Pluck And Luck (no. 252) (1903 04 01)
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““fasued Weekly—By Subscription, $2.50: ger year. gatered as Second ‘Class Matter at the New York Post Office, Nuvaiher 7, 1898, by Frank Tousey, NEW YORK, APRIL 1, 1903. 5 Cents, Harry Hook was determined not to fail. To the agony and horror of the crowd he was seen to. essay the feat. Hand over hand he went up the slanting wire.
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_ ting of al and curious games of cards. 4 These Books Tell You Everything! A COMPLETE SET I$ A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! = Dach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an 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. mentioned. Look oyer the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects THESHD BOOKS ARE FOR. SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL PE SENT BY MAIL: TO ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, THN CENTS BACH, OR ANY THRER BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. MESMERISM. No.. 81. HOW TO MESMBERIZE.—Containing the most ‘ap- proved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Ilugo Koch, A. C. §., author of “How to Hypnotize,” ete. ; PALMISTRY. No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with a full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S. Fully illustrated. : ‘ HYPNOTISM. » No. 83. HOW. TO HYPNOTIZHE.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading .hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. Neipsre . SPORTING. } No. 24. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH —-The most complete hunting -and fishing. guide ever published. .It contains full in- ‘structions about guns, hunting. dogs, traps,.trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish. 4 No. 26, HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully 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, companion sports to boating. . ; No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.— treatise on the horse, Describing the most useful horses s, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for ealiar to the horse. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. tansfield Hicks. ‘ FORTUNE TELLING. 1. NAPOL ning the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, Les ¢ A complete book. ‘ No, 23. HOW TO WXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody.. dreams, ‘from the little child to tlie 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. * Nov 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNEDS.—E $ knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or lmisery, wealth or poverty. You ean tell by a glance at this little thook.: Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own’ fortune. Tell ithe fortune of vour friends. io ; { ‘No: 76. HOW LO TELL FORTUNDS BY THE WAND. (Contiining rules for telling fortunes by the aidvof lines of the hand, ‘or, the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events dby aid of moles, marks, scars, éte. Illustrated. By A. Anderson. 2 aes ‘ATHLETIC. oe i i No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving “full, ins ‘striction for the use of dumb. bells, Indian. clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, healthy muscle; containing ever sixty illustrations. Every boy can ecome strong and healthy by following the: instructions contained n this little book. oseshan "GE et 4 'No. 10. HOW TO BOX—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over: thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the ditfer- ‘ent; Positions of a good ‘hoxer.’ Hyery boy should obtain one of q hé we fout.an instructor. ra | Ne. 20. HOW TO. BECOME A GYMNAST.—Contajning full nstructions for all: kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. mbracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A-handy and usefulsbo Pe, Sh bay Ce we ‘ IN 5 EFRPNCE.—-Containing full instruction for ey ook. Now S40 OW TO: fencing and the use of the broadsword; algo.instruction in archery. Déscribed, with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best Positions in fencing. A complete: book:?) , i TRICKS WITH‘CARDS. oe ‘ ; TO DO TRICKS: WITH CARDS.—Containing eeu tions of the general principlés of sleisht-of-hand applicable toeard tricks; of card tricks with otdinary cards, and not requiring Sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the nse of specially prepared ecards... By Professor ‘Haffner. * Illustrated. 4 No. 51. HOW Ae? Rita tS “t pay wae SMA Zeap gc wey ae: EON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.—" veryone is desirous of | sé useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box. No, 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Em- bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- lustrations. By A, Anderson. iy No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— Uontaining deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated. 7 MAGIC. 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 illusions as performed by our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both amuse and imstruct. 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 giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. : No, 43. HOW ‘TO BECOMB A MAGICIAN<Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with ecards. incantations, ete. No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. Oe Lh _ No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain- ing the secret of second sight. Wully illustrated. By A. Anderson. No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full. directions for making Magic Toys.and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. / No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson, Fully illustrated. f i 75. WOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. Embracing Ly-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. Sie Soe ae o. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a com- plete description of the mysteries of Magic. and Sleight of Mand, together with many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson. Illustrated. hates) SOE MECHANICAL. No. 29. HOW 'TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Lvery boy should know how inventions originated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, — pheumatics, mechanics, ete. The most instructive book published, _ No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.~-Containing full instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive en- gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive; together with a full description of everything an engineer shoyld. know. | Containing full directions for Writing to (Continued’on page 3 of cover.) /No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full — directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zithes, Aolian Harp, Nylo- — phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief de-— scription of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon 8. Fitzgerald, for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. | No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containin a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention. Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely illustrated. By John Allen. i ‘ site ( : No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. i LETTER WRITING. o No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A. most com- plete little book, containing full directions for writing -love-letters, and when.to use them, giving specimen letters ‘for youhg ‘and old. No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS. TO LADIES.—Giving complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also tetters of introduction, notes and requests. bt SNE Vie No. 24. HOW TO WRITH LETTERS TO.GENTLEMEN.~- gentlemen on all subjects; also giving saniple letters for instruction. 5 eee i ' No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LE'TTERS.—A. wonderful little ‘hook, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and any- body you wish to write to. Hyery young man and every young lady in -the*land should have this book, nf # No. 74. HOW. TO WRITE LETTERS, CORRECTLY.—Con- ‘taining full instructions for writin letters on almost any. subject ; also rules.for punctuation and composition, with specimen letters. SORA ope or pnitab mee ttre I a wd of Septet regan noipait m< yds es ay bi
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PLUCK AND LUCK. Complete Stories of Adventure. Tesued Weekly—-By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second ‘Oltibe Matter at the New York, N. pee Office, November 7, 1898. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the pet 1903, in the office of the ‘iiota ; ‘of Congress, Washington, D. O., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York. No. 252. * Price 5 Cents. NEW YORK, APRIL 1, 1903. Harry Hlok, (fe Boy Fireman of No. 1 OR, ; f ALWAYS AT HIS POST. By Ex-Fire Chief Warden. CHAPTER I. THE BOY FIREMAN. Our story will jopen in a certain small city in the heart of the oil regions in Pennsylvania. For want of a better - name let us call it Oilville. Anthracite coal’ as well as oil was one of the staple pro- ducts of the country about Oilville. What with the coal mines and the oil wells it was quite a prosperous place. _ But Oilville was not without its natural beauties of location and scenery, and though the bulk of its inhabitants were miners and oil dippers, there were many fine residences it the town, and many intellectual and wealthy aL ge nik there. - Not one of the readers of the story can be ignorant of the fact that a miner's life is one of danger and hardship. But scarcely less so is that of the oil worker, for at best oil is an explosive substance, to handle which one must exercise great care and have ‘experience. Scarcely a week passes without the publication of some dreadful report from the mines or the oil fields of a cave-in - or an. explosion by which hundreds of lives are lost. f Oilville could furnish its list of casualties, and experience had long since taught the people the need of precaution. Fire was the most dreaded danger. : At any moment it was likely to strike some oil tank and _ the whole place go up in flames. With this knowlede Oilville had organized and supported - @ number of fire companies. In all the breadth of the land the fire boys of Oilville were noted for their valor and skill in fighting the flames, Of the several companies the nash adage crack was eNOS I a This company