, that's a Ble 13/5 '“Pish! Pshaw! Nonsense! ;” blustered Colonel’ Fuller. a pirate! Why, it’s perfectly ridiculous. Co handed ship stealer, ana tell me what ce It was hard ; to ee whether. the t
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~ 18 THE TWO fore the assembled crowd. This Colonel Fuller intended, per- | ‘haps, for a punishment—perhaps did it from sheer want of; thought. He had, as it happened, heard nothing of the loss of the General, and when Bob told his story—and he told it truth- fully, giving no names and blaming only hiniself—his father saw at a glance that he had become tay aired in a very serious atfair. “And you, have no idea ‘ene became of the steamer after the boys deserted her?” he questioned. _ “None whatever,” answered Bob. toward the Hen and Chickens when they took to the boats. As for myself, I didn’t see her after Larry pulled me out of the water, for the fact is, I was just about half dead.” “Confound that Larry White! of his debt?” muttered Colonel Muller. Then aloud: “See here, Coats, I’ll be responsible for your prisoner. Get a boat from my mill, and you and I will go up the lake and look for the steamer, with Bob along with us. Ed Topliffe, take command of Company B and march them back to the Acad- emy at once.” ; “Waal, look-er-here; I don’t. know as this thing is reg’lar,” demurred the constable. “I suppose I ought, by rights. to take Bob to the lock-up, and-——” “What? You take my son to the lock-up? Try it, Coats, and as sure as I’m a living man I’ll oust you from your office if it takes every cent i’m worth. Do/as I tell you if you know which side- your bread is buttered—now you understand.” Captain Coats yielded, though reluctantly. To be sure the law was supposed to prevaiilin Oakdale as well as in the rest of the world, but it was generally understood that Colonel Fuller’s will was superior to it, however. The result was what might have been expected. - Company B, under the command of Ed Topliffe, eewoltea back to the Academy tolerably well satisfied that there’ were _. stormy times ahcad; while Bob Fuller and his father hurried _ down to the lake ghore and boarded the small boat which Cap- tain Coats brought around from the mill. “Now, then, you young rascal,” cried the colonel, as Bob |’ pushed off from the shore, “you'll find that steamer whether “she’s above water or below it, if you have.to keep on. hunting for the next five years.” Bob thought it wiser to méke no reply, and the boat shot down the shore headed for the very spot where Larry landed a few moments later on. The distance was soon covered. As the boat rounded a little point and came in sight of the place where Larry had left Minnie Dana to gather wild flowers, _ the stillness was suddenly broken by a piercing scream. “Look! look!” cried Bob, pointing toward the stretch of 'plack beneath the biuffs. “It is a woman struggling between twomen. They are trying to force her into a boat.” i Colonel Fuller and the constable turned their gaze in the _ direction indicated. j Close down at the water’s edge two rough-looking fellows could be seen dragging a young girl between them toward a sail-boat which had been drawn upon the shore. “Pull! Pull!” shouted the colonel, as scream after scream “T don’t care who she - broke from the lips of the terrified girl! Look! is, she’s a woman, and——- By George! they see us! They are making for the top of the bluffs!” It was precisely as Colonel Fuller had said.. Catching sight of the approaching boat the two ruffians had - released their hold upon the shrieking girl, and, running to- ward the bluffs, now began to scramble up the rocks ye all possible haste. et be girl, ‘ceasing her outcry, fell apparently lifeless upon the. sand. Bob and Captain Coats plied their oars vigorously. » +“) swan! if it ain’t Dana’s gal!” exclaimed the latter, as the keel of the skiff grated on the beach. “It is, by Jerusalem! ' and she’s either dead or fainted. What in the world rae _ brought her over here?”., \ - The two men had by this time succeeded in gaining ihe ai of the bluffs, and disappeared among the trees. “Follow them, Bob!” shouted Colonel, Fuller. “Don’t let them escape you. Coats, Ses go, too, and leave the girl to Tae. z f “But she may be dena: my “No, no, she has only. fainted. Be spry, now, doth of you. If ou can’t overhaul them in any other way, you'll be fully jus- jn shooting them down in their tracks.” in t ‘SCHOOLS “She was drifting off; Am I never going to get out | AT OAKDALE. a ies “CHAPTER XIX: He LARRY’S SECRET. In all probability there was not a boy in Oakdale who knew Lake Corrina better than Larry White. To be sure Lake Corrina was “no great shakes alongside of Ontario,” as Bob Fuller had once remarked when some one was running down the lake and calling it a one-horse affair; nevertheless, it had a circumference of many miles; and, to quote Bob again, could “fairly hold its own against any of ‘the smaller lakes of New. York State, if it was not as big as Erie, ~ Ontario, or Huron.” ; Proud of his superior knowledge, as most boys under the circumstances naturally would be, Larry felt loth to expose his secrets unless it proved absolutely necessary so to do. When he left his fair companion among the wild flowers Larry had not expected to be absent more than ten minutes at. the most. , - Pushing his way through a clump of alders, here growing close down to the water’s edge, the boy hurried toward a thickly wooded point just ahead of him, which projected some little distance out into the lake. Rounding this point, he found himself. at once in the midst ‘of a thicket so dense that he could tage force his way through it. The bluffs, though still rising to a considerable height above his head, had ceased to present the fortress-like appearance — that they did on the other side of the point, but were covered with an almost impenetrable growth of white birch and maple, with horse brier and other brambles between. |. Observed from the lake, unless one was close on Allerg the line of green seemed unbroken. Yet when Larry reached a certain point he discovered hetore him a break in the shore line, a narrow opening of not.over — thirty feet, almost hfiden by the overhanging branches of the - trees on either side, and leading back among, the hills. This was Larry's "secret. Probably there were not twenty persons in the town of Oak- - dale who knew that any such thing had existence; yet ata | short distance from its mouth this hidden. channel widened out into a broad basin, surrounded on three sides by ‘the bluffs: ; Turning abruptly, Larry continued to push his way through the undergrowth at SLngHSs with some definite purpose in view. “Tt must be here,” ” he said aloud. “The Pullerites would never have dared to run it through Crooked Pass without Bob to help them, and I’m as sure as one can be sure of anything that Bob—— By George! I knew*l was tight! If there ain’t the smokestack now! ” Sure enough! There was the’ smokestack of a small epee rising above the trees just ahead of him. Larry had found the General in the hidden basin Paneth: the bluffs. But how came the steamer there? That was the quest on. Larry felt certain that it was not the work of the Fuller tes; and the reader is well aware that he was quite right. f The steamer could never have drifted into the narrow chan-_ nel, that was certain. Yet there she lay under the bluffs; resting upon the catty surface of the basin, to all appearances deserted and un- — harmed, Some one had made the bow hawser fast to a tree, and as Larry emerged from’ the undergrowth and come out upon the. little beach alongside which the steamer lay, he at once dis- covered evidences that at least two men had been on the ‘spot, Et for there were the marks of their feet in the sand. He could see.no one on board the steamer; nor as BY paused and listened could he hear a sound. ' “T knew it!” muttered the boy, triumphantly. . “T ‘was cer=- : tain that I should find the General here. Well, I’ve got to’ ae. ne away the secret of my fishing hole now, and it can’t be helped; but who brought her in here?’. That’s what beats me. RS: ¥ Larry hurried along the beach. While the stern of the General as she 16%, wad thaccessibie,.” ie the port gangway was so close to the shore that he had no diffi- culty in reaching it without any worse penalty than wetting his feet. fs Leaping upward he managed Bas get hold: of ‘the: rail and easily climbed on board. A few moments’ hurried search satisfied the boy that b agi was Se alone. There was no one to pe aiscoversa: in ‘the’ ‘cabins ‘or on ¢ fir rés ben the e boile eens aij Ln while hat po ae raised the ‘unconscious: hone aie of | the cus ie ee was. deserted and t n r oe FS
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- i P + tT ules “ay 1 A z Seay THE TWO SCHOOLS AT Sea pape tA ites had been on board the steamer, for scattered about. the main deck were cigar stumps-and several empty bottles. Larry entered the pantry and store-room and found that both had been thoroughly ransacked. The wine bin had been opened, too, and a considerable part of its contents abstracted; some one had helped themselves | freely to the stock of provisions, and had shown no scruples im the matter of General Dana’s private stock of choice cigars, Leaving the state-room, Larry hurried to the. office, where stood a little safe in which General Dana sometimes kept a little money and the books and papers relating to the steamer’s affairs. Here his’ worst fears were realized, for the safe hhad been pried open—it was but a cheap afiair—and its contents scat- tered about the floor, ; “Whose work is this?” exclaimed the astonished boy in dis- may. “But I mustn’t stay here wasting time. The steamer must be got out, and I can’t do it alone. My! but won’t Gen+| eral Dana be wild when he sees this!” Leaping on shore, Larry hurried back to the place where he had left Minnie and the boat. As we have seen he found neither the one nor the other. There was no trace of Minnie Dana’s presence, and in the place of the neat little sail-boat in which they had come over from Hamden, a little skiff, which Larry knew to nists ae ® Colonel Fuller, lay up upon the beach. For an instant he stood staring at the skiff stupidly. ‘Where was Minnie? What had happened? What—— “W-h-e-e-e-w! ” : Away back on the bluff came a shrill whistle. Then a voice, shouting: “This way, Cap! This way! There they go! making, for Otter Creek!” , They are ~~ CHAPTER XX.. A CHASE THROUGH THE Woops. Larry in an instant pion the Shouts as being in Bob Fuller’s voice. Whatever had happened to Minnie, Bob then must be in some way concerned in it. Without pausing to reason further; Larry ran to the bluffs .,and scrambled to the top. “There was nothing to be seen of Bob, nor had he expected - there, would be, since the country was thickly wooded here- about, ~ Off in the direction of the “duck tela in which lay the .. steamer, Larry could hear a cracking among the underbrush, _ and, running forward, presently had the satisfaction of seeing Captain Coats, the Oakdale constable, floundering along among the bushes at a little distance in advance. “That you, Larry?” he exclaimed, as the ‘boy came running up te him. “Lord! how you startled me! ‘Bob Fuller and me - 4s chasing two scoundrels what attacked Minnie Dana, and I’m blest if I didn’t think. you were one of them when I heard _ you coming.” “What do you mean?” demanded Larry, in no little japrar “Minnie Dana attacked? Who did it? Who——” i “Hello! By gracious, is that you, Larry?” came Bob’s voice, breaking suddenly in upon them. Say, did Minnie Dana come over here with you?” “Yes, yes. Where is she?” .*“Down on the shore with father.” “No, she ain’t.” “Then he’s taken her home. But look here, Larry, there’s no . time to be wasted in talking. The scoundrels are right over _ there, heading for Otter Creek station on the railroad. W: must head them off or they’ll catch the down train for Peter- boro and make their escape.”: x “Did you see them?” ’ j “Yes, only a minute ago.” “Go for them, boys!” shouted the constable, and ali three dashed on through the woods at the top of their speed. As they ran Bob briefly explained the situation, . “It must be the same fellows that captured the General, ‘ \. eried Larry, in great excitement. _ Minnie alone. Heavens! I belieye V’d die if any harm had come etiptoher:” ce “J don’t believe they had time to injure her,” was Bob’s ~~ answer}. “but say, Larry, what about the General? Do you know where she is?” “Yes, indeed. Down in the duck hole off there to BBG right.” ot — *You beta mean ate tod f ‘}the stream. \§ to understand that there’s going to be trouble about-—’ “Yd no business to leave} | idiot! * bellowed be a Fuller, giving way to his fice 't go “But I do, sHousb) and what's more, the safe has been broken $ open, and goodness only knows how much money stolen.” , . “Larry, you don’t suppose for an instant that I had any hand in this business?” — : “TI don’t know what to think, Bob.” “Well, don’t you think that, for it ain’t within miles of tie: truth. I went back to ‘the island with Ben Spurr, and hee Aas all the boys there when I reached it. They took to the boats” as. TOU as they found I was gone.” “You’d no business to attempt to meddle with the steainor .. in the first place.” . ies SO, Larry, but it ant be helped now. Didn’t. come near paying for it?” : “And you would if it hadn “Tf it hadn’t been for you. weak it out, Larry. Pl admit I owe you my life, and I mean to square accounts with you a ‘as soon as this business is settled.” “There’s only one way you can square accounts with me, Bob Fuller.” “What do you mean? If father don’t do something hand- “Hey, boys! There they go! There. they go! Head off the scoundrels, for there comes the Peterboro train!” They had all emerged from the woods now and had come out upon the summit of a treeless hill, at the foot of which stretched a broad meadow, with a small stream running through it and the track of the new railroad lying just be- yond. Fs Captain Coats had gained upon Bob and Larry considerably, and.as he shouted the boys caught sight of two roughly- dressed fellows putting across the meadow for all they were worth, heading for Otter Creek station, which lay just across Sure enough! As the constable had said there was the down train for Peterboro just coming in sight round the curve. at ae dashed the boys in the wake of Hebi Coats down the “We can’t eta em! We can’t ketch ‘em!” panted the con- stable. “They’ll be at the station in two minutes, and that'll settle it. I’m going to blaze away at ’em, boys—here goes!” — “Do you recognize them?” queried Bob,, jas they ran. “Don’t know ’em from a side of sole leather, ” answered the a constable, “butthey’ll know me afore I get through with ’ 7em. ie. “ Bang! Bang! 3 “Take that, you rascals! ketch the train,” ‘some for you I’llI——” Thunder! V’ve missed! ‘iuey il i i; 7 CHAPTER XXI._ Efe A ROW ALL AROUND. $ “What are you doing on my weaee sir?” a labored under the impression that this was a public whari, sir.” “Then allow me to inform you of your mistake, sir. This wharf is my property. You have no right to tie your boat Ds here—no right even to cross the wharf without my consent.” “T haven’t hitched my boat to your wharf.” “TI say you have. Can’t I see it—do you think I’m blind?” “I repeat I have not hitched my boat to your wharf, Gen-— d eral Dana,” answered Colonel Fuller, struggling to maintain _ Ye an unrufiled exterior; “and as to the matter of your Ss sight, it is one of perfect indifference to me. To be ses don’t care whether yeu are blind or not.” “What's that? Do you mean to insult me?” roared re eral. “I’d have you to understand, sir, that my eyesight good as yours, sir. Ke “Tt ain’t good enough to permit you to know your own property, then. The boat I hitched to this wharf was. you own, not mine, General Dana, and——” “What, what! Your brat of a boy stole my steam not satisfied with that you try to steal my boat. g VEL Ne er, @ Vil have yo “But permit me to explain, my dear sir,” began the colon his face flushing and his voice rising toa PAE RGY dhe your boat because——” . as Jones you! Not much. Ill go before the ee ae — ; have 2 warrant sworn out against you for stealing! I'll g0 ” r = ee 9 het Re ee “Qh, go to blazes aon get your warrants, you stupid rains enough to sie you a Meeks Bletely: at last.