was made up of public men whose experience x ied with their courage. Their fire engines were of the finest, and their records as fire fighters was most irreproachable. ae their chief, D aitag oe enough, was not as een have ‘born to fight fire. j Jary or crime wit Jat once to Bisbee and his gang. ‘ } Harry Hook, the boy chief of No. 1, was at once the most popular and deserving young man in Oilville. At least this was the sentiment of the people. His father before him had been a famous fireman, and from boyhood Harry had known little else but the atmosphere of the engine house. Small wonder was it then that he should follow in, the footsteps of his father. Harry was possessed of a handsome, open face, great can. dor and pluck, and in face of the greatest danger was never known to flinch. In spite of his youth he was recognized at once as the one most eminently qualified in every way to fill the position of chief of No. 1. Calvin Prentiss, the owner of the oil wells, and the mil- lionaire of the town, was ready to swear by Harry Hook, the boy fireman. ‘ “T tell you, friends,” he would. say, emphatically, “he was — It is in him, and his equal meat be found anywhere.” Few disputed this assertion of Mr. Prentiss, but naturally one so prominent and popular as Harry Hook was not: without enemies. One of the bitterest of these was Jim Bisbee, a former member of No. 1. } ' He was a bad character in every way, having served a term in the penitentiary. His real history was not known for some time after his advent into Oilville. When he could no longer conceal his black record, he perpetrated a villainous game which proved him a desperado and caused his discharge from the company. " This was the robbery of a needy farmer on the outskirts of the town. The result was that the poor victim was placed in very straightened cireumstances, and but for the sympa- thetic aid of the aah sig his helpless family would have starved. j i _ The police in vain tried to run the wretch down. oes Bisbee bade them defiance. There were plenty | of ees x cessible spots in, the hills about where the vil) ain. could hide. It was known that, he had\confederates, and every bit of burg- which Oilville was afflicted wi a charged ne:
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4 Seema etree ect nmrsereeyenanion LARRY HOOK, Indeed, the villain had gone-so far as'to make threats of incendiarism against the: town, for his hatred against it and its people was of the bitterest sort. ‘A message had been received by the mayor, sighed with |- the brute’s initials, in which he conveyed the warning that he would sit on Black Cap’ some night, a craggy mountain overlooking the town, and, like Nero of old, watch the city burn. A state of terrorism had for a time prevailed among the majority of the people. Many feared the villain would ex- ecute his threats but others declared that he was not serious, and only enjoyed working upon the fears of the people. In vain parties were dispatched into the hills to capture Bisbee. He eluded the shrewdest detectives, and laughed pursuit to scorn, Black Cap mountain was known to be full of caverns and dens in which safe hiding could be had. Harry Hook had incurred the villain’s hatred in a peculiar manner, and while he was a member of fire company No. 1. ‘One night an alarm was sounded, and instantly Harry was out of bed and away to the scene of danger. A tenement house was in flames. Harry was not” chief then, but he took it upon himself to enter the house in search of people overcome by the dense smoke. As chance had it he burst into a,room which was half filled with smoke, and through the window of which from @ ladder another fireman had entered. Upon the floor lay the form of a man who had evidently been overcome by smoke. Harry saw the fireman who had come in at the window bend over him, and, as’ he supposed, to raise him and carry him to a point of safety. But the next moment he saw how he was deceived, and witnessed a dastardly act. The fellow coolly and deliberately proceeded to go through the victim’s pockets. Speechless with indignation and surprise, Harry could not act for a moment,. Then suddenly the robber lifted his face, and the boy fireman recognized him. It was Jim Bisbee. “The villain seemed taken apace at the sight of Harry Hook. With an oath he sprang to his feet. ; Ae “Thunder and blazes!” he gasped. “I’m caught.” ; “Yes, ” said Harry, coolly. “You intended to rob that heip- Tess. man, Jim Bisbee.” _ “Well, what if I did?” snarled the etaih: right to come spying around in this fashion.” “You are a coward and a villain, just what I thought. you “were. ? ‘ fs ee! s’pose you'll 20 and give me away now, and Vi ie my place ‘in the company.” : syed ought to do that,” _be just punishment, for you. Hd “You've no said Harry, sternly, ” his’ strong, young arms. and carried eae to the window, from, his threat, au aos disturb ineenid manky Hook, however. t "i worry his anxious je devine mother very much, THE BOY FIREMA ig b wen poner Then Harry picked up. the form of the insensible man in’ WN OR- NO. 1 “Never you mind, that boy will make his mark. I tell — you, blood will tell whether it is in a man or a horse, and that boy has got lots of it.” Manes! One evening Harry was oh his way home from a fire. He was tired and smoke begrimed and hungry. Suddenly, as he reached a dark street corner, two slender, shadowy forms — flitted past him. Into the light of a street lamp just ahead they rushed, and then Harry saw that one was a ragged youth, of possibly fi fourteen years, and the other a girl, not more than one year younger. re To the young fireman they looked familiar, and then he remembered that he had taken them out of a: sere: tene- — ment not a month previous. 4 They were apparently street waifs, and mikety? and poverty. : was their lot. Harry had felt a thrill of pity for them, but. | his sympathy was now ‘doubly aroused as he saw their Mies, creased wretched appearance. “Poor creatures!” he reflected. parents, no money nor friends. them a bit.” The young fireman had started forward with this impulse when suddenly a man sprang out of the #loom and clutched the girl savagely by the shoulder. : ; “Curse you!” he cried. “You are the little hussy who cheated meé in buying a newspaper last night. I asked you for” an evening paper, and you gave me a morning copy. T want my penny ‘back or I'll shake the life out of you.” } ; ! The girl screamed and tried to break away from the harsh grip upon her. But her captor held her firmly. “I did not sell you a paper,” she sald, in a bat ahah a ae “T never saw you before.” “Don’t you lie to me, you little wreteh,” ’ thundered tne. man. “You shall give me back my money or I will ber you over to the police.” f. Harry was too astonished be ‘the mendacity and mean of the man to act for a moment. 1 But the brother, for such the ragged lad was, dashed at ; rude assailant like a panther, erying furiously: “Don’t you dare hurt my sister. Let go of her, afraid, Leda, he shan’t hurt you.” “Get away, you brat,” yelled the girl's captor, as 1 a blow at the lad. “There, served A right, cuss you.” - “Very likely wee have no I wonder if I cannot help. ey ae ¥ on. + a ae hp roy ¢ ‘a aim senseless on the. sidewalk. It was wy Geutat plow, and it. bi a scream of agony from the ragge | girl's lips. : It was more than Banh could bear. ‘In an instant he Shree ir forward. 4 “Coward, to strike such a blow!” ne cried, little girl, or it will be the worse for you. sae : The man turned a white and angry face toward Har | the light the young fireman poheelael its hard, Bcc ‘lines. Thy ‘ “Alden Raymond!” he inhi ‘| you! ff t Alden Raymond was one of the lahat ‘men was a partner with Calvin Prentied, and the 0 pposite all respects. : Sag ale -uihana ies : Blise G “1 aid ‘noe, tit ik the of liked i his meanness ts everybo He glared at Harry sullenly, ; “It is young Hook,” le sritted. :
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_ HARRY aeoneie: “Don’t you dare to: ad- Just at present you are a brute, “Hold on!” cried Harry, dress me in such a way, sir! and I shall deal with you as such! fireman, and you are Alden Raymond, a rich man, but if you were Cresus himself that would not deter me from doing my duty in defending this weak and helpless little girl.” , CHAPTER II. THN TWO STRERT\WAIES. 1 * Raymond was the personification of fury, but these strong ' utterances of Harry Hook caused him to shrink back. He knew that he was in the wrong, but was disposed to bluff it out, ae “Go on about your business, boy,” he gaid, angrily. “ll settle with this little hussy. She deliberately cheated me out . of my money for a paper that was a day old.” “Wor shame!” cried Harry, with burning cheeks, “That is only a penny, sir, and what is that to a man of your wealth?” ’ “That' is none of your business,” fumed Raymond. “1 pro- pose to learn these beggars better than to impose upon honest people. Go your way.” The girl was cringing and wincing with pain beneath the savage clutch which Raymond had upon her shoulder, Harry ‘saw that she was likely to faint, and the cruelty of the act made his blood boil. In a moment off came his coat. “Unhand that girl!” he thundered, “or by heavens, I my hands on you, Alden Raymond.” ni The latter, furious at being thus addressed, did release his grip, only to make a savage blow at Harry. “You stripling!” he hissed. \“I’ll teach you a lesson now!* .. But Harry Hook was a wonderfully’ well developed youth. His muscles were hard and trained, and though slight in build, he was supple and hardy. He easily parried the lunge made at him by Raymond. He Tl lay did not wish to strike the magnate, but by an adroit movement ( locked elbows with him and pitched him into the gutter. Then, just as Raymond was about to spring up, Harry ‘seized him by the shoulders and held him. down. “Let me wd fumed the ree savagely. death of you.’ “No, you won't, you mean cur!” eried Harry, forcibly. “I’ve got the upper hand, and’ r m able to hold’ thi 4 “Curse you!” ged - “Spare your epithets!” ‘ Raymond strove in vain to rise, but Harry held him in, a grip of iron, italy Seeing thee’ Mig was wors Peed the villain ‘cuando his tac- ties. . oy i “Come, Hook,” he said, in a softer voice. I let my temper run away with me. “TH be the _ Let me up!” “On one condition.” = ==> Ma “What?” : f “That you will go on att your businéss and never fear, se poor children again. “g ; “Well, I agree. Let me up.” ‘ ae and gritted beni: clenched teeth: YOU, § Harry Hook! you shall ‘suffer for this interference in my plans ) You t ‘my purpose in persecuting those sagegs ars ye will come.” ~ HOOK, THR BOY FIREMAN OF NO, 1. I am Harry Hook, the boy ‘his swoon and was upon his feet. somely. ““Tps” all right. | a shrug of her’ shoulders. relaxed Ae hold, and Raymond sprang | to ne fect, Standing before him with eager, bright face, and eyes filled with tears of gratitude, Harry was aa op startled by the /wonderful beauty of the girl. The lad whom she called’ her brother had recovered from Both pressed forward. “Oh, sir, you are so kind to help us!” cried the girl, ful- “We cannot thank you enough, sir.” ; “Cracky! but that there covy did> give me an awful Chip exclaimed the boy. “My head sings yet.” “Do you know him?” asked Harry, brusquely.’ see him before?” “Yes, indeed,” replied the girl, readily. “He turned us out ‘of a room in Mother Burns’ shanty one time, and would have had us sent to the reformatory but for Mother Burns, who hid us until after the officers wére gone. Poor Mother Burns! She was our best friend, but she is dead now.” “Ah!” exclaimted Harry, with intense interest. your name?” “Leda Lane!” replied the girl, bromptly, brother, Jack.” | The boy fireman was at once interested. “You must tell me all about it,” he said, encouragingly. “Who were your parents, and where are they now?” The boy seemed about to speak, but checked himself and looked at his sister. ‘The girl's face was white and drawn, as she replied: 7 d “My mother is dead.” h “And your father——” It was a direct question. an “Did you ever “What is “and this is my At first Leda seemed about to evade it, and then she burst forth: _, *I'will tell you the truth, though you do shun us for it. My father is in prison.” i) Harry took a step tonwatd, and adhd with pi A in his voice: “Poor child, 1 shall no ah rine from * you for that confession. You are not responsible for that.” _ Sebs were bursting from’ Leda’s bosom, and she hung her head as if in shame. Harry’s whole sympathetic nature was. aroused, URE heh ‘ “Tell me what he was put in prison for. : ~“Oh, he was not guilty. I know he was not, for mother told me so. My father was once a rich man. Oh, we were little children then, but I can still remember the grand home shy we had. But one day father’ was arrested and tried for for- gery. He had to go to prison, but I shall never believe hima : guilty.” ia Bee Leda wept alittle. " Tdi tea tes “Poor ‘mother worked hard for us,” she sobbed, “but a year ago she died. She left us with Mother Burns, an old lady ae eighty years old. But two months ago she died, too, and 3 since then Jack and I have lived in a garret in Donaldson's ‘court. We have lived on crusts: of bread, and sold papers to” get nioney. i don’t know how much longer we ‘can stand it. ” > % i “Just wait until I grow up,” ‘sald ‘Jack, ‘stoudty.. “Tm going {to make lots of money and get father out of jail.” “And where do you expect ah lage to-night?” asked Har softly. i “Oh, we shall have to zo ‘back to the garret,” said Leda, wit “No!” cried the impulsive young Soe “You ‘sh i | work?” I have it in for you now, ana} The boy’s eyes danced. cease Pan hf “Oh, ever so much,” he! cried. “So can wines s Se Yep, Di aps not very much at Nis t, for you ill be | frie
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4. HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. ; ; er ST a een eis Metnecreneioiee ote him trustingly. Straight to his own humble home Harry led the way. Mrs. Hook, a kindly faced woman, met them at the door. She stared in surprise and exclaimed: “For mercy sakes, Harry, who have you here?” “This is Leda and Jack Lane,” replied Harry; “they are friendless and hungry. » Can’t we do something for them. mother.” ‘ “I would not be doing my duty as a true Christian to re fuse,” said the whole souled woman. “Bring them right in, Harry.” Into the house Leda and Jack went., Here they were given hearty food by Mrs. Hook. Then Fede told more explicitly the story of her life. . Mrs. Hook listened with tears in her eyes and exclaimed: “This is the work of Providence. My dear children, I knew your parents well. Your father, James Lane, was a ° wealthy and noble, and upright man, and there are few to- day who believe him guilty of the charge brought against him. It was the evidence furnished by the very man who so rudely emeae you to-night, Alden Raymond, which sent him to prison.’ A great light burst upon Harry. “Mercy on us, mother! If that is the case, there is no doubt but that Mr. Lane was falsely convicted. were only possible to prove that.” “It has not been thus far,” declared Mrs. Hook, with much | emotion, “but I would not be ‘true to Christian duty and old ties of friendship, if I did not make a home for James Lane’s children. Leda and Jack, you are welcome here.” Leda rushed into Mrs. Hook’s arms, sobbing with joy. Jack drew himself up saben saying: “T am going to work, and make lots of money to get my father out of prison.” , y, As for Harry Hook, his bosom wag quite filled with sympa- thetic'emotions and resolutions. He had become deeply interested in this case of injury and deepest wrong. And he saw, as he believed clearly, the schem- ing, villainous hand of Alden Raymond through it all. “TI will beat the villain,” he muttered. “He shall pay for this rascality well. If there is aay power on arpa to do it, I will prove Jim Lane’s innocence.’ . “It will be all right, Harry,” aid Mrs, Hook, later, aside. E “] am glad that fate has brought these children to us. Leda shall be a companion for'me while you are absent, and Jack will be at work. It will be little incumbrance for us.” . “That pleases me well, mother,” said Harry, with glistening eyes, “but truly that Alden Raymond is a villain.” “TI believe it.” “T can understand now why he seeks to crush these children, He would take their lives if he could out of Bren ep James Lane.” b Wei Tee “Well, we will need to look out for them sharply.. Oh, if Fate would only enable me to turn the tables on the villi, and place the guilt where it belongs.” “Tt would be great joy,” declared” Mrs. Hook. “One thing is'sure. James Lane, languishing to-day in prison, is an in- “nocent man, and I cannot believe that God _will allow his - traducers to go unpunished.” Mrs. Hook set on the evening meal, and all partook of it. i th athe waifs' were ravenously hungry, and ate heartily. _ But Leda’s heart seemed full to overflowing. When the! meal was over she rushed into Mrs. Hook’s arms, crying: “Oh, you are so kind to me, and are so like my own ewthes, z “Bless you, my child, ” said the tender hearted woman. aly fill your mother’s BlAde, as. ee: as I am; able. Believe - Oh, if it | sight. ay > It was a happy evening, and not for many days had Harry Hook been in a happy frame of mind. But suddenly, just as the clock struck ten, there burst forth upon the air a thrill: ing sound. Clang, clang, clang! “Wire!” cried Harry, leaping to his feet, my boots! I must be away to the fire!” In a twinkling the young chief of No. 1 had left the house, As he rushed down the steps he saw the western sky all ablaze. And to his hearing came again the thrilling alarm: Clang! Clang! Clang! .Duty called, and Harry Hook, the boy chief; had thoughts for nothing else at that moment. . CHAPTER IIT, A BRAVE RESCUE. ¥ Harry Hook at once saw from the size of the blaze in the sky that the fire was one of much importance. He instantly thought of the oil tanks, but a moment's Te- flection convinced him that it was not these. —S> \ He rushed with all haste down the darkened street to the engine house. When he arrived there it was to find the doors opened enti three of the company already there. Very quickly ihe others arrived. Horses to draw the engines : “All the men lay hold on the fh were unknown in those days. rope, and out into the street the engine was pulled. It was a mad race to the scene of the’fire, % Every nerve was strained. There were strong men and fleet runners in No. 1. There was no use for weak lungs or pany: limbs. All must be men of good wind and muscle to “run with the machine.” | No. 1 company was the first at the fire by fully two eg a Instant action was made, The building on fire was a large warehouse, in Nayiek were stored articles of a very inflammable nature, such as wool and — hay in bundles. Quickly Harry had a long line of hose. out, and men at the pumps. A powerful stream of water was quickly on the ficient Other companies were now on hand, and a battle to subdue the flames was begun, , “My helmet and ‘ ee they had gained tremendous headway, and it seemed for eee a time as if they could not be checked. "Deuahty Harry Hook’s first thought was of human life, but | it had not seemed to him possible that human beings were in 5 the’ warehouse. : But suddenly a hoarse roar went ne from the mob of abe tators. “My God! them!” It required but a wiaehee from Harry to realize the appalling fact. , Gert In a window of the high tower of the warehouse aay { three persons, a man, a woman, and a little girl. f They were’in the most abject dednpat It was a ht At \this moment through the crowd dashed a caine There are ee persons in the tower! ee i