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+e" PUP eae THE TWO ie a * 20 “SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE.. over night, and you never did have since the first day I knew you, Dana! Better start. an idiot asylum over here in Hamden instead of an academy. It’s needed a plagued sight more.” _ “You call me an idiot!” foamed the general. “Fuller, we ain’t either one of us as young as we used to be, but I can lick you, and, by Heavens, I’m going to do it, too!” “Keep off—keep off, Dana! I thrashed you once forty years ago, when we were at school together, and——— Great scissors! this is too absurd! If there ain’t Bob and your lout of a son lambasting each other like professional sluggers at the other end of the wharf. The next time you catch me trying to do a favor for you, Dana, you'll catch a-weasel asleep. Come on, you old fool! Those boys will hurt each other if we don’t look out.” And without stopping to see whether his enemy was follow- ‘ing him or not, Colonel Fuller rushed out to the end of the Hamden wharf, where, as he had said, Bob and Joe Dana could be seen engaged in a lively mill with the Institute Felons as audience, and Larry White for referee. Before Colonel Fuller could reach the darnvaiints: Bob had planted a stinging blow between Joe Dana’s eyes, which sent him sprawling upon the planks. c There would have been trouble in an instant, for the Danaites were crowding about Bob, had not the colonel suddenly rushed jn and seized his son by the arm. “Here, here! ‘What’s all this about?” he cried, angrily. ‘Bob, I’m ashamed of you. Can’t I turn my back for one in- stant without your getting into some scrape or other? Dana, take care of your son there, or I won’t be responsible for what may happen.” Joe had picked himself up by this time, and was rushing at Bob with all the fury of a maniac, when his father, seizing him by the collar, jerked him violently to one side. “Fuller, get off my wharf and take your son with you!” he roared. “Ifyou don’t, by the eternal I'll pitch you both over- board with my own hands.” It was with the utmost difficulty that Colonel Fuller was able to control Himself, but he did it nevertheléss. “Dana,” he said, slowly, “I have no desire to remain on your “premises a moment longer than I’m obliged to, All I ask is a boat to take me to the other side of the lake. Larry White, Il see my boat lying alongside here. How it came here I do not know, but may I ask you to row Bob and myself across to Oakdale?” And without waiting for Larry’s answer, Colonel Fuller jumped into his boat, calling to Bob to do the same. Larry followed Bob before General Dana could raise a hand te stop him. N Not that he had the least idea of sacrificing himself to Colonel Fuller and his son. By no means. — fi Boiling under the insults heaped upon him, Larry was only _ anxious to get away. He felt as he pushed off that he had had enough of both the Fullerites a the Danaites to last him for some time to come. f CHAPTER XXII. THE TALKING ROCK AGAIN. va Not b wnitil the boat was well away from the wharf did either » of its occupants speak a word. “Now, then, Bob, what has happened?” demanded Colonel { Paine at last, as the irate gentleman ceased to shout insulting ‘epithets after them, and could be seen moving up the’ whart, * followed by Joe and the students of the Hamden school. “Not for a thousand dollars would I have had this happen. Dana is an ass, but I knew that years ago, and upon my soul, i’m a bigger one for attempting to show kindness to one of his if Mile Reach, the precise spot where Larry had bathed | on the | brood, as‘ did.” oS te “Minnie Dana is all right, is she not, colonel?” inquired _Larry, anxiously, before Bob had.a chance to speak. : “Yes, yes. There is nothing wrong with the girl, so far as I ‘know. I saw her home and safe in her mother’s arms before I left her, ‘as I would have explained to that. idiot if he would talk with you now, Larry. Bob and I have a reckoning to set- tle: What brought you back, you young imp of mischief? “Where’s Coats? Did ‘you catch those scoundrels, or. did you turn tail and run away?” _ “We didn’t catch them, but we saw them,” replied Bob sul- lenly. “Captain Coats fired at them and missed them. They. got ‘the down train for Peterboro at Otter Creek station and aaa Qual only have given me a chance to speak. But I don’t want to|sun shone brightly, and, as luck would have ‘it, this: a was. than i Pa “How came Larry with you?” “He came over with Minnie Dana. Coats and I met him on the bluff.” “And Coats,;4what became of him?” “He hired a team and has gone to Peterboro.” ie nex did just right. Who were those fellows? Do you know yhem ?” “No, I don’t. Larry can tell you more about them than I can, and about the steamer, too.” “What! Have you found the steamer?” exclaimed Colonel Fuller in surprise. Larry explained, leaving the colonel more mystified than even betore. In answer to his father’s inquiries Bob explained that i the advice of Captain Coats they had taken the boat and hurried to Hamden to notify General Dana of the finding of his steamer, Landing at the wharf they had encountered Joe and the. Danaites, who immediately began pitching into Bob in the most violent manner about the attack on the steamer the night before. The result had been the fight between Joe and Bob as we have seen. “Now, understand me once and for all,” said the colonel, most savagely, when late that night he presented himself at the door of the room occupied by his son. “If you don’t name the boy who was at the bottom of that attack on the steamer T’ll expel you publicly before the whole Academy to-morrow morning, and you shall be packed off to some other boarding school forthwith.” Thereupon Colonel Fuller slammed the door violently and retired to his own room. Betray: a companion? Not a bit of it! Bob had no notion of exposing Ben Spurr, who, after all said and done, he looked upon as but little more to blame than himself. i Then and there Bob Fuller resolved to leave his father’s house that night. Gathering together a few clothes and such little money as he was possessed of, he waited until, the clock struck twelve, and then quietly stole downstairs. As he passed his father’s little office, which opened upon the main hall, where a light was kept burning all night, Bob no- | ticed that the keys of the Oakdale bank were not in their usual position upon the nail above Colonel Fuller’s desk, Now Colonel Fuller was president of the Oakdale) bank, and was very particular about these keys.. : At the time Bob thought but little of the absence of the ; bank keys. } He was too angry, too indignant to think of° aabening? The circumstance was, however, destined to be brought most forcibly to his mind before many hours had passed. That night Bob Fuller tramped all the way to Downington and slept in the Merchants’ Hotel. 7 \ At the outset he had formed the plan of going to New York are to seek his fortune, and he might have done this had not — -~ |thoughts of his mother and sister constrained him. After some reflection, however, he determined to remain quietly at the hotel for a day or rm until matters | had besa ni to shape themselves. arate, Not wishing to be subjected to the Bihided questioning of his friends at Downington Bob arose early, hired a boat, provided — himself with lines and bait, and started for a day’ 8 fishing on the lake. The weather was delightful, and Bob enjoyed the freedom hee from the usual school routine immensely. nBY eH ‘Perch, sunfish and shiner were attracted to his hook, an by four o’clock he began to think of returning, when it all at once occurred to him that before doing so cs would be a good idea to have a swim, He was then off the little cove under the “Kooks elec Five i memorable day of the pony race the fall before. => “EF Bob pulled for the cove, and finding the shore deserted, Ran stripped, plunged into the lake and swam about for full fifteen minutes. gaining the sandy beach at last much refreshed. : When he began to dress, himself he chose a spot where the alongside the “Talking Rock. if : Bob had already donned his shirt and trousers, and ¥ al in the act of buttoning his vest, when, suddenty, a loud ange broke upon his ear. if . “T say yes,” he heard a muffled voice exclaim, detnousn com: ing from the rock beside which he stood; “we've worked Fuller, and now we'll work old Dana. There can be no better » ime
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q Bob Fuller stared about him in amazement. There was not a soul to be seen anywhere. Rock.” Hurrying back he pressed his ear against the ledge. There was some one talking, that was certain. “M—um—tim—um,” he could hear a voice mumble, when all \ at once its tones were raised, and these words reached his pe Oar: >. “Half-past one, you say? O. K. At half-past one to-night we'll crack the Hamden Bank. Now, then, boys, another drink, and we'll turn in and have a snooze, for we'll want to start early, and be fresh when we get ready to make a move.’ “M—um—um—um,” answered another voice in tones too Jow to be distinguished. Then all was still. For many moments Bob Fuller remained ant his ear pressed to the Talking Rock, but without hearing another sound. a “What can it mean!” he exclaimed, half aloud, at last. | “There is;somebody inside there—somebody plotting to rob the _ Hamden Bank, and—larry! You!” ~ Hearing a step behind him, Bob had turned abruptly. a To his astonishment he found himself face to face with Larry 1 White. . He could searce believe his eyes. Larry one of. the plotters? It seemed impossible. Indeed, Larry’s first words showed Bob that even in his mo- mentary suspicio /he had wronged the boy. ’-*Oh, Bob!” he exclaimed, hurrying toward him, “T’m so glad I’ve found you. The Oakdale Bank was robbed last night, and every one is talking about you as though you were a thief!” CHAPTER XXIII. WHERE ARE THE BOATS? “Oakdale bank robbed! Folks talking about bist “White, what on carth do you mean?” _ “Just what I say, Bob,” replied Larry, earnestly: “Thieves broke in last night and opened the’ vault. When Mr. Hines ent to your father’s for the keys this morning they were »gone; and——” “The keys!” gasped Bob, “by gracious! Larry, I can swear hat the bank keys were not in their usual DIAge last night.” “You can?” “Indeed, I can. When I left. the house just after midnight | n oticed that.” .“You ought to have. told your father at once, Bob.” ‘I gee it now; but say, Larry, tell me all about it? You've aken all the starch out of me already, and I want to know the orst. How in the world any one can accuse me of having any- thing to do with the affair is more than I ean understand.” “It’s because you ran away, Bob. How in the world did you. ver come to think of such a thing?” “J was mad, Larry. My father didn’t use me right.” “Byen so, you ought not to have done it, for that’s just what et folks to talking. You see the bank docr was opened with he keys and so was the outer door of the vault. “Now when it was found that. you were gone and the keys too——” Larry suspects me of robbing the bank?” . “Pm afraid it was he who started the talk, Bob. They say. he was tearing mad when he found you missing this morning; and when they came up to the house to tell him about the bank he raved like a maniac and swore that you had had a land in the affair.” : “He did, did he,” repeated Bob, slowly, his face pale with age. “So much for trying to do one’s duty, and all because would not give away that miserable Ben Spurr about the amboat affair. I wouldn’t have believed that father could ve been so unjust.” - Ben as he spoke the confused murmur of voices met his ear ain, but only for a moment. Then all was still.’ re can’t be any doubt about its being the robbers, Bob,” Larry, in great eueitenient: “What in the. world going to do?” ‘gure I can’t tell. They are itn Stde here somewhere, and don’t do something they will serve old Dana’s bank just erved ours last night.” ? ey won't. We ‘can head them off. If they don’t in- ae THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. ee, : cea eae eee eee teste sea ean aa ress sh mari opes oe ca as rare ea Ra r* : help. At least one of us ought te go; the other might stay f All at once Bob remembered the legend of\ the “Talking ; “Great Heavens, Larry! you don’t mean to = ‘that father -|been left drawn high up, ‘on the beach when the “boys” Pe egin operations before half-past one, we've lots‘ of] we ought to go to oe at once and get’ ¥ od here and watch.” “But we are unarmed. Suppose they came out? What could either of us do alone?” . “1'l] het you what you like it’s those two fellows ese took the General into the duck hole, Bob.” “T weuldn’t be a bit surprised. Have. you seen Captain Coats? Did he catch them?” “T haven't seen him, but I know he didn’t catch them. They gave him the slip somehow.. When he got to Peterboro they could not be found.” “Look here, we’ve got to do something?” whispered Bob, after a moment's: pause. “Everything depends upon us. Lata vow'll stand by me in whatever happens to-night?” ‘ “Of course I will.” “Then I’ll tell you what we'll do. First of all we Pak Set up these rocks somehow, and try and find out the entrance io the cave. Then, while I go to Downingtown in my boat and iry and get help you hurry to Hamden in yours, and tell Gen- eral Dana all about it. There’s no other way.” “But hadn’t we better start at once?” demurred Larry. “We'll only lose time looking for the cave.” “No, no! I’m bound to find it, for then I can bring he land and save lots of time. Come, there must be some wis get upon these bluffs, if we can only find it out.” “I’m with you in whatever you do, Bob, and you,know it,”, to ‘| answered Larry, and tieigan#" they hurried down upon the beach. i It was getting dark now, but there was still light enough for the boys to see distinctly the line of OME cliffs before them. They were at least a hundred feet high,- and ilimbst perpen- dicular, and appeared at first glance to be’ a cessible, “We can never climb them,” aoe. ye only place we can get up is over by the woods beyond the ‘ive Mile Reach, and—— Hold on! Do you see that?” It was a thin column of smoke ascending froma point just above the Talking Rock. i “They’ve lighted a fire!” breathed Bob. “The scoundrels are inside some cave there, Larry. If we could only find the entrance—— Ah! What's this?” | i They had rounded a projection in the cliffs now, and had come suddenly upon a plade where the bluffs were broken, and where with hard climbing it might be possible to ascend to Les ‘ point where the smoke seemed to leave the rock.’ “T can get up there,” said Larry, springing forward. ae He was followed by Bob, and together they Tecaiod up the rocks making as little noise as possible, at last gaining a narrow, projecting level under the cits, at a‘length of about twenty feet from the beach. i : To walk over to the top of the Talking Rock was now a com- paratively easy-matter, and in a few moments the boys stood . beside the thin column of ascending smoke. It seemed to find its way out of a narrow fissure in thexrock, — proving*more ong than ever the existence of a cave beneath. 7 “Phere must be an opening here somewhere,” whispered Bob, “but I’ll be blest if I can see it. Let’s listen®here, Larry. Perhaps they are talking, and we may hear more of their plans.” Stooping down, the boys pressed their ears to thegfissure. They could hear nothing, however, nor did they succeed after the most careful search in discovering the entrance to the” cave. It was getting darker and darker, too, and even ‘to Bob it | was becoming evident that they were only wasting time. ‘, “We'll have to give if up,” he said at last, “or we'll break oh our necks getting down over these rocks. — Come, Larry, let’s gis get out of this. I’m offfor Downingtown, and you myst start — for Hamden at on¢ée.” * “That’s what we ought to have done in the ‘arst place, *) ams : swered, Larry, picking ‘his wer toward the descent, Bob fol. lowed. t a “They gained ‘the beach without much difficulty and hurried hp back to the cove, where they had left the boats. Larry still in advance, as he rounded the point of rocks, was ‘heard to give exclamation to a cry of dismay, “What's the matter?” questioned Bob, ue after im “The boats! the boats!) I can’t see them anywhere!” ag Both Bob Fuller’s boat and that lately pulled by Caries had sy started away from the cove. In spite: of the sae aaah bi was, easy to see that they were not there now 3 ‘ Both See had disappeared. —
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THE TWO SCHOOLS AT .OAKDALE, ~~ e fe CHAPTER XXIV.‘ “Stop THIEF! sToPp THIEF!” “Now then, who wants to join me?” “We'll all join you!” shouted a dozen voices in one breath. “Tt’s almost midnight, and I suppose it’s all a piece of folly, gentlemen, until I know what has hap- but I can’t rest, young pened to my son. “We are all with you, Colonel Fuller,” spoke the voice of Ed Topliffe from cut of the crowd of students assembled in the “We are just as anxious If he’s: alive and to be found anywhere great hall of the Oakdale Academy. about Bob-as you are. about “Lake Corrina we'll find him if it takes a year.” “Then get ihe boats ready, and we'll start at once -Topliffe, you and I will go in the Comet, and I’ve asked Captain Coats to join us. The moon will give us all the light we want. Where’s Ben Spurr? I don’t see him with the rest of you? Has he gone to bed?” “We haven’t seen Ben since the close of school, Colonel “and the boys think it only right that I should tell you that it was he who was at the bottom of Fuller,” said Ed, advancing, the,attack on the steamer—not Bob.” “Tndeed! I’m surprised! possible. » it be possible that he has gone off with Bob?” “I don’t believe it for one,” was the answer of Ed Topliffe. “Spurr has gone—we can't find him anywhere. that he expected to be-expelled and has run away.” - “Lessons that day had been the last thing thought of, and now on the top of all the rest of the mystery came the strange disappearance of Ben Spurr. “Sam Gardner, you take one boat load and search Wimble Island:and the Hen,and Chickens,” said the colonel, when all,was_in readiness for a start at last. “Bill Wright can go through Grooked passage to the upper lake, where Ed Topliife, Coats and myself will shortly follow him. First of all I’m going over to Hamden to see if anything can be learned there.” “There ain’t no use in going to Hamden,” objected the con- stable. “The boy ain’t there, I know, for I was over to Dana’s this afternoon, and “Did you see him?” interrupted Colonel Fuller, springing on board the Comet. “See him! Of course I didn’t see him. Don’t you suppose I would have told you if I had?” “But I mean General Dana.” “Oh! Thought you meant Bob. No; I didn’t see the general ‘either. Him and all the boys over at the Institute are working to get the steamer out of that there duck hole. You see the _-water’s fell a bit since the other night. Not much, but just enough to prevent her getting out. ‘They are all over there ‘now, too, and it’s my opinion they’ve got a night’s job on their hands. But I say, colonel, why do you ask? You can’t want to see Dana unless things is different betwixt you from what they was.” “Ceneral Dana called at my house just before supper time, Captain. Coats. Unfortunately, I was away.’ “Great snakes! You don’t mean it? Dana called on you!” , “He did) He wouldn’t state his business, and went away without leaving any message. It struck me when I heard of it from Mrs; Fuller, upon my, return from Downington, that it might be possible he knew ‘something of Bob.” ’ “It’s possible, but I don’t believe it.” s “Anyhow, I'm going to his house the very first thing. everything all ready, Ed?” “All ready, sir.” A “Then let her go.” ; And with Ed Topliffe at the engine, the Comet shot out into the lake. “J suppose folks will think me cracked for starting off on this expedition at, midnight,” said the colonel as the launch -eame alongside of Hamden wharf shortly after one o’clock; “but I can’t rest until Bob is found, and something seems to tell/me that we’ve come to the right-spot to look for him, for— _ By gracious, Coats, “here comes the General! They’ve got her off, and I’ll bet ten cents Dana’s aboard of her, and I can see - the Institute fellows crowding her deck. Hope he won’t order me off his’ whart again. I’m ugly to-night and don’t care for = ae of their abe gone ese of themselves. “Whose work is this?” Besathien Bob, peering off on the lake. “T'll bet. you anything it’s the burglars,” whispered ‘Larty,. in answer. “While we were fooling round on the top of the Talking Rock, they have come out of the cave by some secret — entrance at the bottom, and have run off with our boats.” “I suppose you are right, but I can’t see a sign of them out i on the lake can you?” : “No, I- can’t; but it’s too dark to expect to see anything, They have had lots of time while we've been fooling up on the — rocks. The only wonder is we didn’t hear or see something of * them—I can’t understand that.” Ke “Larry,” whispered Bob, “I think we’d better be getting out | of this.” “So do I,” said Larry. “Some one has been here—look at those footprints. Next thing we know they'll be going for us. If we are going to do anything to prevent them from carrying — out their purpose to-night, Bob, we’d asians get to Hamden a at once.” POR apie. “What? And not go to Downingtown?” Settee es “We've got to go to Downingtown, of course, but I don’ see any use in stopping there: By the time we get the consta le and get back here apni like enough we'll have had our labor for our pains. I vote we walk straight to Hamden and warn General Dana. We can make it by midnight, and tl burglars won’t begin operations before half-past one.” is “By gracious, Larry, I believe you’re right. By fooling abo with the constable we may miss our chance altogether. — Cor let’s be off.” Without further parley the boys hurried around the ‘poin: rocks and started along the beach on the run toward the place where Larry had descended on the day of the pony race the preceding fall. “Harry, do you know what I was thinking about?” said B after some moments of silence. “No, what?” demanded Larry, without slackening Alek nes “I was thinking that somehow you and I’ seem to be ne sary to each other. If we hadn’t quarreled all this would e have happened, for I can’t help thinking that there ua th some connection between the taking of the General inte o the Be duck hole and the robbing of father’s bank.” _ «“J don’t know, Bob, I don’t understand any of it. who: the steamer after the academy boys left it? If it was the a chaps we chased how came they to be on hand ‘just at particular time? That’s what I can’t understand.” — “Nor I either; and the worst part of it is that it was | L fault. I ought never to have listened to Ben Spurr whe 3 nes proposed the attack on the steamer in the first place.” @ — “Ben’s a mean fellow, Bob. I’ve ROWR that thi time.” -“T begin to believe it; do you know he was- the first 0 desert us after getting up the scheme himself. pea ¥ _ “No! . Was he?” “Yes, he was. That’s the way he happened to when you saved me from dr ing. Lai thet for me that nigh ae » : . a” = 3s Eee Aah
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THE TWO gcHOOKS AT « OAKDALE. , “T don’t want any thanks, Bob, I only want you ia ai me justice.” “Tf I have wronged you, Larry, I am very sorry.” “Indeed you have wronged me. ‘killing’ that engine than you had,” “But you brought Joe Dana and the rest up to the cab. You were seen to do it.” “Who says so? I say it’s a lie, Bob Fuller, Because your father had a quarrel with General Dana, it is no reason why | Minnie asked me to find them a) I should quarrel with Joe. place where they could see what was going on and I did it— that’s all.” “But Ben Spurr said he saw you and Joe hanging about the locomotive cab.” “Ben Spurr again, I say he lies, Bob!” “And, by gracious, .I believe you, Larry! on it. Let's forget all that has. passed.” But Larry did not take the proffered hand. “You can’t make up with me, Bob, just because I happened to save your life,” he said, proudly. “Unless you really be- There’s my hand lieve me matters had better remain between us just as they’ are.” “Larry, I do believe you, I’ll swear to it if you want ag to. Shake hands, old fellow, and let’s make up.” Larry could resist no longer. They had reached the beginning of the path up the bluffs by this time, and before commencing the ascent the two boys stopped for an instant and shook each other warmly by the hand. “Now, then, for Hamden!” cried Bob, springing up the path enthusiastically. “If we can only bring about the capture of these fellows, Larry, you and I will be the lions of the town.” Upon reaching the top of the bluffs the boys hurried to Downingtown, reaching that place at the very time Colonel Fuller was making such anxious inquiries about his son, “Shall we hire a team?” asked Bob. “What's the use? It will cost a good deal, and we can walk just as well as not.” “We'd make better time.” “Tyne, but we’ve got time enough, and to spare. Jike walking, but it’s just as you say.” “Well, I haven’t got much money, and { may want it all before I get through,” said Bob, doubtfully. “Why, ain’t you going home?” - “Not unless my father makes me an apology.” “T think you are making a mistake.” “IT don’t agree with you, but we won’t hire the team. We éan make Hamden by midnight, and that’s plenty time -enough.” / And without meeting any one who knew them, the boys hurried through the town and set out ‘upon their long walk _ down to Hamden road. “Had we better go directly up to the house first and waka. old - Dana?” questioned Bob, wearily. “Suppose we take a turn round the bank arst, and see what _ we find.” All wight: . The piretais may Rane got here ahead of time, _ though I don’t believe it” * ‘The bank building, a low, one- aie structure, stood de- ‘ en from the stores on either side of it with a strip of ground between. Separating this ground from the street was a low, iron 3 fence, over which the boys noiselessly stepped, and stole cau- -tiously along toward the rear of the bank. \ , They had scarce advanced ten steps when two men sprang suddenly from behind the building, and came dashing toward them. ‘They were the men whom they had chased through the woods to the station at Otter Creek! I feel just 7 , > 5 CHAPTER XXVI. THE RIVAT, MAGNATES MEET AGAIN. _ “Say, father, don’t you think you’ve been a bit too hasty? - Who are you going to get to run the engine of the General how that you have driven off Larry White?” “Mind your business, Joe. I can hire all the engineers I rant. What do ‘you mean by getting into a fist fight with Bob Tuller? 