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HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. ae oe “Yes!” cried a voice in the crowd. _, that they had come out long ago.” “Save them!” screamed the excited owner of the warehouse. “Don’t let them burn to death.” : “Tmpossible! ” cried the marshal. any man in that attempt. sweep that tower.” “Then I call for volunteers!” cried the owner of the ware- house. “Are there not men here brave enough to attempt, that act of mercy?” “But it was ace “I cannot risk the life of In three minutes the flames will ageous enough to reply. “Harry Hook had xtood like one in a spell, but an in- spiration brought him out of the lethargy now upon him. With great coolness of purpose, and quickness of eye, he took in the situation and measured the chances of success. Human life was in danger. All the daring of his nature was aroused. With a sharp cry heisprang forward. | “Pull out the long ladders!” he eried. “I will volunteer to gol” - \ “You?! gasped the sturdy fire marshal, with blanched cheek and reproving gesture. “Yes.” “You. are mad, Harry Hook. better not!” “Hnough!” cried Harry. time for hesitation.” The spell was broken. the crowd. It is certain death.| You had “Up with the ladders! This is no A tremendous cheer went up from Ready hands peined the ladders, and they were quickly raised. bs But, while they reached to the upper iloe? of. the ware- house, they would not anywhere near reach the window in the tower. For a. moment the effort at rescue seemed futile. A groan _burst from the crowd. The fate of the imprisoned’ people ‘seemed sealed. There was, of course, the alternative of passing through the window into the main body of the warehouse and thence up to the tower. down by} this avenue. But this was impossible, as flames were-seen bursting from many windows of the tower. The descent had long been © eut off. ) But Harry Hook was not to be baffled. He mounted the lad- der and went up with the agility of a monkey. , At his waist he carried a long coil of rope. This was of fireproof material, manufactured as well as invented by him- self, j Up, up he went. ‘Great waves of smoke surged Cut, and at times he was hid from sight. Breathless and wild with excitement, the crowd watched him, He was seen to reach the upper rounds of the ladder. What would be his next move? : To the’ surprise of all, he entered the Waranguise by the ” windo “Mad ‘youth! ” eried a the fire marshal. “He cannot reach the ‘tower that way. He is cut off by the fire.” Buta great shout went up from the crowd now. A scuttle or trap in the roof was seen to swing open and uP through it » came the lithe form of Harry Hook. j How the crowd cheered! One moment the boy fireman stood there in the glare of the light from the fire. Then he ‘measured the distance to the tower window with - his eye. It was fully twenty feet, How was he to reach it, peor ‘provide a way for the imprisoned ones to descend?’ Tt ee 20%, several moments a porous question: one or saa votes There was a shout by the besieged ones to come |. over the man’s shouldezs. But again f Harry felt one of these wires and faated the S retetts of it : on the tower. It easily supported him. It would have seemed a mad feat to have attempted the passage of that wire through the air to the upper part of the tower. But it was the only chanee to reach the imprisoned ones, and Harry Hook was determined not to fail. ; _To the agony. and horror of the crowd he was seen to essay the feet. Hand over hand, hé went up the slanting wire. It Swinging in mid air, he was certainly above a vortex of have precipitated him to death. But the boy fireman never faltered.’ Up the wire he still made his slow progress. It was a thrilling scene. Swinging in mid air, over the piriny roof of the ware- | house. Harry Hook seemed going to his death. The chances ; were, seemingly, a thousana to one against him. Yet he kept on steadily, boldly, pluckily. Now he was within a few feet of the summit of the tower. drawn by every one as he was seen to go over the péra- pet. : He had accomplished the journey in gafety. ‘He had already made the passage to the top of the tower. But this was not all. The peril seemed greater now by a thousand fold. To be sure, he was on the top of the tower, but how was he ever to get down? eae Harpy paused one instant on the Barsiieh Then he de- scended by winding stairs to the floor upon which were the Jenkins family. The tower room was filled with smoke, and flames were. beginning to dance through the cracks in the. floor. ae Mute with Horror, the imprisoned vic‘ims made no speech as Harry appeared. The young fireman rushed to the win- dow. Over the sill he passed one end of the Sreprece rope and secured it. tf A quick noose was made ie the other end. This he threw “Get over the window sill!” he cried, sharply. “I shall lower you to the scuttle in the roof below. If you are a man you will go no further. Stay there soe take your wife and child as they are lowered.” “All right, boss,” said Jenkins, huskily. Over the sill the watchman went., He reached the scuttle in the roof in safety. The plan of the boy fireman was seen and | received with cheers by the crowd below. y2e ément Harry had Mrs, Jenkins and her child — = The next m clasped in’ her arms also being: lowered to the scuttle in the rocf. ‘ Jenk{fns received them, and they went:down to the tape at which there was a ladder. ground. Jenkins followed quickly. The réscue had been safely matle, The crowd was frantic with excitement. But where was Harry Hook? - = He had disappeared from view, and the tower window where he had been was one vivid sheet ‘of flame. F : . _ 4 os » > CHAPTER Iv.: THE FIREMAN’S FETE. { cut cruelly into his hands, and gave him pain, but he kept ‘on. ¢ : Silence fell upon the vast crowd. Not a man seemed cour- f ? death. The least slip, or the giving way of the wire would Higher and higher. Would he reach — his goal? This was the agonizing query in everybody's mouth. » A deep breath was Two firemen were on the lad- — der, and they took the child and woman down in safety to the is ve
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6 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO, 2. ae mis eee eee rescue, had succumbed to the flames in the tower of the burn-}\ He was surrounded by scores of eager and excited friends, ing warehouse. : who showered expressions of admiration and praise upon him, Certainly he was not at the window, which was now one] Harry, howeyer, modestly extricated himself from the crowd sheet of flame, and joined his brother firemen. } What other hypothesis could there be than that he had fallen Only the frame of the building was left standing when at at a victim of the flames? length the flames were subdued. It looked like a noble sacrifice of life, but Fate had not willed Untii the last Harry Hook remained at his post. that Harry Hook’s brave career SRO be cut short in so sum- Then. somewhat wearied, but with a happy heart for having mary a fashion. . done his duty, he wended his way homeward. Even as Harry was saceaeet in lowering Mrs. Jenkins to the | Three days after this advent the first of a series of thrilling roof, flames came up through the tower sheathing and nearly’| incidents which were to wield a powerful influence over Harry drove him from the window. : Hook’s. life occurred. He realized at once that if dD he made his escape’ it must be A grand fete day for the iemen of the county was at by a rear exit.. He was’ ‘even forced to abandon his fireproof | hand, and the affair was to be held in Oilville, ‘ rope. . Fire companies from the different towns were to be present, _ .Not an instant was to be lost. He was nearly suffocated |and were to compete in! matches of skill for valuable prizes ' before reaching the stairs leading into the upper tower. and honors. But He overcame the feeling, and nearly exhausted, crawled Two craek companies seen the Ediain'ee, towns of Maynard up the stairs to the parapet. Here the air revived him, but|and Weldon were to be. on hand, and had boastfully an- : what a thrilling position was his! P nounced their intention of carrying off the honors of the af / He was far above a seething hell of flames. Forfunately, | day. ote at that moment a stream of water came up and cooled the This spirit of friendly rivalry was very strong, and Harry wire, which had been too hot for him to descend by. Hook, the boy chief, smiled in a very significant manner, ; _ It was Harry’s only chance. He at once swung out on the} and mentally resolved that if the prizes were to be captured — wire and began to descend. ‘ by outsiders, it would be at the cost of.a hard struggle. With blistered handé he reached the roof. But the scuttle The Hook household was very happy these days. was now filled with flames. A great ery. of horror now went Mrs. Hook found pleasant companiotship in Leda Lane, ae up from the crowd. waif, who already seemed to her like her own daughter. Ar: Every avenue of escape pea any ue off, But the young fire- rangements had been made for little Jack Lane to go to school, man was resolved to fight for his life to the last. F and the future looked oh and happy, indeed, for the two. He crept along the edge of the ridge pole to its farthest | waits. _end. Here he was fora moment safe from the flames. , Mrs. Hook's kindly soul was stirred with a don liking for Then he saw his comrades below raising a ladder... Leda. ji eb Up it came and rested against the end of the building. But “Ah, child,” she said, with a sigh, “y ‘knew your dear — ‘it was fully fifteen feet too short. mother well. She was an angel upon earth, And your father — There seemed no possible way for Harry to reach the ladder. —ah! I can never believe he was guilty of the charge SPORaEE Wh The crowd groatied with horror, and the lad gave ‘an ap-| against him.” ; ; prehensive glance over his shoulder, Leda, in the privacy of her chamber web mahy re pres ARTs. The flames were nearing him every moment. The shingles; secret over this sad page. in her young life. Ah, how she ‘ Heneath him were already beginning to curl with the heat. prayed for her father, and that he wetehe some day get me: ; What was to be done? rights, ¥ It was an awful problem. In that, moment Harry Hook] Harry had taken more than an ‘ordinary iheavou? in Leda. seemed to live a century. Only the coolest nerves could haye There was an instinctive sense of liking which was mutual, ‘stood the peril as philosophically as he did at that moment. |gnq Harry always felt pleasure in her company, never dream- “God help me!” he moaned. “I must risk a leap for that! ing that this was some day to ripen into love and passion. 4 ladder! It is my only hope. z | The day of the fete came. At an‘ early, hour ‘Harry was at “Indeed, this seemed true efough. If he could strike the | the engine house of No. 1, and the fire engine. shone like a ladder safely he would be saved. ° If not, an awful death would | purnished gold as it went forth that day. ; By . be his. A Great crowds of negpls Hep gathered ‘ars ie 4 a DAE to see thes Geyer it was death to remain on the roof. bee ‘ contest. x Only a moment did Harry hesitate now. It was a desperate All the fire companies arrived’ ce FON course Ke ke chance, but he took it. vo \ |. A fine display they made in their red. shirts and. helmets _. He swung himself oyer the edge of the roof. “Bvery person. But everybody noted -No. 1 bse its ney. chief a8 i the agonized crowd below understood his purpose. Not a | of all. word was spoken. { ate jOne moment Harry swurig in mid air over the edge of the ‘companies, a dita pr “fellow. pain’ roof. Then his thrilled gaze beheid an orifice in the clap- want for firemen, It’s ther pane ne thi Ti boards or sheathing just at his waist. ‘ _ Tt was the Ph hdc man's straw, and Harry, As3 Bg. Hae | Every one “rushed | to the open ‘go d for. i Ina moment he wound his knees about this, swung down, | té miss the sight. 2 braced the ladder with arms ‘and knees. In this manner : ‘The first feat was essayed by nt Feat down to the Go Nie the ep eey of the The fire boys came into line ith a.