1 should think you’d have better sense than to dirty your hands with such scum. aM What do you siean by getting into a word fight. with Colonel better sense than to d rty your aan with such scum.” I had no more to do with Jin an emergency there ison Lake Corrina. | Pater?” retorted Joe Dana, impudently. “T should think you'd = 23 | bickering on the wharf, the Institute fellows laughed among themselves at the discomfiture of their patron, dud the boat across the lake. There is no folly so foolish as the folly of a.pigheaded man. Never. since the first day of, their quarrel had General Dana And while the magnate of Hamden and his hopeful son were » containing Colonel Fuller, Bob and Larry continued on its way missed a betier opportunity to make it up with his rival than . on Hamden wharf that night. As has been seen he failed to do so. The result was that when he returned to the house and learned from Minnie’s own lips how gallantly Colonel Fuller had acted, he felt heartily ashamed of the part he had taken, and would have given much to have recalled his harsh and bitter words. ‘ The fact was both the general and the. colonel were getting tired of their. quarrel. “Why don’t you write him a letter, husband, and try and heal the breach between you?” suggested Mrs. Dana. “You'll never have a better chance.” “Oh, I don’t like to do that. man of my standing.” “T think you owe him Sin Sh for the kindness he fia shown Minnie. Your quarrel never had any real foundation, anyway. It began the time Colonel Fuller bought that pair of bay horses on which your mind was set, if I remember aright.” “Do, father!” pleaded Minnie. “Make up with him for my sake, and don’t be too hard on poor Larry, either, for I’m sure he was not to blame in leaving me. Neither of us had the slightest thought of danger, ‘you know.” “Well, well, you women would wheedle a. man into any- thing. Ill see about it,” had been the general’s‘reply. . The next morning brought Captain Coats to the Dana man- sion with the story of the bank robbery and full information about the steamer, whose whereabouts had ‘been. communi- cated to him by Larry the afternoon before. The constable’s news created ‘a profound sensation. The Oakdale Bank rebbed!” General Dana exclaimed. “By thunder that’s a calamity. I wonder if it will cripple Fuller? I’ve a great mind to go over-——” The general stopped. Captain Coats could not refrain from a smile. “J would if I were you,” he, said. presidents should pull together. It’s my belief that th fel- lers what I chased to Peterboro is the bank robbers, and that they broke open your safe on the steamer, too. Next thing they’ll tackle the Hamden Bank if they ain’t tripped up.” “T’ll go,” said the general, abruptly. And just at evening he did go to Qakdale--went so far as to ring his enemy’s doorbell with a neat apology on the end of his tongue. Unfortunately for the peace of QOakdale, however, ans Fuller chanced to be out. It was a pity. But the fates had willed it that the differences between It gvouldn’t look well in a f Colonel Fuller and General Dana should not be adjusted just then. Meanwhile the general had been busy over the steamer. , “Tn a case like this bank © A holiday was proclaimed at the Institute, and headed by) Joe, the students, with scarce an exception, repatred to the duck hole to attempt to get the steamer out. This, however, proved’ a more difficult tact than. was first supposed. The entrance to the basin, as we have seen, was by a narrow — channel, with just water enough, when the lake was at its highest, to float the steamer. From some unexplained cause the water had fallen slightly Bt: during the brief space following the capture of the General, and as ill-luck, would have’ it, in wales sc to run her out, she stuck fast n the mud. ° “Send for Larry, father!” said Joe, when it gts eniient that there wasno moving the steamer. If he ean’t help us no one can.” “Send for your grandmother! tered General Dana. - head.” He did manage it, but it took tpi half the night to. do it. After all sorts of ineffectual attempts, General: Dana an- fll send for no one!” sput- “He is the best hand | “Tf I can’t manage this affair, Vil one Sei nounced that he was going up. to Oakdale and bade the boys e await his return. ‘Part of his business was to call on his ‘rival; the rest was to buy a number of empty barrels, and engage the nb Yaaye of a boat builder of his acquaintance. een genes in. ihe first, he’ succeeded SS Ba sec econd,
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24 THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. The barrels being brought to the duck hole, were attached “Whist now! Whist now!’ Don’t be after trying to fool me to the steamer, and served to raise her considerably. wid no old trick like that: Och! murther! but it’s’ Colonel Shortly after midnight the General was afloat. Fuller’s brat, so it is!” ‘ Joe was in the pilot-house when this happy event occurred,}| “And here is Colonel Fuller to break your stupid pate!” and his father stood beside him. shouted a voice behind him. : : Then the watchman was yanked off Bob so violently that his Tom Joslin, who had been under Larry’s instruction, was in fhe engine room, and in‘ response to Joe’s signal pulled the | teeth seemed to fairly rattle, and he found himself between the lever, the paddles turned, and the stranded steamer shot | magnate of Oakdale and Captain Coats. eee. through the narrow channel out upon the lake. “Robert! For Heaven’s sake, what does this mean!” de- “She's off! She’s off!” cried Joe triumphantly, as the cheers |manded the colonel in a trembling voice. “It cah’t Be pos of the students rent the air. “Now, father, all you want is to | sible that——” aes aries get square with the Fullerites, and——” : “father! Don’t you dare to intimate it! Larry and I were “1 don’t know about that, Joseph. I’ve about made up. my | chasing the burglars. In a’moment more we would have — mind to let the matter drop.” caught them if it hadn’t been for this fool.” ; “What!” 4 “There! there! son, it’s all right. I’m half beside myself, — ; “T’ve about made up my mind to let the matter drop.” I believe,” stammered the colonel, seizing Bob's hand and “hen you're a fool,” retorted Joe, impudently. “if you do|shaking it warmly. “So much has happened since morning drop it I shan’t. The next time I meet Bob Fuller one of us that—which way did they go?” ." is going to get licked; and you can just bet it won’t be me.” “Dow toward the wharf, Larry and I got on to them and To this impertinent speech General Dana made no answer. | were on our way to give’ the alarm when——” a The truth told, the gfeat man of Hamden was more com- “atter them!” cried Captain Coats, dashing off down the pletely under his son’s control than he had any business to| street. “It’s no time for. long stories now!” 3 pe, ‘and he left the pilot-house without a word and took his Before the words were fairly out/of the constable’s mouth— station at the bows of the steamer on the deck below. before he could take a dozen steps—a tremendous explosion ~ “Fello!” shouted Joc, as the steamer néared Hamden wharf. | rent the air. ‘ors “What's the row up in the village?” Ye It seemed to shake the ground beneath them like,an earth- There was something unusual going on, that was evident., | quake, and out from behind the bank a thick black smoke sho’ re _ + From the deck General Dana could see men running, while | up. 4 ; meni} shouts of “Stop thief! Stop thief!” reached his_ears. “Thunder! They’ve blown up the vault!” gasped the colonel, - There seemed to be something going on upon the wharf | “There may be more of them inside there. What were you also. doing, watchman, that this thing could have occurred?” | Several dark figures could be seen struggling. “Sure, sir, 1 was at my post!” : ft re bs ia, oa Then came a cry for help, the figures disappeared, and a} “It ain’t so! * shouted Bob. “He just said he was, away — moment later a steam launch shot out from behind the wharf | drinking.” is Ro ate tk Oat headed up the lake. “Look to the bank, colonel,” called the constable. “T’ll fo! ' “Great Heavens, I’m afraid the bank has been broken into!” low the thieves.” Fae Weer PM eon shouted the general. “Run alongside, Joe! Quick! Give me a] Leaving the watchman in a haif-dazed condition, Colonel a chance to jump ashore!” ; Fuller, followed by Ed Topliffe and Bob, now hastened back . Joe twisted his wheel and ran the steamer’s bows close to to the bank. y : ; 3 the end of the wharf. : ; Running round behind the building they soon discovered “Without even stopping to look where he was going, General] that the rear door had been blown to atoms, and that som Dana gave a leap, coming in violent contact, as his feet touched | boxes of paper's which stood just inside were in flames. _ the planks, with a man who at that moment came dashing The vault apparently was intact. heer: cl ty down. the wharf. ios Men by the dozen came running to the seene of the explo There was a sharp exclamation—a tottering backward—a | sion, shouting “thieves” and “fire” at the top of their lungs. — sudden splash. “Come away, boys,” whispered the colonel, “Dana must be “Thunder!” gasped Colonel Fuller-—for it was he—“I’ve done | here presently, and I don’t care,to meet him. Let's make” or it now!” Pda ‘| the wharf, and see if Larry and Captain Coats have succeeded And sure‘enough he had. re in capturing the thieves.” Meet ae Jumping almost on top of his enemy, General Dana had| And as they rani Bob hurriedly told the story of -hi staggered back, missed his footing, and went floundering into | ventures at the Talking Rock, , 9. -. petty E “There ain’t a doubt but these fellows are the same - robbed the Oakdale Bank,” said the colonel, “My stars! the lake below. I hope Coats has overhauled them, and may recover the money Bob, ‘you have done nobly, but——” : No tt De “There comes the General!” exclaimed Ed Topliffe, as gained the top of the hill leading down to Hamden whart. “Where?” said the colonel, lookingsbehind him. . “IT mean the steamer, not General Dana,” answered “They are just coming up to the wharf.” — AMES atta iuk | “By gracious, so they are! I forgot all about th steamer. ~ Where's Coats? I can’t see him anywhere.” 7 “Nor Larry either,” put in Bob. “The burglars must ha: taken some other direction.” __ POPS okie: ¢ “Hold ont There they are! There they are!” cried Ed To liffe, excitedly. “Don’t you see them running ‘out t 5 end of the wharf?” ET cane eres “They are making for their boats!” exclaime dark figures could be seen moving along at t wharf. “Where can Larry be? After them, father We m ‘able to overhaul them if you’ve got the Comet.” | They waited for nothing further, = Dashing down the hill, the colonel in advance, al | made for the end of Hamden wharf. sar ' Meanwhile the steamer was drawing nearer and It was just at the moment when Colonel er end of the wharf that his rival leaped down upon hi ie, fae : oh , ieee | CHAPTER XXVII. THE EXPLOSION AT THE BANK. *- Both Bob Fuller and.Larry White had recognized the two men, the instant they turned the corner of the bank. Undoubtedly, they were the fellows who had escaped the constable, and in all probability the scoundrels who had robbed aes tha oo ‘ the Oakdale bank. ~~ . Upon sight of the boys the burglars stopped, and for an instant were seen to hesitate. aa . ; “Hold on, there, you fellows!” shouted Bob, bravely. “Sur- _ render!” f ; ; AG f “Stop thief! Murder! Help!” bellowed a voice from behind ~ the bank. : ‘ ; ; > ‘The result, as we have already stated, was to den magnate floundering into the water thi All at once he hea he had time to think _ sprawling onl the} ground. at Mihi y 5 i'd Se “Let’me up; you fool!” shouted Bob, angrily. “Let meiup,T} Ivain’t one of the thi ‘They ran down ne street. | il te nyo shew dwn Wile ys we g here they will escape.”
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THE. TWO SCHOOLS AT “OAKDALE, Forgotten now were the bank burglars, and, indeed, noting had been seen of them by either Ed Topliffe, the colonel or his son since leaviny the top of the rise, the attention of all being drawn toward the drowning man. Drowning! Yes, and he was drowning. Unable to swim a stroke, the general went down for the second time before any one appeared to. get his head. ' “Throw him a rope!” shouted voices from the steamer. “Back her,’ Joe! Back her! he'll be drawn under by the wheels!” Joe Dana rang the bell furiously, then abandoning the wheel, darted out of the pilot-house and made for the lower deck. i “Help! Help!. I’m drowning!” shrieked General Dana from out of the darkness. { “Grab the rope!” “Jump up and catch the fenders} HY ‘ “Keep clear of the wheel there! Keep clear of the wheel!” . “Confound it! They are only making matters worse!” gasped the colonel. “Bob, you mind my coat and hat! Hd, you look to the Comet! I’m going to save Sam Dana’s life or lose my >. own.” And before Bob could raise a finger to stop him Colonel Fuller had thrown aside hat and coat and plunged headlong into the lake. It was very dark down: there Alongside the wharf, and the paddles of the moving steamer stirred up the water so that -. the colonel could not at first make out the precise spot from whence the cries for help proceeded, when suddenly he saw the gray head of his rival just in front of him in the\very act of sinking for the last time. : In a twinkling Colonel Fuller had seized the drowning man beneath the chin. »«“Keep away from me, Sam!” he shouted, forgetting all ani- - mosity in his excitement. “Don’t throw your legs about me! - There! so! Grab me by the waist. I always said you were a - fool not to learn to swim.” Now just how his father managed it, Bob in the darkness and confusion never knew. The first thing he saw after the colonel’s bold leap from the a wharf, was the dripping form of General Dana clinging to a rope and being hauled up upon the steamer’s deck. -- “Confound it all! where’s father?” muttered Bob, craning his neck over the stringpiece. “Are they. going to leave him there, the ungrateful wretches, to get out the best way-———" “Here, lend me a hand, Bob.” It was Colonel Fuller’s voice speaking calmly beneath him. -. Looking down Bob saw his father clinging to a spile. “That's the talk,” he said, as Bob threw himself flat upon the planking and, leaning over the stringpiece, reached down ‘his hand. “What in the world did they want to make this wharf so high for? Pah! I’m as wet as a drowned rat.. Have you seen anything of the thieves?” - And the colonel shook engin? like a water dog as he sprang - upon the wharf. Sat “Dear me, I fork ait about the thieves, father. What in _ the world made you run such a eas You are wet through, / and——” I Bivad Sam Dana, and. that’s “Bah! It’s nothing, Bob. enough! What did the old fool want to jump on mé for, I’d like to know?” “Look—look! There ‘they go!” shouted Ha Topliffe, dashing “up at this moment. “They’ve taken the Comet, and I can’t - find Larry anywhere, nor Captain Coats, either!” } _,. Sure enough! . Off upon the lake the launch could be seen steaming ‘toward Crooked Pass for all she was worth. — “We must follow in the steamer!” shouted the colonel. ‘Where the mischief is that idiot Coats? Oh, here he comes ow! Coats—Coats! There they go in, the Comet! Bxplain to these. fools, will you? Get Dana off the steamer! He’s half “drowned. We must have her to follow the thieves up the lake without an instant’s delay.” Now, to tell just, how the constable did it would “oceupy en- _ tirely too much space. “Sufficient is it to say that a few moments later General Dana was brought ashore in a half unconscious condition, and Pe much eonfused : talk and explanation, Colonel Fuller found himself on’ board his Tival’s steamer in hot pursuit of the _ thieves. ; The wharf was crowded with people now, and as his father as certain to receive all the attention his condition demanded, _ Joe Dan tO, him te the constable, had resumed his place at the wheel. e “Caplin Coats was on board, of course; also Bob and Ed poe: and Ges of pe institute pee as well. i just entering it now. Confound it! | board! in a@ state of high excitement at the ' news conveyed “a ule shiyapee of feed Bassi i=" ai ne i a 4 Though ample opportunity had been afforded him, not a word of thanks did Joe Pana bestow upon Colonel Fuller for having savéd his father’s life. “Confound the arrogant young puppy! I’d like to cowhide him,” growled the constable, as he found himself standing by the side of Colonel Fuller and Bob at the steamer’s bows. “Tt was a noble action, colonel, and he never said Bashi yes nor no.” “Hush! # replied the colonel, quietly. About these thieves, Coais. Don’t you think so?” “Not unless we move faster than we are doing now,” an- swered the constable. “Drive her ahead there? will you?” he shouted up.at the pilot-house. “Confound these fellows! they act like a parcel of idiots. Colonel, hadn’t you better go be- low and wring out your clothes?” “Leave me alone, Coats, I’m all right. I only wish we had Larry White here. He’d make the feathers fly!” “T can’t imagine what became of. Larry,” said as anxiously. “Tm afraid some harm has come to him.” “Tt certainly looks so. Coats, where did Sey ‘0 to? You were ahead of us all, and must have seen Larry chasing the thieves,” “T suppose you'll call mea fool, colonel, but the fact is, I don’t see very well. I saw a man running, and I followed him down on the shore. I don’t know who he was, but somehow, — I managed to lose him, and then——” “And then you came back tothe wharf, I suppose?” “That was it,” . “Well, it can’t be helped. Are wé gaining on them or not? It iene! me as though we were crohns, and the Comet is , no slouch.” ; “I wish some one would come up here in the pilot-house with me!” shouted Joe ‘Dana at this moment. “I’m a bit near- sighted, and can’t attend to the wheel and watch the launch at the same time.” “You go, Bob,” whispered his father. Several of he Institute fellows sprang for the stairway at ihe same time, but Bob was ahead of them and reached the door of the pilot- -house first. “T don’t want but one,” snarled Joe, slamming the door in the faces of his companions. “Where's. the launch, Bob Fuller? Blest if I can see her anywhere on the lake.” ‘ “There—just entering Crooked Pass,” “Faster! Faster! Put on more coal! Do something!” roared Joe, through the tube which connected with “hs engine room. “Better bear a little to thé starboard,” suggested Bob. “You are giving them the advantage of us the way you are heading.” Joe twisted his wheel violently. “Will that do?” he asked. “That's better.” i “Say, Bob.” ior ] bs “What is it?” “Between you and me I can never navigate among the rocks of Crooked Pass—never in the world.” “But we've got to get through, Joe. “JT want no Piabke. We’re bound to overhaul them. See! The launch is Tf it hadn’t been for all ‘this delay we might have had. those fellows long ago.” — “T tell you what you do, Bob.” “What?” “T don’t want the fellows to know I can’t manage the steam- . er. I’d rather you'd know it a blame sight.” P “Do you want-me to take the wheel? I'll do it willingly.” . “JT want to overhaul the launch, Bob, but I don’t want to give myself away.” ; “J don’t see how you're going to help it, then.”/ ime “Suppose you get down on the floor here and turn the wheel from the bottom? ell pass the word and faba = be steer- ing, and——” “T shan’t do anything of the sort! You mast te a fool iG ; think it. Here, give me that wheel, Joe Dana! If you can’t Mees steer the steamer I can.” ; : “No, I won’t, either. I'll steer her ngselt. “: ea fea “But don’t you see the launch is half through the pass now, i and we are just entering it?” HG, x T don’t care. TI prick going to make. a “spectacle of ai at se bi a “But you'll be on the Sec ina sadaieeee Starboard! ‘Star . There! What did T tell you! You've. done it now! Here’s a pretty kettle of fish.” may iy Joe in his blundering confusion had moved tee wheel te a port ingtead of starboard, and in the: same breath the keel of Ye the General struck upon those ‘regzed sy ae bale oars the ee +
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Joe, bursting ier rage. THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. CHAPTER XXIX. FAST ON THE ROCKS—COLONDL FULLER RESOLVES “TO PUT HER THROUGH AT ANY» COST.” “Stuck on the rocks, by ‘thunder! Was there ever such wretched luck?” The exclamation was from, Colonel] Fuller, who, with the constable and Ed Topliffe, had maintained his position at the bow of the General. It found eche in the Heart of every one.on board. “Which of you boys are responsible for this?” shouted the ‘colonel, looking up at the pilot-house, where Bob and Joe Dana eould be ‘seen looking about: thern in ‘silent dismay. “If I couldn’t steer better than that I’d be ashamed of myself! Stop her, why don’t yeu? Step her! She’s grinding her keel to powder on the rocks!” Sping! went the bell in the engine room, and the steamer’s paddles ceased to move. The Comet had by this time progressed more than half the distance through the Crooked Pass. In a few minutes, if some desperate action was not taken, the launch would unquestionably be driven around Potes’ Point, and amid the innumerable wooded islands which marked. that "part of Lake Corrina, be lost to view. “Never thought Joe Dana was such a muff at the wheel!” cried Tom Joslin. ° “By gracious!” said Hen Ricker, “I don’t pretend to know much about steering, but I'll be whipped if I couldn’t have j done better than that myself.” “Bob Fuller, what in the world are we going to do now?” whispered Joe, aghast. -“VYou've ‘run her on the rocks, Joe, and now you’ve got to abide by the consequences.’ “But it’s just as much your fault as mine, Bob Fuller.” “Upon my word that’s cool. J’ d like to know how you figure it out?” “Tf you’d taken the wheel as I asked you to. this thing wouldn't have happened. I told you plain enough that, I could not steer through Crooked Pass.” “Do you suppose I’d get down on my knees and work the wheel from the bottom, with you playing dummy at the pilot- house window?” cried Bob, with flashing,eyes. “Not much. Here, stand aside. Give me that wheel. Wither we've got to get off, or give up all thought.of overhauling the thieves.” “What! do you mean to take the wheel from me?” bawled “Get out of the pilot-house! [ don’t gf ss oa to back her off the rocks—I can do want you here! Fuller, don’t you touch me! TP ll break it. Stand back! your head if you do!” Then by those on deck the bells were heard ringing wildly, and to the amazement of all Bob Fuller and Joe Dana were . seen “lambasting” each other (the word was of the constable’s coining) in the pilot-house’ ‘above. “My stars! but this is positively disgraceful! ” roared Colonel Fuller, as the steamer instead of backing was started ahead again and crowded harder than ever upon the rocks. “Robert, quit that and come down here instanter! You are ruining every chance we have left of catching the thieves!” “Let go of me!, Let go of me!” shrieked Joe. “fake that, you fool!” the voice of Bob was heard to ex- ‘claim, and the same instant saw Joe Dana thrown violently away from the wheel while the bell sounded to FeKArRO the engine and drive the steamer back. “Hey, fellows! He’s licking Joe!” yelled George Moore. “To the rescue! To the pescues Down with the Fullerites! H—a —m—d——6-—n It’ was the rallying cry of the Hamden Institute, and. be. fore ‘either Colonel Fuller or the constable could interfere, the Danaites had made a dive for the pilot-house in a body. Truly Bob had managed to get himself into a bad fix, Meanwhile the steamer had not moved a peg. But Bob had not been asleep. Had he injured Joe seriously, Probably not. The son ofthe great man of Hamden, when Bob had flung him away from the wheel, had managed to strike his head against some portion of the woodwork of the pilot-house, and 2 ee lay sprawling upon the floor, blubbering like a great calf. instant Bob had grasped the situation. He could not get the steamer off, and to maintain his posi- tion and fight the Danaites would only be to delay matters un- ‘til it was too late to catch the thieves. ‘He, therefore, abandoned the wheel, dashed out of the pilot- : house, remit ea a flying ap, to the deck Tee ae } H behind Cram’s Island to float the Comet; besides, they’ve give us a tremendous advantage by adopting that course.” jto blame in the affair of t ‘the steamer ¢ as ‘Ben. : “We must take to the boats!” he cried. before his father had opportunity to say a word. “Captain Coats, I look to you to protect me from these fellows, who seem bound to spoil our game.” “There’s a boat in tow,” said the constable. “Colonel, the boy is right. We'd better make for it and leave these fools to get their steamer off the best way they can. If we stay there'll only be a row.” It was sound advice, and Colonel Fuller saw iti “Come on!” he exclaimed. “We'll try it, anyhow. tainly our only chance.” 4) They were down upon the lower deck and aft before the Danaites could gain the bottom of the pilot-house stairs, Seizing the tow line, Bob drew up the boat-holding it in posi- tion, while his father, the constable, and Hd Topliffe, leaped in. Then jumping over the rail nimbly, he dropped into the boat himself, at the same time casting off the line. “Come back! come back!” shouted the boys from the deck. “Come back! We won’t touch you, Bob. How are we ever going to get out of this if you go off with our boats?” “The oars, Coats! The oars!” whispered Colonel Fuller. “von't pay any attention to the fools, Bob. Let them get off the best way they can.” A moment later the boat propelled by the lusty strokes of ~ Captain Costs, Ed and. Bob, was seen’ shooting through the Crooked Pass. A “Do you see anything of the Comet?” questioned the bead anxiously. “I'll be whipped if 1 can.’ “Certainly, father. There she is under the trees, sae this _ side of Potes’ Point.” “Yes, and they are looking back at us,” put in the constable. - “Depend upon it they understand the situation. There! Don’t you see that fellow at the stern? By Judas, I only wish I had | my paws on him—that’s all.” “I’m afraid we've made a, mistake, ” said the colonel, gravely. “We can never hope to overhaul the Comet in this tub—never | in the world.” 4 u “There!” cried the constable, “the Comet has rounded Potes’ Point. Two to one those scoundrels will take to the woods, and we'll have our labor for our pains.” “No—no! Don’t croak, Coats!” exclaimed Colonel Fuller. 3 “Pull! Pull! I’m resolved to put her through at any cost!” — S It’s cer- CHAPTER XXX. A STARTLING DISCOVERY, “Where is the Comet?” _ ~ ' f It was the general exclamation as the boat Foes ei Potes’ Point. 4 bi Where, sure enough? i The Jaunch was to be seen nowhere, but then it was as da as Egypt here among the woods where the lake was narrow ar the many islands intervened. Tf the confounded fools had only known ‘what they were about they would have taken the narrow channel on the Oak- dale side,” remarked the constable. “Two.to one they’ve tak Beaver Tail Channel, or perhaps .gone away round Cram’s Island. If so there is just a chance that we may be able head them off,” i “One. thing is certain, they don’t know the lake,” said Colonel _ 5 Fuller, with an air of relief. “There is barely water enough = 3 “Shall we take the straight channel, then?” asked Bob. “Certainly,” replied his father, “and now, while we ee a cet to spare, Robert, 1 have. a few questions i's want . as ” “Say away, father.” \ Bob wondered what was coming now. : Then the colonel Cleats his throat and began: “Robert.” ‘ “Well, sir?” ‘ f pated “Will you tell me who put’ you up to stealing the steamer from Mrs. Mongomery’s wharf the other night?” re For. an instant Bob hesitated. ; Was there any good reason ‘es he should seek to > shelter | Ben Spurr any ‘lo ger? Apparently theré was none. ; a Ben had prov: i aa a ‘a coward ce ‘a mean fellow; - ae Bob hesitated to betray even the meanest of his schoolmat 3 especially as he could not but regard himself as quite