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P wot ._ record,” cried one enthusiast. a dandy appearing company. No. OM va AEE bets at once. HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. Bes line of hose was run out two hundred feet and connected with a lake of water, and then by lusty work at the pumps the] company from Weldon had water upon the building in the remarkably quick time of two minutes and four seconds. The crowd cheered itself hoarse as this company came marching back. ; There were many bets that the feat would not be equaled. But Harry, Hook smiled in a peculiar manner brah kept his own counsel. The young fire chief’s heart never once forsook him. His philosophic reasoning was that to get beat was no disgrace, if one only peresevered and did their work well. One half the battle was courage. i The next company to come to the fore was Maynard No. 6. Stout laddies they were to a man, and they were cheered by a large coterie of friends. ; The word was given and away went the Maynard boys. tigers they worked to beat the previous record. Everybody watched them work with breathless interest. Those who held watches suddenly began to look queer. It. seemed as if it was an incredibly less time than No. 6 did the necessary work. They reached the scene of action, laid the hosentpes, and got water to a great height when the signal came. The judge of the affair with great ekclesiient got up and declared the record.. It created the most intense interest. The record was one minute and fifty-four seconds. It seemed unprecedented, in- Like - deed. For a time everybody was amazed. No. 4, the Weldon company, was beaten. by ten seconds. Instantly the prize was conceded to Sea rads company No. 6. “I tell you that the Oilville company: can’t beat that “The eae boone No, 6 is certainly the boss.” But cool and steadfast Harry Hook said nothing. He drew ‘his men up in line, each waiting the signal to go. _ Every one was bound to concede that’ ‘Oilville No. 1 was BS Nong men, and apparently capable of great endurance as _ well as agility. A great hush fell upon the crowd as No. 1 ined up. The question upon every one’s lips was: “Swill they beat Many in the crowd of gambling propensities began The word came for the start. oie the instant Harry Hook | was away in advance of his men. - Like a meteor No. 1 shot down the line, ns a8 rae People held their breath to see the fire boys cover. the dis- - tance at racehorse speed. They reached ings line, apa _ and began to unlimber hose. : i Like automatons they worked, and now the pueiph: were going. A second or two later the column of water shot up into the air and seemed to go further than any of the others. The crowd burst into a spell of maniacal cheering. No. 1 came back to the eis line with quick steps ‘and ; flushed faces. f i i ‘ Even before it was announced, the result was ‘known. “No. 1, Oilville compéeny,” cried the record keeper, cutes the trial in one minute and forty-four seconds. 2 second better than the previous company and bint “exe. Hurrah! Y They were muscular, fineiy | This | Burra! is yelled the crowd, and at that. ; he | TO CHAPTER V. AT'THE RED BRIDGE. At was a proud moment for Harry Hook. He had won deserved success, for he had spared no effort in training his men. He had demonstrated quite clearly that No. 1 was the champion company, and was not this triumph worth record- ing? But even ‘s the midst of all this success and popularity, the boy fireman, like many before him, was not without his enemies. Even as he stood, triumphant and happy, a hand holding a glass of lemonade was thrust forward. “Here is something your mother wished me to bring you, — Harry,” said a‘ voice. “She thinks it will cool your throat.” In the excitement of the moment the unusual he of this incident did not occur to Harry. ‘It seemed like his mother to do this, thoughtful for his wel- fare. The lemonade looked tempting enough, and Harry’s throat was parched, so he accepted it. He raised the glass to his lips and would have drained ib but for a singular incident. He saw what seemed like a white sediment in the liquid. It. was floating upon the surface of the lemonade, and in the bottom of the glass it was also quite thick. Some intuitive sense of caution caused Harry to lower the glass before he put it to his lips. With an impulse he dashed its contents to the ground. A friend who stood in the crowd took notice of this. He edged nearer Harry, and.in a low voice asked: “What did you throw that lemonade away for, Harry?” The young fireman recognized the speaker as a young medi- cal student by the name of Leslie Rogers. ; “I declare I hardly know, Leslie,” he said, confusedly. ect —J—yes, I do, too. It looked as if there was something in it to spoil’ it.” *Why that is queer!” exclaimed Leslie," with a queer ‘flash of his eyes. “What did it look like?” “Oh, very likely it was my imagination,” replied Biche confusedly. “I suppose I was foolish in doing so.” “By no means!” ape seg firmly. “Allow me to Took at the glass.” - t Harry did not refuse. The young medical student took the glass and studied it oe ee atmoment. He retained the glass, and said: “Allow me to keep ‘this for analysis?” “Certainly,” replied Harty, with astonishment, “You don’t mean——” ms “Wait! Do you know who gave this to you?” “T haven’t the slightest idea. Mother sent it to me.” - “Do you know that for a fact?” “Why—no! ” be | thought so.” Harry was amazed. He, however) hesen: to guess at. the meaning of it all, and Sali ito arm, aid ay an under- WOHSS he ee fake aaa ee “What is in the glass?” Pa eva sari “Well,” replied Leslie, slowly, “Tm not prepared to say . But I think it is a most deadly poison. ay Harry Hook reeled back, a trifle overcome with horror. “My God!” ‘he whispered, oie have. an enemy, is hed 4 “There is no doubt of thi Call er
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8 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. “Perhaps you will discover in time. But allow me to retain the’ glass. Ask your mother all about it, and then come to my Office to-morrow, will you?” ‘ Harry promised, and for the rest of the day went about in a) somewhat dazed state. That night, at home, he asked Mrs. Hook if she had sent him the glass. Mrs. Hook disclaimed all knowledge of it, and then Harry told her of the affair. * Mrs. Hook nearly fainted with horror. “My soul, Harry!” she gasped: “You have an assassin on your track!” “Tt looks like it, mother,” said Harry, soberly. can it be? I never harmed any one in my life.” “Oh, my son!” cried the good woman, bursting into ‘tears. “Tf they take you from me, then I am undone.” Harry clasped his mother in his arms. “Fear not, mother!” he cried, nobly. “I have God and the right on my side and [ cannot fail to bafile them.” “Oh, but I shall have no more happiness. I shall worry about you all the time.” Leda had stood near and listened to all. forward. } “Mrs. Hook,” she said, with a pallid fdee, “I think that this is all on my account. I think I,had better go away.” “But who She now came Harry Hook stood for a moment with trembling form. Then he clasped both of the girl waif’s hands in his. “Leda, you shall not go away,” he cried, passionately. “Let them do their worst. They are but cowards to attempt such vile tricks. I think I can fathom it all, though. I have no doubt that the hand of Alden Raymond is in this deal. But fear not. I will stand by ydu to the end.” d The next day Harry went gai to the office of his medical friend, Leslie Rogers. “That powder I have discovered to be composed of the most deadly poisons,” declared the young student. “You are for- tunate to have escaped the trap. Will you not put a detective on the case?” “T will think it over,” said Harry, soberly. “I have my at suspicions, which, if verified, will render the services of a detective unnecessary.” “T hope you will succeed in locating the villain,” said Leslie, “warmly. ° “I’thank you.” i . Matters went on in their usual rut for a number of days. a some manner the report leaked out that an attempt had been made to poison the boy chief of No. 1. Popular indignation ran high, and if the wretch could have . been located it would have gone hard, indeed, with him. Harry kept one eye open all the. while for a hidden foe. ‘But matters went on as serene as ever until one ii aa at “supper Leda came in very much excited. oy) et The young girl had obtained work at a little shop nearby _ and in coming home passed’ by the shadows of a small and dark alley. f _ In this alley two men were talking, and a word dropped pe ‘by one of them caused Leda to linger a moment and listen. She