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THE TWO SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. “I'd rather not say, sir.” “You are very stubborn—very,” answered his’ father. “How- ever, it makes no difference since I know the name of the boy. already. Robert, any attempt at further concealment on your part will be useless—it was Ben Spurr.” Bob was silent. “Am I not right?” questioned his father. » “J suppose you are, sir. If the other boys have a mind to ‘split it ain't my fault——” x 4 a + ; “Now, one question more,” said the colonel, gravely. “The bank keys, Robert—what do you know of them?” “Nothing whatever, sir. They were hanging on their usual nail when I left the house last night.” ; “How came you to notice them?” “T can’t tell you, father, but I did.” “Yet they were gone from the nail this morning,” answered Colonel Fuller, musingly “and what is more it was by means of these keys that the Oakdale Bank was robbed. Some one in the Acadmy must have taken them——” “That’s what I say,” interrupted the constable. opinion——” “Be quiet, Coats. When I want your opinion !’li ask for it. Bob, do you know—but of course you don’t—that Ben Spurr _ alone of all our boys was missing from the Academy tonight?” “Father, you don’t mean to say——” 2 “There’s the Comet! There’s the Comet just coming around - Bark Island!” shouted out Ed Topliffe. “Yes—and by ginger! there’s Bill Wright and the other boys coming down the lake!” cried the colonel, as the boat shot out of the narrow channel into the open.- “If we could only make them understand, they could head those scoundrels off as slick as you please.” “Boats ahoy—boats ahoy! Head off the Comet! The burg- lars are on board!” was the ery which rang out upon the _ still night air. Was the cry heard? Indeed it was. /It reached the ears of Bill Wright, and the boys of the Oak- dale Academy almost at the instant they perceived the Comet _ steaming up the lake. { Upon leaving Oakdale wharf Bill Wright had led the way _ through Crooked Pass, crossed the lake, cag started along the - Hamden shore. They had not gone as far as Howat. since Colonel peice himself had been there only that evening, and a visit ‘on their part seemed unnecessary. Neither had they advanced as far even as the Five Mile Reach, but had crossed the lake “Tt’s my ging the Oakdale shore. But though they heard the cry from Colonel Fuller's boat : _ they failed to understand it. _. The distance was too great for them to make out the forms % in the boat or to enable them to distinguish words. __ Naturally enough they assumed the colonel to be on board the Comet, and took the advancing boat to be the one sent to * oy Hen and seh wie in command of Sam Gardner in search of Bob. Bill Wright, peering out upon the lake. *“Blest if I'l] ever tell you,” answered Hen Blatchford, “But “1 say, Bill, what are those fellows in that boat trying to give us?” oT can’t make out. Pe cctocning or other.” “It’s Sam Gardner and the rest of course. ound Bob, and—— By gracious! fellows! nd Bob himself!” Too late was the discovery, for at that moment the Comet hot past the line of the boats a good quarter of a mile away on the Hamden side of the lake, and all chance of heading her fan They are hollerin’ like madmen about Maybe they’ve ‘It’s the colonel “Hold on, Bob. It was I who told your father,” spoke up |. Ed Topliffe, honestly. “In my opinion this thing has gone far enough,” “somewhat below that point,,and were now coming down hug-. -. “What in the world is the Comet doing up here?” exclaimed. a “By George, she’s struck atneaty: ” he eae “One of them has sprung out into the water! There goes another—heavens and earth, tellows, look there! look there! ” lt was toward a youthful) figure standing at the bows of the Comet, hesitating to take the leap which lay before him, that Bill’s finger pointed. ~ In the bright moonlight the boys saw to their amazement that it was none other than Ben Spurr! CHAPTER XXXI. . | LARRY’S ADVENTURES, | But what, meanwhile, had become of Larry? When Bob Fuller was captured by the bank watchman, Larry kept gu running, in hot pursuit of the flying thieves, Before the\burglars had reached the top of the hill leading down to Hamden wharf, Captain Coats had gained upon them considerably. : In the hurried glances cast behind them the thieves seemed to recognize the constable, for now they fiew the faster, separa- ting at the top of the hill. Of course Larry could not chase them both; and while Cap- tain Coats diverged to the right, in hot pursuit of one of the eS Larry followed the other down the hill and out Hope the wharf. Every second brought him nearer and nearer. in an in- stant more his hand would have been upon the man, when all at once out from behind a wood pile, which stood upon the wharf, a dark figure sprang, thrusting its foot in front of Larry and felling him to the ground. As he fell, his head struck against a stick pee further from the pile than its fellows. , The blow was a terrible one, It stunned poor Larry completely. He lay upon the wharf like a log, and for a doneidersbie time knew no more. The next thing Larry became conscious of was that he was lying upon a bench, listening to a grinding noise which sounded to him just like the propeller of the Comet, Colonel Fuller’s launch. His head ached horribly, it seemed as though he had béen | listening to the grinding sound for ages—as if each separa f grind were forcing its way into his reeling brain. ; He was still trying to collect his scattered senses, when ry all at once he heard his own name pronounced by a familiar voice which recalled him to himself at once. ~ oe “I don’t care what you say. I’m going to get square with Larry White.” “Shut' up!” was the fierce response: | “He may have come to by this time. Attend to your steering, or those fellows” will overhaul us yet.” 3 “Tll see whether he has come to or not,” spoke the first voice again, and the next instant Larry felt some one bending | ever him as he lay. That some one was Ben Spurr! { Before he had started toward him, Larry, cautiously open-’ ing his eyes, had recognized his former school fellow. , The recognition fairly took his breath away, but he man- aged to control himself, and never moved a muscle as Ben bent over him for an instant, and then moved wat od remark- ing: “By George! I believe you are right, Jim! ribly cut. After all he may be dead.” “T tell you he is dead,” answered the second voice. “Didn't I feel his heart and pulse? It was a piece of rank nonsense to bring him aboard the\launch with us, but you Wout have a xs I could Haye had my way he'd have been left othe wharf.” ; Just then shouts were heard, and | of Colonel Fuller among them. After that, on board the Comet th His ee is ter- arry recognized the voice Eh a off yanished like smoke. ava: little said, the __ “After the launch! After the launch, you fellows!” bellowed | launch continuing on and on at a high sete a, me vA Solonel Fuller in dismay, “After her, boys! The burglars are} And Larry? amet. mn board! ” | He was.on board the Comet at the mercy of Ben Spurr and* - Had a ten-pound shot been dropped among the boats it could |his companion, in whom he had already recognized Jim ‘— “not have astonished the boys more than did the colonel’s cry, which now reached their ears. a) In an instant they had grasped the situation, turned their boats about and were pulling up the lake with all the ris Jowler, one of the most notorious raise ih the whole region | about Corrina Lake. | 5 Was Ben in league with the burglars? From his ‘conversation there could be no doubt of tt ; i, f twenty muscular arms. ‘The laanch was heading directly for the cove. _ ‘She'll ground on the shoal water as sure as fate, fellows!” d/Bill, excitedly. eeu ee ede your lives! ” ene The next half hour was a trying one for Qarry White, but 4 {he had taken his resolve. Come what would, he was determ ed Spurr than a veainer in the j hope that to. stick loser oh Ben he, m migl ht learn: wh
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28 THE TWO the money stolen from the Oakdale Bank was concealed, and he the means of restoring it to Colonel Fulier’s hands, Thus, when the keel of the Comet grated on the pebbly beach at the cove, Larry was not only aware of it, but knew ' just where they were into the bargain. He knew also when Jim Jowler leaped overboard, and was just wondering if they intended to abandon him at last, when all at once he felt himself. seized—his eyes were closed—and dragged over the side of the launch. Now came the trial of endurance, and Larry stood it nobly. He had already determined in his own’ mind that the en- trance to the cave of the’ Talking Rock must be under the water of the lake, and setting his teeth and holding his breath, he never moved a muscle when he felt the water close ‘above his head. Ben Spurr had his head and shdviders, Jowler his feet, and thus held Larry felt himself drawn swiftly through the water for the distance of a few steps, when suddenly all was utter darknéss, and—plump! Down he dropped upon solid ground. “I’m in the cave at last, * thought the boy. “Now, then, what next?” Next was the striking of a light by Ben Spurr, and the sound of whispering in low tones. That both, believed him dead now he was well aware from eertain remarks which Ben let fall. “What are we going to do with him?” were the next words which reached his ears. “Leave him where he is,” growled Jim Jowler. suppose I'm going to bother with him any further? you to understand I’m no such fool.” “But it's awful!” breathed Ben, in hollow tones. “I never meant to kill him. I’m sure we shall be hung for murder be- fore we get through; with this.” “Shut up, baby! What did you want to engage in this thing for if you were not willing to take your chances?” : “Didn't I take chances enough’ when I got you the keys of the Oakdale Bank? I’m no baby—I’m ready for anything. Those fellows ate right on top of us, and for all we know may track us into the cave. What do you propose to do?” “To dig up the money, of course, and to escape by the other entrance at the top of the bluff. Never you fear. They won’t discover us, or if they should manage to find out how we got in here, long before they can Possibly accomplish it we'll be gone.’ Then, as their voices died away in the recesses of the cave, Larry ventured to open his eyes. He was within a low, rocky chamber, which seemed to lead off to a great distance under the bluffs. For a moment or two he watched the lantern as its light “Do you I want ' flitted from side to side. Then springing to his feet, he seized a great stone which he espied upon the ground beside him, and cautiously crept after Ben Spurr and’ Jim Jowler into the depths. of the cave, CHAPTER XXXII. ON THE BLUFFS, No, it can’t be!” “Ber Spurr! “Tt is Ben!” No, it-ain’t either!” -.*Bet you a shilling it is, too!” Such “were the exclamations of Bill Wright and his com- panions in the boats. ; ‘Ben was like the button of a thimble-rigging habaeaidtensy they saw him and.now they didn’t. Had he leaped inte; the ier or dropped back into the \ fis iauneh? ‘there at. all; was acting as stroke of one of the other boats. It was more +h the oes could tell. , All had seen him ap phe on the rail just as they had seen his companion suraD board. ‘The next. moment, | n they ‘edad for Ben, he wasn’t the next, D4 till, and they thought they Saw some -one rolling over the met’s rail into the lake, after which ‘nothing of either Ben eF the burglar was to be seen * “Pull,.fellows—pull!” cried Bill.” “Pll make directly for the Comet. The rest ‘of you land further up. and head them ae off when they try to climb the bluff.” “What's the use in that?” demurred ‘Harry Lownes, who “Don’t. you see . that cove'over there where the Comet lies is right in front of the Talking Rock where Bob ‘Says there’s a cave? Hold on! ‘There comes the other boat igo Bob ae as I live—just | urning the point! © Pe oidig + to do. pig ie ‘SCHOOLS AT OAKDALE. to tell me what to do. If you don’t ete to take your boat up the lake according to my directions, take it to Ballyhack and be blowed! The other fellows are half way there by this time. Lownes, you’re the only kicker of the crowd.” : By this time the. boat containing Colonel Fuller, Ed Top- Tiftes Bob and the constable had gained the cove. — “Well, well,. well! What have you boys been about?” stormed the great man of Oakdale as he leaped ashore, fol- lowed by Bob and the others. “Don’t tell me you’ve let them give you the slip afterall.” ; “Say, Bob,” whispered Bill, drawing the leader of the Oak- dale Academy. to’one side, “I’ve got something to tell you— wanted to tell your father, but he wouldn’t let me.” “What is it?” , “Ben Spurr was one of the fellows who stole the’ Comet.” “Then Ben must be one of the burglars, and I know that ain't so for I saw them both.” f “T can’t help that. I saw Ben. But say, Bob,,we were look- ing for you everywhere. Where on earth have you been?” “I can’t stop to talk now. Come to father. “He must hear this, if I ean, only manage to get his attention long enough to make. him listen.” é The colonel was tearing here and there, searching among the we rocks for some trace of the thieves, followed by Captain Coats, — who seemed to be in the sulks about something as Bob drew af near. >. “If you would only let a feller say a, word, colonel,” Bob — heard him say, “you might learn something of interest to you — in this here emergency. I have tried twice, and you eon f hear me out,” "4 “Shut up, Coats! You are always jawing chohe something. sit If you’ve got anything to say, why in thunder don’t you ‘say it? Who’s hindering you, T'd like to know?” “I’ve got something to say, father, and I want you to listen to it, too. Bill Wright says he tried to tell you that one of thet fellows he saw land from the Comet was Ben Spurr.” a “No!” fairly shouted ater t Fuller. “No! Don’t ‘tell me that!” “Tt was, though, colonel,” dal Bill, seriously. “There ain’t f the least doubt about its being Ben—not the least in the ie world.” d = | “And ‘you say you saw Ben and this other feftow jump cover the side of the launch amd then disappear?” 6 mk Saw the other fellow. I can’t swear as to what became of en,” “Ths my opinion, father, that they have taken to the cave that I’m certain exists somewhere behind these rocks, ‘bus yo get so excited you won't listen to me, 4nd——” “Shut up, Robert. Don’t tell me that I’m Sete course they are in the cave—we all know that—but how mischief are we going to get in? That’s what I’m coins m, best to find out.” “Was trying to tell you, but you kent interrupting, me,” growled the constable. “Why, you sai¢ you didn’t know the entrance, Coats, W at do you mean by blowing hot and cold in the same breath?” “Hold up, will you; Colonel Fuller. Gosh almighty, you. so blamed impatient that you don’t give a man a show. I was tryin’ to make you understand is that I don’t nothing about no entrance to the cave behind the T: Rock under the bluffs, but I do know where there’s on top.on ’em. I’ve been in, the cave when Shoah a youn, many’s the time.” ra “Now, by all that’s great and good, if you ain’t the old file I ever saw!” stormed Colonel Fuller, “Why in name of sense, man, didn’t you tell us this before “Couldn’t get no chance. You want to do all yourself. Now, then, if you'll, put this matter i where you'd ought to. have put it in the fust p snake out these sNe You seem to forget aR: constable of Oakdale.” ; “Get back, my money. Jd you shall be mayor! colonel. “Tead on, Coats, “we "11 follow. Good hope we haven’t. oe Si out loud enough to be oa E cave.” - “Must be pias, deet ef tie? ain't, heard ‘us the constable. ‘Then directing five or six of the Academy ‘boys to guard by the side of the Comet, he led the way plone for a distance of several rods, coming finall ‘the blufts which ‘Bob had never seen bef
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“ _ little wild he generally tries to do that. * in tones singularly mild. THE TWO. jens AT OAKDALE. _ “There they go! There they go!” shouted. the constable, scrambling up to the level. “After them, boys! Show them no mercy!” , ‘ They needed no urging. Close in the wake of the constable Colonel Fuller and Bob swung themselves upon the top of the bluff. There were two dark figures to be seen moving about among the trees with a lighted lantern. Dashing among the bushes, Colonel Fuller, to his extreme amazement, found himself face to face with his old enemy. It was General Dana‘and Joe. CHAPTER XXXIIL. : THE RIVAL MAGNATES MAKE IT UP. “Sam Dana!” ejaculated’ Colonel Fuller,.starting back in astonishment. “Jim Fuller!” cried General Dana, what in the world brings _ you here?” \ “I’m looking for the’ burglars who robbed my bank.” “And I’m looking for those who would have robbed mine but for the timely interference of yourself and your noble son.” “Phew!” Colonel Fuller gave a low whistle, Bob blushed and Joe looked particularly sheepish, while the Academy boys and the Institute fellows too—for there were a dozen of them be- hind Joe Dana—stared wonderingly on. “Glad you appreciate Bob’s efforts, general,” replied Colonel Fuller, quietly. “He only did his duty, and though he’s a But I say, if we’re going to catch those burglars we’ve got to be lively. They are concealed in a cave somewhere about here, and we aye looking’ for the entrance. One of the scoundrels it seems turns out to ‘be a pupil at my school in Oakdale. But tell me how is it you are here when I left you all used up on the wharf?” “We came in the Minnie. I was not so badly used up as I © looked. As soon as I changed my clothes I was all right again, and Joe, coming back in one of ‘the steamer’s boats, told me all that had happened. We boarded the launch, steamed up the lake, and here we are.” “Yes, but how did you manage to get up on the bluffs? I used to think there was only one path, now it seems there are several.. However, I am more than glad to see you,all right again.” ; ae The colonel’s tone was mild and conciliating. All his former harshness of manner toward his rival seemed ‘to haye disappeared. General Dana stepped quickly forward, and passing the lan- tern to his son, cordially extended his hand. “\ - “Jim,” he said, his eyes glistening, “we used to ie friends once, now we are enemies, and yet you saved my life to-night -at the risk of your own. Will you let by-gones be by- gones, shake hands and make it up?” “T don’t know about that,” answered Colonel Fuller, stiffly. “I’ve got a long account against you Dana. As to saving your lite I’d do as much for any one, and——” “YT know I’ve wronged you, Jim,” interrupted the general, “It you won’t shake hands I can’t insist upon it. For what you have done for me I sincerely thank you. For the kindness you showed my daughter Min- nie I also thank you; and now, since we can’t renew our old- mA time friendship, let me make such amends as I can by helping]. a to recover the money stolen from your bank. Joe, come ere,” | -- “Hold on a moment,” cried Colonel Fuller, ‘as Joe stepped _ forward looking very disconsolate. “My ‘son, Bob, here, has re been whispering in my ear not to be a stubborn pig any longer. i ’s very disrespectful of him, I know, but I am ‘so under his thumb that I have to mind him. Sam Dana, there’s my hand.” | And as the rival magnates shook each othey’s hands Ch Academy boys and the Institute fellows set up an ing shout. : “Now!” exclaimed ‘Colonel Fuller, “Bob must make up, too— WwW. ats that, you are saying, (aaron yeu are sibs sticking armly, pprov- scape mei wt bhava NS Pav AAP ys 0 SE VS FSS ETRE “One moment, my friends,” said the Hamden magnate. “Be- fore we proceed any further I have a few words to say. It goes hard with me to-_say it—to speak against my own flesh and blood—but in the interest of truth and justice I must.” “Better leave it unsaid, Sam, “whispered Colonel Fuller. “If I get the money back it’s all T want. Theres no use of tug: ging your boy into the scrape.” “No,” replied the general—*no, it must be done, Joe con- fessed all to me, and I feel somewhat of selfishness and ani- mosity. Coats, keep your eye on the mouth of the cave, since you know where it is. I want all present to listen to me.” That all did listen, and listen with breathless interest, we need not state. Joe Dana alone turned his face away and hung his head. “The case is not quite as bad as you may think,” began General Dana. “The trouble commenced on the day of the pony race, when Joe fell in with that thoroughly bad fellow Ben Spurr. Do not press me for details, for I prefer not to give them, but let me simply state that it was Joe who shot Mexican Madge, and that Ben Spurr was a witness to his mean action. It was Joe who planned the attack on Bob and rg on the launch in the cave behind the Talking Rock. It was Joe, assisted by Ben Spurr, who ‘killed’ the locomotive on the day your railroad opened; colonel. It was not Joe, but Ben Spurr who planned the robbery of the bank.” “But how on earth did Joe and Ben manage to get in with these fellows?” questioned the colonel. “Surely-——” “One moment,” interposed General Dana, laying his hand upon Colonel Fuller's arm. “Don’t ask me to be too hard on my boy. It was drinking and idle habits that did it. It seems that Joe and Ben Spurr have been in the habit of meeting two of the most dissolute scamps in Peterboro secretly at night, playing cards for money and all that sort of thing. One of these fellows is the Sam Slade who attacked Bob on the launch, and we now have him in custody over at Hamden. The other is one Jim Jowler, bite ths I believe to be in the cave with Ben Spurr.” “Can it be possitie?” questioned Colonel Fuller. leaving the Academy at night to drink and gamble. Are there any more implicated in this? If there are I'll discharge every boy from the school, but I'll know the truth.” “Hist! Hist!” called the constable, in a low whisper. “ “hey are in the cave—I hear them. over there; and help me capture these thieves?” “By George! Coats is right!” ECE aeS Colonel | Fuller. “Come on, boys! Come on!” All hurried toward the rocks now, and joined the constable, who stoed pointing toward a low, narrow opening in the ledge, close down upon the ground. Bob, who was decidedly tender-hearted, ‘and really felt much sympathy for the miserable position in which, Joe Dana had’ placed himself by his own folly, turned to speak a word to him, when to his surprise he found that Joe had set the lantern af down upon the grass and disappeared. ; “He’s lit out, and upon my word [ don’t blame him,” Bob, hurrying after the rest. “If I were he I’d be ashamed to ‘show my face around Corrina Lake for some time to come.” _ Meanwhile, about the mouth of the cave the debate was who should venture in first. Captain Coats was disinclined. Neither Colonel Fuller nor~ es General Dana—to use a common expression—seemed to “hank- er after the job.” “T’ll go!” cried Bob, springing forward and crawling iRronsh We “Follow me, fellows! We’ll soon smoke ‘em out!” tay the opening. “Take a pistol, Bob!” shouted his father, when all. at once a loud crash was heard within the cave, then a a ang then all was still. eat That the thoughts oth arey White, as. ‘he crept ahead Bai Spurr and the burglar, were of anything. but a cheerful. alae may be readily believed. Weak and wounded, alone in the BlobIny, ioe with -perate fellows, his position was | aor. bu env: } to gay the least. 4 | peered forward, | keepin; j weapon, the stone, Will you never quit talking ought | “ My boys
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30 THE Two SCHOOLS AT DARD ae — Whose entrance was beneath the water, was connected with the other: by means of the narrow passage in which Larry now stood. The interior chamber was decidedly the largest, and at its end a pile of loose, jagged rocks was to be seen, extending up- ward almost to the high-arched roof overhead; while at a point near the centre were the charred remains of a fire, by the side of which Ben and the burglar stood. They were talking in low whispers and for the moment _ Larry could not hear. what was being said, until all at once Ben exclaimed, angrily: % “Look here, Jim Jowler, what are you trying to get at? you mean to cheat me out of my share?” “Your share?” be heard the burglar answer. that amount: to? What have you done to entitle you to half); the money, I’d like to know?” “What have I done?” snarled Ben. “Why, you couldn’t have} got into the bank at all if it hadn’t been for me. Didn’t I get | the keys out of Colonel Fuller’s office, and bring them to you?” “There, there, don’t make so much tdlk,” was the answer. “The boats with those fellows may have come up, and you} know how that infernal rock gives everything away that is said inside here. Where’s the spade? First of all we've got to ' dig up the box.” But Ben would talk, and for. full ten minutes the wrangle | , contintied, but in ‘tones too low for Larry to make out what was Said. Had they settled it? Apparently, for Ben moving off to one side of the rocky chamber presently returned carrying a spade. ‘Méanwhile the burglar had stooped down and cleared away _ the embers on the floor, and when Ben came back he began imv mediately to dig in this particular spot. How eagerly Larry watched him! | He had taken his determination now. The instant the money was unearthed, he meant to ict fly ‘the stone which he still held with convulsive grip, rush in and fight for the possession of the box. ‘ They were two to one, but that he never stopped to consider. _ Drawing more into the shadow, he watched every movement } of the spade. } “I’ve got it now,” Larry heard Ben whisper as he bent over | ‘the hole, and drew forth a square tin box of considerable size. __ No sooner did the eyes of the burglar rest upon the box than he snatched up the spade from the heap of néwly-turned earth, “upon which Ben had suffered it to fall, and with it dealt him a fearful blow on the head. : “That settles you!” he hissed. “Now I’ve got it all to my- self. You little fool, did you really expect to get your share?” Was this the “honor among phneves. of which some foolish persons like to prate? Ben Spurr, with a deep groan, sank forward across the hole, while Jowler sprang toward the pile of loose rocks at the end of the cave. Perhaps he had gone three steps, perhaps four, when crash came the great stone which Larry had held till, now, whizzing past his head. It tailed to hit the fleeing burglar, but in stopping him it had served at least a part of Larry’s purpose; and before Jim . Jowler knew what was coming, Larry had dashed upon him and tried to tear the box away. i “Larry White! by all that’s blue!” . “Yes, and by ail that’s black too! . PN take charge of this box.” _ €¥ou will, will: you? Then ‘you'll take this with it!” ‘ ghouted the burglar, “Take a taste of that, you fool! Tl teach you not to come to life when once you’re dead. I’ll choke ' the life out of you! I'll—Great Scott! I’m euchred now!” ' There was a rush of feet - upon whose throat the f cs grip wttered a fi Do ' Take that—and—that! qos of the burglar had closed with’ for help. | WSs ive it to him, Larry ve it to him!” he heard, voices | _ calling; then suddenly the’ ressuré f his throat was ‘loosed, _ there came a rush—a fearful crash, and—— - “No, no, he’s not dead! WYou’re not dead, are you, Larry?” ‘Bob Fuller was bending over him now, Colonel Fuller was ne standing. . on’ one side, and General Dana onthe other, and all the» two ‘schools at Oakdale. nays Last and best of all his hand still, ‘lutehed the box which he a had fought ‘so hard to zetain. ei 3 ‘Here's your money, Colonel Fuller,” gasped the brave boy, ; the box toward the colonel’s feet. oot ae hee never up until I got it, Ee ‘there iti is.’ ¥ for: i and the select men of Oakdale in solemn counsel assembled, ‘proved, and under the immediate charge of Colonel Fuller the other end of the cave. Larry, |. bout. him in the dimly lighted cave. crowded the. students of |’ And the nicks walis of the cave echoed back three. times three cheers. * Dead! Not a bit of it! There was nobody dead. Larry was Badly hurt, Ben Spurr lay in a state of complete unconsciousness, while Jim Jowler with his leg broken by the - fall of a great mass of rock from the loose pile leading up to ~ the exit from the cave which he had sought to gain, was a ~ prisoner in the hands of Captain Coats, yet one and all re-. | mained very much alive, It was Harry Lownes and his companions who had man- aged to find the water entrance to the cave and came dashing * * * * “What does | in, which had alarmed Jowler just at the critical moment for | Larry. The events of that memorable night put an end forever to the rivalries of Colonel Fuller and General Dana, and to those of the students of Hamden and Oakdale. Nie After that all was smooth sailing, all were the best of friends, and as smooth sailing, though pleasant, is by no means on citing, we may as well bring our Story, to an end right her and now. : Jim Jowler was taken by Gevtndi Coats to the country jail — at Downingtown, while Ben Spurr was carried to his father’s. home at Peterboro on the Comet, where for weeks he lay ill with a broken head. lade and Jowler went to the penitentiary finally, and Ben, no sooner had he acre than, to the great welief of every: “ one, he ran away. ies Some say he went to sea, others that he went out West at e aa all events he was never seen around Corrina Lake. again. Joe Dana ran away too, went as far aa New York, but the general followed him and brought him back again in a half- starved condition and pretty thoroughly toned down. ~ Long since the boy’s escapade has been forgotten, and to. day he is a man respected by all who know him, and in full” charge of his father’s extensive affairs. The mouey stolén from the Oakdale Bank was found. in the | box intact. It, was a great day for Larry when the president and dineos i tors of the bank gaye him a public reception in the town hall, ‘ . passed him a vote of thanks. f Then the bank officers yoted Larry a reward of one thou- 5% sand dollars, and Bob a gold medal, which made him feel. as 3 proud as a king. , " General Dana and the officers of ihe Garndel Bank wante: to join in the gifts, but Colonel Fuller would not allow it; and after being town talk for a week. the affair was suffered’ give place to-an election excitement, for true to his promise, Colonel Fuller ran Captain Coats for mayor, and. managed things so well that he was elected almost without a dissenting vote. The next year Bob leit the Academy and went Tate business. Larry at the same time taking a ‘olerkship in one of Colonel oe Fuller’s mills. The last time we were in Oakdale—it / was two—no, three years ago—we noticed that the mill sign read “Fuller & t Bob. and Larry were running the business, and we Tear incidentally that Larry had married Jennie Fuller, and not — Minnie Dana, after all. The Oakdale Academy we found much enlarged ani n- still, though, of course, the old students are scattered f wide, but the Hamden Institute has been given up building sold, so, if we ever write another story I students of Corrina Lake it must concern those of the 4 only and not the “Two Schools at Oakdale.” THE END. are ea in ein ay. vbu centiog ee ie m from 4 newsdealer, send the price in stam mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 U pee ae oe and you ee e A
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HERE'S OROTHER NEW OVE!! SPLENDID STORIES OF THE REVOLUTION. + THE je ERTY BOYS OF ‘76 . A Weekly Magazine containing Stories of the American Revolution. BY HARRY MOORE. These stories are based on actual facts and give a faithful account of the exciting adventures of a brave band of American — youths who were always ready and willing to imperil their lives for the sake of helping along the gallant cause of Independence. Every number will consist of 32 large pages of reading matter, _ bound in a beautiful colored cover. # ‘The first, number will be issued on Friday, January 4th. DON’T FAIL TO READ iT! : HERE ARE THE TITLES OF THE FIRST FOUR NUMBERS : No. me THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ’76; or, Fighting for L _ Freedom, Issued January 4 3 No. @. ‘THE LIBERTY BOYS’ OATH; or, Settling With m2 A the British and Tories, Issued January 11 No. 3. THE LIBERTY BOYS’ GOOD WORK ; seen: re ing General Washington, Issued J anuary is. rs a No. &, ‘THE LIBERTY BOYS ON HAND; or, Always a z | in the Right Place, Issued J anuary. 25 For sale by all newsdealers or sent postpaid on receipt of price, & cents per copy, Lee 3 a PRANE TOUSEHY, ee cae at * ry,