was excusable, as that word was her own name. if heard them make an appointment,” she said, in telling the story to Harry; “they agreed to meet at the Red Bridge to- night at éleven.” “Was that all you heard?” asked Ey with ee ex- citement and interest. ae _ “It was,” replied Leda. . ‘ : "You do not know who they were?” antes had no areeh of bey: From their pe, though, : should 4 Tel 2 fact Saag ed, but at a later hour pe lett the rae plan to n : ee 5 se pai ae gk ‘Te “Red Bridge, at eleven,” he muttered. forehand.” -*T will be there be’ It was fifteen minutes before eleven when the young fireman, ge lurking in the shadows of the Red Bridge, which spanned a smal] stream fully a mile in the outskirts of the CHS: saw two darkly muffled men meet on the bridge. i They stood a moment in the glare of the bridge lamps, Then they repaired to the shadows of some trees near. Harry managed to creep near enough to overhear every word of their conversation. He was thrilled to discover that the two men were Jim Bisbee and Alden Raymend. These words se clear and startling upon the ears of Harry Hook: “You evidently don’t see my game, Jim Bisbee,” Raymond es was saying. “Well, it is rather a deep one.” “And a dangerous one, I reckon,” growled Bisbee. “Perhaps go; that will.depend much on how it is worked. There's one little scamp in; Oilville who seems omic to give me a deal of trouble.” . / “Who might that be?” “It's that cursed little fireman, pay Hook. Do you know that he has both of Lane’s children at his house caring for them. I wish they were strangled. Do you know that I have such a keen hatred for Jim Lane that I could do it to — te spite him.” Bisbee laughed Rete “Ye ought pot to. kick,” he said. “Lane is behind the i bars.” ie 2 “T admit that, and that I have the Rest of the sare but I am nc: satisfied.” : “You ain i; ch?” : ie “No,” + te: “Well, what do you want’ of me?” Raymond cleared his throat. most intently. - ‘ : 5 j aN “I might as well explain. I want to break Calvin Prentiss up. I won’t give those just now. But it is my _keen desire to see the oil works be es. ashes.” Harry Hook drew. a deep breath. ve Bishee made reply: . ie “Ah, that’s the game, eh? And you want me to do sins Ree “There is no better man.” } 7 “You're about right.” “Will you do it?” ; “What's the recompense?” ora bs a “Five thousand dollars in greenbacks,”- 1 Harry Hook’s heart beat like a trip hammer. Bisbee give a low whistle and then reply: “Is that the tom you mu do?” > We eer it “Veg? hee ih , oF < a ict 8 “Ts that all you want done?" ae Big AL tnate “No, there is the residence——” ‘ide ooh eee “And you want that burned, too?” EE Yegs”” i Bisbee walked up and toes oe a few moments, wh | softly. ie “T reckon you couldn’t have picked a better man fo he declared. STm in for it, and Prentiss’ house an Harry Hook had certainly guinea! most valuable poe upon his cay esdrony ns tour. £ rue ‘CHAPTER: VI. . Harry Hook was listening . There are private reasons why He heard
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\ . followed me. to-night? : _ Calmly Harry faced the schemer. I r arm. t HARRY HOOK, THE BOY ‘gIRBMAN OPN. 1. ea a ae eng \ A more awful and heinous plot he had never heard: of, It seemed for a moment as it he was ‘about to spring at and, indeed, the human mind could hardly conceive worse. It was certain that Alden Raymond was a literai fiend. Bis- bee was, of course, bad enough, but Raymond proved himself | at once an arch villain. “Then you accept the offer?” asked Raymond, aon “The terms are five thousand?? “Yes.” “T accept it.” ‘ “All right. I shall consider the matter settled. There are one or two other things { want done, but I will see you about them iater.” “All right, just as you say,” rejoined Bisbee. “For instance, those youngsters,of Lane’s. The girl is pretty, and I ama little bit mashed on her, but the boy——” “T understand,” said Bisbee, significantly. “I’ll see you about that later.” “You are going back to Black Cap?” “Yes.” “When shall I hear from you?” “Within thirty-six hours.” “All right. Good-night.” The two arch schemers separated. Bisbee glided into the gloom beyond the bridge. Raymond started away toward the town. Harry Hook emerged from his concealment and followed the latter. The youth’s mind was in a terrible state. a quandary to know just what to do. } It occurred to him to follow the villain to tbwn, and there cause his arrest, and thus break up the ‘dastardly scheme of x He was wholly in ~ incendiarism. But, on the other hana, he reflected that it would be neces- sary for him to prove his accusations. = He had only his own testimony with which to do this. Raymond’s word in court would therefore be as te tes as his, and the villain could not be convicted. As yet arrest was quite plainly out of the question, But Harry, continued to follow the victim and to vainly tax his brain for some way to circumvent his terrible plans. There seemed but one way, and this was to warn Mr, Pren- tiss at once, and set a trap for the incendiaries. As Harry considered this plan it looked to him like the best, and he at once decided upon it. But in his eagerness and excitement he had forgotten the risk, and was now so closely behind Raymond that the latter suddenly turned and saw him. \ - The villain’s face turned purple with fear and wrath in the light of the street lamp. He niade a panther-like leap forward and grasped Harry’s “Ten thousand fiends!.” he hissed.. “Haye you ‘heard all? What are you following me for?” But Harry shook off his grasp. } “Take care, Mr. Alden Raymond,” he said, sakes “T will ‘stand no insult from you—scoundrel that you are.” The villain was pale with rage. , “How dare you talk to me that way?” he hissed savagely. “Humph! ” said Harry, contemptously.. “Why should I’ be afraid of you?” 5 “Curse you for a sneak!” gritted the villain; “have you ‘Speak! I want the truth.” “T will answer!” he said, fearlessly. tonight and——” HN ene gta “You have heard all?” _ brasbthertyich | 1 Mee bas “Er have.” “I have followed you. Harry, but with an effort he controlled himself. Perhaps the knowledge of the young fireman’s muscular powers had something to do with his restraint. “Curse you! I have a mind to kill you!” he gritted, sae “What are you going to do about it?” “T have not decided,” said Harry, coolly. ever,. that the officers of the law will interview you.” But Raymond laughed sdorntully: “That won't do any good,” he cried. thing.” _ The young fireman knew this, but was not inclined to admit it. ‘ ; “We shall see,” he said, quietly. “Then you mean to try it?” : “T have not decided.” 7 “It would be the worst thing you ever did Your life would pay for it. Mark my word. It is not safe to cross my path.” bs ; “Mr. Alden Raymond,” said Harry, coldly, “I have no more fear for you than I have for a yelping cur. You will there- fore spare your threats. I, however, advise you not to attempt the burning of Mr. Prentiss’ property.” “I do not care to accept your advice,” “You, can’t prove any- “Also, there is one other quite serious matter. I warn you, - on peril of bitter punishment, to not attempt to harm one hair of the heads of Jim Lane’s children. my care, and I shall defend them with my life.” Harry spoke strongly, forcibly. Raymond’s tace was as black as night. He did not like the turn affairs nad taken. He could see that in a measure this cool and daring boy had the forceps on him. “What are the Lane children to you?” he asked, sneeringly. “I reckoned you’re interested in_ the girl.” Harry’s face flushed. “I have the utmost respect for Miss Leda!” he said, atnetly: i “At least 4 have sufficieng interest in her to.warrant my de- ‘fending her. I understand, quite well, Alden Raymond, who has wronged these children of an honest but suffering man.” Raymond turned deadly pale. “You mean to insinuate anything?” he asked, sharply. “I mean to insinuate nothing, but to denounce you as the responsible man,” declared Harry forcibly. “Deny it you cannot, and I tell you there is always a day of retribution’ ‘ for the man who oppresses the weak and the helpless. tf Raymond, livid and trembling with hatred and wrath, made a a rush at Harry. “Curses!” he shrieked. die!” The villain tried to clutch the boy’s throat, but Harry drew back and let out with his right fist. “You know too much! The blow took the villain full in the chest and knocked him down as.if he had been struck by a sledge hammer. “Stand back!” cried Harry, in a ringing’ voice. the Worse for you.” Raymond, furious and defeated, serambled to his feet, Deadly ; hatred was in his heart now. The murderer’s. spirit was upon him, a it was his foe’ i) life” _that he wanted, nothing less. He drew a pistoldrom an inner pocket and fired at Harry. The bullet whistled close by the young fireman’ Ss ear. tunately it did him no harm. 14 But it was not the villain’s fault that Harry was not killed ; Like a meteor the young fireman ae ASE upon the Sane assassin, . “Tt is likely, hows They are under | You shall’ “Tt will be» — , For: fi