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These Books Tell You Everything! Each book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in am attractive, illustrated cover. Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects mentioned. THESH BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR. WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS: FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE, , ' CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY, Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N. Y. | SPORTING. No. 21, HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- structions about guus, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish. No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Pully illustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- structions on swimming and riding, ey sports to boating. _No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE, AND DRIVE A HORSH.— A complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse. rea No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By C. Stansfield Hicks. FORTUNE TELLING. No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete book. No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN iit wrsge ahd hoe dreams, from the little child to the aged man and woman. ‘This little book ‘gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and ‘“Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNDS.—Bveryone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortune of your friends. } No. 76. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.— Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of the lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future } events by aid of moles, marks, scars, ete. Illustrated. By A. Anderson. 3 ATHLETIC. , No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETH.—Giving full in- ‘struction for the use of dumb ‘bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, “horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy ean become strong and healthy by following -the instructions contained in this little book. No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense. made easy. . Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the differ- ent positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. No. 25. HOW TO é ti : instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athleti¢ exercises. Embracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and tseful book. i ; vous No. 34. HOW TO PENCE.—Containing full instruction for fencing and the use of the broadsword ; also instruction in archery. Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. No. 61. HOW TO BECOME A BOWLER.—A complete manual of bowling. Containing full instructions for playing all the stand- ard American and German games; together with rules and systems of sporting in use by the principal bowling clubs in the United States. By Bartholomew , Batterson. =e gl TRICKSE WITH CARDS. — 46 . No. 51. HOW 'TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring _ sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of ips perce. prepared cards. » tions. | a } ‘No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Em- bracing all yee ey and a deceptive card tricks, with il- ~ lustrations. By A. Anderson. ie ew 1 eee TOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— » Containing deceptive C ed eich . performed by leading conjurers ethos Tae, 1 eee a ae i SPE Lat ‘pneumatics, mechanics, etc., ete. BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full} By Professor Haffner. With illustra- | for home amusement. Fully illustrated. hs a > ‘ ipa. ; Z ae | ~ No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full instruction of all the leading card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed b our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this boo’ as it will both amuse and instruct. p : No, 22, HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sig explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining b the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and » boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The o: authentic explanation of second sight. f Y No. 48. HOW LTO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing ¢ grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before t public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete. : e No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS,—Containing oy one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemical] By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. ° . fe No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing ove: fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain ing e secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. o. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing By A. Anderson. Full e a , Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. illustrated. Mev ae ge No. 73: HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBBERS.—Showin’ many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A Anderson. Fully illustrated. 2 ; ices we | No, 7. HOW TO BECOME A_CONJURER.—Containii tricks with Dominoes, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. Y yabracing thirty-six illustrations. y A. Anderson. _ rig paar No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a com- plete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Ha nd, bet Saeco yh many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson. ustrated. , z , Came. MECHANICAL. directions for making lished. af ether teas tot i with a full No. 57. No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADINS.—Giving ts most any ~%
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WORK AND WIN —LATEST ISSUES— So = seatnoue el Sie and HOWE orig s a RT RS , , * “i ‘red Fearnot’s Common Sense; or, e Bes ay’ rs) rouble, —; 788 ae poner. Revenge; or, Defeating a Congressman: 821 Fred Fearnot’s Great Find; of, Saving ‘erry Olcott's Portune. - : ire earnot’s Trap; or, Catching the Train Robbers. 822 Fred Fearnot and the Sultan; or, Adventures on the Island of age eg ge gif? mp Aes Moat Aza) ee the hertig for Yale Sulu. b re earnot’s Ruse; or,,furning Tramp to Save a Fortune. 823 Fred Fearnot’s Silvery Tongue; or, Winning an Angry Mob. 791 Fred Fearnot in Manila; or, Plotting to Catch Aguinaldo. 824 Fred Fearnot's EAD or Outwitting a Rotplenone Couple. ae Fred Fearnot’s Lariat; or, How He Caught His Man. 825 Fred Fearnot’s Little Joke; or, Worrying Dick and Terry. ree Pred Fearnot's Wild West Show; or, The Biggest Thing on Earth | 826 Fred Fearnot’s Muscle; or, Holding His Own Against 0 ds. 7 4 Fred Nearnot’s Great Tour ;. or, Managing an Opera Queen. 827 Fred Fearnot On Hand; or, Showing Up at the Right Time. 795 Fred Fearnot’s Minstrels; or, Terry’s Great Hit as an End Man | 828 Fred Fearnots Puzzle; or, Working the Bunco Steerers. 796 Fred Fearnot and the Duke; or, Baffling a Fortune Hunter. 829 Fred Fearnot and Evelyn; er, The Infatuated Rival. 797 Fred Fearnot’s Day; or, The Great Reunion at Avon. 830 Fred Fearnot’s Wager; or, Downing a Brutal Sport. 798 Fred Fearnot in the South; or, Out With Old Bill Bland. 881 Fred Fearnot at St. Simon’s; or, The Mystery of a Georgia | 799 Fred Fearnot’s Museum; or,. Backing Knowledge With Fun. Island. ’ i 800 Fred Fearnot’s Athletie School; or, Making Brain and Brawn. | 832 Fred Fearnot Deceived: or. After the Wrong Man 801 Fred Fearnot Mystified; or, The Disappearance of Terry’ Olcott. | 833 Fred Fearnot’s Charity; or, Teaching Others a Jesson. 802 Fred Fearnot and the Governor; or, Working Hard to Save a Life. | 834 Fred Wearnot as “The Judge’; or, Heading Off th © ~uchers. 803 Fred’ Fearnot's Mistake; or, Up Against His Match. 835 Fred Fearnot and the Clown; or, Saving the Old Mato Place ~ ae ieee eae - Pe La es s bat a Krabbe G 836 Fred Fearnot’s Fine Work; or, Up Against a Crank. & not As a Sheriff: or. Breaking Up a Desperate Gang. - | 937 }red Fearnot's Bad Break; or, What Happened to Jones. ; I TERS od re eG Oe 836 Fred Fearnot’s Round Up? or A Lively ‘time on the Ranch, 808 Fred Fearn tia Great Prigd so Working Ward to W 839 Fred Fearnot and the Giant; or, A Hot Time in Cheyenne. 34 A Lh SNR SRNR tis Oo oh tgs Sat} eh to Win. 840 Fred Fearnot’s Cool Nerve; or, Giving It Straight to the Boys. 809 Fred Fearnot at Bay; or, His Great Fight for Life. 841 Fred Fearnot’s Way; or, Doing Up a Sharper. 810 Fred Fearnot’s Disguise; or, Following a Strange Clew. 842 Fred Fearnot in a Fix; or, The Blackmailer’s Game, of 811 Fred Fearnot’s Moose-Hunt; or, Adventures in the Maine Woods. | 843 Fred Fearnot as a “Broncho Buster’; or, A Great Time in the ~ ‘812 Fred Fearnot’s Oratory; or, Fun at the Girls’ High School. Wild West. ‘ 813 Fred Fearnot's Big Heart; or, Giving the Poor a Chance. 844 Fred Fearnot’ and His Mascot; or, Byelyn’s Fearless Ride. 814 Fred Kearnot Accused; or, Tricked by a Villain. 845 Fred Fearnbdt’s Strong Arm: or, The Bad Man of Arizona. 815 Fred Fearnot’s Pluck; or, Winning Against Odds. 846 Fred Fearnot’as’ a “Tenderfoot’; or, Having Fun With the 816 Fred Fearnot’s Deadly Peril: or, His Narrow Escape From Ruin. Cowboys. a 817 Fred Fearnot’s Wild Ride; or, Saving Dick Duncan's Life. 847 Fred Fearnot Captured; or, In the Hands of the Enemy. ui 818 Fred Fearnot’s Long Chase; or, Trailing a Cunning Villain. 848 Fred Fearnot and the Banker; or, A Schemer’s Trap to Ruin Him. * For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stam FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, - - 168 West 23d St., New York. IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS if “ of our weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct, Write out and ~~ fill in your Order and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you by return mail! POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. bake FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, “ - - - - - - - . - 168 West 23d St., New York, De ee ee oe Se ee ouR TEN-CENT HAND BOOERS Ne. ie NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DRE: 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 cards. No. 2. HOW TO-DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illu- sions as performed by our Hoe magicians; -eyery boy should obtain a copy of this book. No. 3. OW TO FLIRT.—The arts 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 list of the language and sentiment of flowers. No. 4. “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 square dances, No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A. com- plete guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be ebserved, with many curious and interest- ing things not generally known. No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE. apne full instruction for the use of dumb- bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. ’ No. 7%. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Hand- somely illustrated and containing full instruc- tions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paro- oquet, parrot, etc. ' No. 9 HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILO- QUIST.—By Harry, Kennedy. Every 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. uf No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self- Aefense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the differ- ent positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain on these useful and Iinstruc- tive, books, as it Will teach you how to box without an instructor. No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS, —A most. plete little book, containing full directions writing love-letters, and when to use them, giving specimen young and old. ' No. 12. HOW 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 letters for For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 10 cts. per copy, ur 3 for 25 ets., ‘in money ns FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, - ue ro 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-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc. No. 18. HOW TG BECOME BEAUTIFUL. —One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Every- 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 EVEN- ING PARTY.—A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recita- tions, etc., suitable for parlor or drawing- room entertainment. It contains more for 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, trapping and fish- ing together with description ef game and 8 No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT,.— Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giv- ing all the codes and signals. No. 23. 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 directions 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. Kkm- bracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT,.—Fully illustrated. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS.—Containing the most popula; selections in use, comprising Dutch dialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together_with many standard readings. No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES,— Everyone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be_ convinced. No, 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR, —Every boy should knew how inventions orig- inated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnet- ism, optics,’ pneumatices, mechanics, ete, - r - - - - - - ‘a No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the MOBt sis instructive books on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish. game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes — and all kinds of pastry, and a grand collec- tion of recipes. 2, No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER, —Containing fourteen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a goo: speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also con- taining gems from all the popular authors of ° + Prose and Beem No. 32. HO TO RIDE A_ BICYCLE.— Containing instructions for beginners, choice ot a machine, hints on training, etc. “A eom- plete book. Full of practical illustrations. — No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A com-_ plete and useful little book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, backgammon, croquet, dominoes, atc. ‘ No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE. CONUND ee Se ie conundruras e day, amusing riddles, curi , ao ay ous catches: and No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wonderful book, containing use= ful and practical information fm the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common te every family. Abounding in tibeful and effgc- tive recipes for general complaintsy, = ©.” Ne. 39. HOW TO RAIS GS, POU. ACA iL ee srs useftl structive beok. andsemely illustrate No, 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET —Including hints on how «to . h weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and bir how to cure skins. Copious No. 41. THE BOYS OF | MEN’S JOKE BOOK.—Con riety of the latest jokes” famous end men. No ical grandest assortment of whag: ca s ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards. incantations, etc. St No. 44. HOW BUM.—A_ grand AN AL. thing new and very in should obtain this book instructions for organi strel troupe. | ‘ Every as it contains ® an amateur , * ne: yaa stamps, by ~ .» 168 West 23d St., New York, boy. full min- ¥