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AO HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. i. SUR Choke YS TaD EA TE SOIL PRN SOPRA LDR TST LOBE PEIN SACRE LEST AEH REL ONL SI POINT PIRES IEE TST TEE SE TREES WR EEL “Coward!” cried the young fireman, furiously. “Never dare The stairways were in flames, and there was no way of : such a deed as that again.” | getting up that way. t : , Savage curses and profane epithets burst from Raymond's Neither could any of those on the upper floors get down. lips in volumes.. He regained his feet and slunk away. Harry Hook saw that there was but one way to reach the.2 “Ten thousand curses upon you, Harry Hook,” he gritted. | upper stories, and he called for a ladder. ok “T will Bel square with you for this if it is a hundred years The young chief's orders were quickly obeyed, aad a eae : from now.’ was placed against the doomed building. » “You will get a worse lesson next time!” cried Harry, for- The erowd realized that something unusual was on the cibly. “I advise you to leaye this part of the country at once, |tapis, and gaped with all interest at the work going on. , Alden Raymond. Your room is better than your°tompany.” When Harry ~ Hook placed his foot on the lower rung oft ~ “JT shall stay long enough to freeze you out!” cried the vil- | the ladder they understood what it meant at once, ‘ a lain, savagely. A cheer went up. q Harry would have said more, but at that moment a thrill- “Good boy, Harry!” Fa ing sound came to his ears. It was the distant boom of the} | «te’s a brave un!” 5 : ; of fire bells. “Youre a hero!” ah i “A fire!” he gasped. “This is no place for me.” But Harry Hook heard none of these cries. He went up : In at instant he was away like a bullet from a gun, on the homeward run. He left Raymond far behind, cursing his stupid luck and realizing the reward of villainy in part. . As Harry bore down toward the city, hé could see by the flames that quite a conflagration was in progress. _ At that moment a countryman with a, young colt hitched to.a hght gig came along, Harry rushed out into the street. “Here, my friend,” he eried, “give me a lift into the city, There is a fire going on, and | am chief of No. 1 company and must get there at once.” ; “Wh? Is that'so?” grunted the farmer. “Wall, I’ll be gol durned if there ain’t a fire a-goin’ thar somewheres: So ye’re one of the firemen, ‘eh?” “Yes,” replied Harry. “Will you give me the lift?” “By gosh, you bet I will! I don’t keer if I go to the fire myself. Climb in!” Harry leaped into the gig, the farmer, touched the colt with the whip, and the next moment they were going down the road in the darkness like a streak of lightning. The farmer’s colt certainly had the elements of go in, him, | and Harry Hook owned to a feelin@ of terror at tke reckless methods of the farmer's driving. But in an incredibly - short space of time the main 1 part of the city and the location of the fire was reached. A stirring scene was there being enacted. Several fire companies, chief among them being No. 1, were fighting the flames. 4 ' As Harry appeared on the scene a wild is went up.” =: Harry Hook knew. that there was important work before s him, and he did not hesitate to risk his ah in. any gant i: to save the aba aa to inmates. the ladder iike a saromitis and reached a window in| the upper story. He broke the sash with his‘ axe, ‘and leaped fascism) into the room beyond Bs All was intense darkness. He could not see his hand be- ees ‘fore him. pine Had the young fireman been other than the brave fellow | that he was he would haye shrunk from the age peril — which lay before him. L 2 es But he was in the pordaioe of his Aut, and this was to save human life. ; ; Therefore he pushed on, : He shouted aloud as he entered the room. But no ansWer came back. if the chamber held occupants they did pts answer. . Harry groped about the room until he found the bed. . ae But it was empty. > foe In fact, it was-made up, which — was prijenes that the chamber was an unoccupied one. Without a moment’s further delay in this” place, theretore, Harry pushed through and passed into another room. He realized that it was useless to travel aneny in toe dark y cloud of smoke: ‘For a ‘moment he was obliged “te "tag rb back. ; Then he shouted: He aes “Hello! Is there anybody here?” Suteene j » He listened 2 moment, and. then received a Son ye SIE SRR RII NERD 9 5 41d oe an ie OP My God! will no one help me?” si Yeu;? shouted Harry, with tremendous aes there, wherever you are. Pets h soon be with yo Then the young fireman plunged into the sm: i On he went until he suddenly stumbled over passage and pein a faint moan. A BRAVE FEAT. _ Harry Hook’s appearance upon the scene infused the fire f companies with new life, and they went to work in lively : fashion. Saige, Oe i ‘ The fire at present was confined to the lower stories of a. ‘hotel. : on this endangered the lives of those ae the upper Stor; a moment the young fireman. brought the down close to the unknown. ae y Then he saw the pallid, moe fe eee a “woman | pores class. ( Her Sect opened a m
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HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO, 1.” i my feet. bed.” “Good heaven!” exclaimed Harry. friends? Did they basely desert you in this manner?” “They were obliged to save themselves. But it matters not. I have but a little while to live. Let me die.” “Is there no one else on this floor?” asked the young fireman tersely. “I think not. escape.” “And left you here to die!” cried Harry, indignantly. “The inhuman scoundrels! But I will save you!” It mattered not to Harry Hook that the woman was an invalid and her life well nigh spent, anyway. It was a human life, just the same, and it was his duty to preserve it. Accordingly he lifted the woman in his arms with ease, as she was not heavy. Back through the corridor he went. ever for his strong young frame. ~ They were all warned, and: made their It was no load what- A moment more and he had reached the door of the. room against the window of which the ladder rested. - But the moment he kicked open the door he was rewarded with a burst of flame and smoke in the face. It drove him back, and he saw at a glance that this avenue of escape was cut off. It was quite useless to think of entering that room now, - A chill of horror seized him. With his access to the ladder cut off, how was he to es- cape? Indeed, it seemed an impossibility. At that moment Harry Hook realized what it meant to face 33 death in its most frightful form. : In fact, there seemed literally no escape for him. * The sick woman seemed to understand the situation, and - Said: 4 _ “Save yourself, brave sir. Leave me to die, I am near my end!” vA “Never!” cried Harry rototnbeld “T am not that kind, madam.” . “But I fear the worst for you. Are we not hemmed in ie . \ the’ fire?” » “Tt seems so.” “My God! I fear for you. You have incurred all this for my sake. I beg of you to save your life.” | “Do not speak of that again!” cried Harry resolutely. h: tell you I will neyer leave you here to die.” Then the young fireman turned back into the corridor once more. ' He thought of every possible avenue of escape. “ways were choked, the windows were not accessible. The smoke was growing more dense and the roar of the } flames was under their feet. But Harry ‘Hook had a brave “heart. ange could not daunt him. | : He paused a mibiieuity, collected his senses, became calm, and then said: ou “Madam, can you tell me the way to the roof?” “Yes,” was the reply. “There is a lads? and a seuttle at lower end of this hall.” arry experienced a thrill of hope. yas. now only a question as to qrneures he could reach «“y “Where are your | The stair-| I am an invalid and crawled thus far from my] At that instant he was plainly visible from the street Yelow in the awful glare of. the burning china itself. A great ‘cheer went up. It was seen that Harry Hook had a victim of the flames in his arms. In an instant everybody’s sympathy - was’ aroused. : aur “Save the brave boy! m “Do not let him perish!” “Up with the ladders!” ; sd It is needless to say that the firemen worked like beavers. In less time than it takes to tell it, they had spliced ladders. and mounted them to the roof. he fire was very hot, under Harry’s feet, and he realized that the roof must soon fall in. There was no time to lose. He reached the edge of the roof with his burden, Two brave firemen had mounted the ladder, a here relieved ‘him. The sick woman was passed tenderly ‘dba the ladder. A great and thrilling cheer went up from the crowd. Harry erawled onto the ladder with an effort. The mental and physical strain had been great. The heat in the burning building had sickened him.) But a gust of coo] air revived him, and he slid down the — ladder to the ground. No sooner had he done so than the whole roof fell in. ; A : CHAPTER VIII. A DASTARDLY SHOT. « Harry Hook bad been not a moment too soon. Two min- utes’ further delay and his career would have been ended, But fate had spared his life for. other and equally great deeds. Once more he had made a hero of himself in the eyes of the people. ; His friend crowded about him in legion, and wrung his. \ hands and congratulated him. ‘ But he quickly tore himself away from them and seeiit back to his post of duty. With the caving in of the roof, however, — the fire was, speedily under control. Tt was a late hour when Harry Hook was» enabled to leave the scene and wend his way home. He was much exhausted, and retired at once to his bed. His sleep was replete with troubled dreams, and not re- | freshing. At an early hour he arose. Mrs. Hook was keen enough to see that all was not right with Harry. But neither she nor Leda were able to draw ‘any information from him. — tit te nothing,” he declared oa am just. a little unnerved, that is all.” : t grat tage But the ‘Subject upon Harry Hook's mind was sa nee one. The young, fireman was in a quandary as ito” what “tee better do about his knowledge of the: dark plot against life of Calvin Prentiss, = At first he was backward abo it approaching the “wn on the subject: ‘But the more he thought of it the plaine became his duty. RAS ee So that. when evening « came again his is sadtia was ‘tall mad wi
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i seeevant nopeakad. ’ “Is Mr. Prentiss in?” asked Harry. “Yes,” replied the servant. “Have you a card?” “Pray inform him that Harry Hook wishes to see him!” “All right, sir.” The servant disappeared. “Harry surveyed the elegant man- sion, with its fine appointments, and shivered as he thought of its lying a heap of ashes. The servant now reappeared. “Mr. Prentiss will see sbioas in the library,” he said respect- = Sully. “Very well.” : Harry entered the elegant home of the millionaire. A moment more and he pushed open a door and stood face to face with his good friend. Mr. Prentiss’ fice wore a cordial smile, and he extended his hand. “T am glad to see you, Harry.” he said cordially. ; come in.” ie: Mr, Prentiss indicated a seat, and Harry sank into it. The millionaire affected not to notice ‘the anxious look on the young fireman's face. “Really, this is an unexpected pleasure, Harry,” he declared. “You don’t come to see me often enough.” “Indeed, Mr. Prentiss, I have called upon—upon business! ” -stammered Harty. “Ah, yes; something very Pepa’, I SES “Ves. ” “Very good, my boy! I shall be pleased to nae you in any way I can. By the ways I hear you distinguished yourself ~ again last night!” Harry blushed brightly. “You do me too much honor, Mr, Prentiss,” he said. “Ah, but it was a great deed.” é “Tt was only a fireman’s duty.” “It is a great thing to always so bravely do one’s duty.” “You are very kind,” stammered Harry, “but, really, the business I called to see you about is very important.” Mr, Prentiss saw the SAE Ee CRS in the youth’s face, and said seriously: “Well, Harry, what is it?” “TJ am pained to say that I have discovered that you haye an enemy—a very bad enemy, sir.” n spite of Harry’s apparent SerlonsHess, the magnate laughed. . . “Well, that is very odd, Harry. Did you not suppose that 3 had such a thing before?” | - “T see no reason why you should have, sir.” . “why?” asked the millionaire in an amused manner. “You are kind to everybody.” - “Ah! But there is such a thing as making an enemy by ; kiffaness. Bnvy makes more foes than anything else.” “I believe you, sir,” replied Harry, “and I believe this foe is the outcome of a spirit of envy.” - “Ah, who can it be?” “That I would rather not say.” _ and then will not tell me who he is.” we “Tt have come to tell you that you have a foe, and also to oth you to be watchful and wary. I know of the existence of a plot to burn this house—aye, even more than that, to ‘take your life. ba : Harry’s declaration was dramatic and eet _ Jt impressed the millionaire more than could be told in _ words. He halt sprang up from his chair. ¥ His face turned deathly pale. i“ ‘Ah! 5 pha ed. HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. es — “Well, that is odd. You come to warn me against a foe, Then’ you are on the track. of these incendiaries?” Hf “I am,” he replied. “I am not yet ready to unmask them. When I do there will be a sensation!” Mr. Prentiss arose, ay coming forward took the young — fireman’s hand. “Harry Hook,” he said, with great depth of feeling, “you have rendered me a great service. I shall never forget it. I shall always hold you as my best and truest friend. ‘4 “Sir,” said Harry, in a clear and distinct voice, “I hope % \ that you will. I shall always try and merit your good opin- ion.” “I will follow your advice and be on my guard.” “T would advise you to put a watch upon ‘this house.” “T will do so.” es “Bar your sleeping room door at night. Be careful of your food, a. ‘out after dark be wary, and carry a TeyOIeE ready for use.” ; . : re! “T will do all that!” Sean eae, ’ Harry turned to the library door. (oa “I shall’ hope to soon see the end of all this raseality,” he declared firmly. “If it is \in my power to do so, I shall soon bring the rascals to justice.” Harry had. barely finished his speech when he received a thrilling shock. be The library was a long room upon the east side ot the house. Joined to it was a beattiful conservatory. Through one of the glass windows Harry suddonly | saw a hand grasping a revolver protrude. in es , Ina flash he saw the awful danger, and oe f i tate Le “Mr. Prentiss, look out!” ; But just ag the words left his lips there was a loud report, and a crashing of glass followed. ay felt the bullet hiss by his ear. é The young fireman was as intrepid asa rae : Quick and- fearless to act, he dashed straight for the coti- servatory. He burst through the array of potted plants. © Just leaping through the window was a dark-clad paen, : wearing a mask. 1 The young fireman did not hesitate, but went rough ee Re the window after him like a thunderbolt. gs Both alighted upon the green sward without at about the same time. aa ; Like a panther Harry was upon the dastardly assailant. He bore him backwards for a moment. é It seemed for an instant as if the youre freman had ae best of the struggle. ; 4 pee ‘ But only ‘for a moment. The other was extremely supple, “and ‘made a tremendous ‘ effort to throw Harry off. But the youth clung tightly. | sO do Once the unknown spoke. Se *“Qurse ye! ” he gritted, “let go of me or ru \cill ye!” “Never! »/eried Harry. “I mean to know who you are to. bring you to justice. You are a murderous. scoundre Sy He failed in each instance. The struggle’ was a brief one, yet an extremely ( one. F , then the other. Suddenly the villain broke. away. Before Harry could do aught to stop him, he shad 1 away in the darkness. ( ¢ \ Mr. Prentiss now appeared by Harry’s side., A Oe “He got away from you, did he, my boy?” he asked. d “Yes,” answered Harry, with the, keenest _ Ors disay Doi ment. “I should like to have seen “his face.” The wish was Heese By. Mr.. Prentiss. The
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'. replied Harry. x : 3 ; HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. % x 13 CHAPTER IX. ASTONISHING EVENTS. Mr. Prentiss was deeply agitated. “Come into the house, Harry,” he said. “No, I thank you,” replied the young fireman. for me to be at home.” The magnate pressed Harry’s hand. “T understand what you have said, my boy,” he declared, “and I shall be on my guard. Do you think that the shot was really intended for you?” “Oh, yes,” replied) Harry. “Why,” exclaimed the magnate in amazement, designs on your life as well?” “That shot was prompted by the exigency of the Taofent! iy “The rascal overheard our conversation. It angered him, and he tried to annihilate me.” “God be praised that you escaped,” said the magnate fer- vently. A short while later Harry Hook was on his way home. When he entered the house he was met by Mrs. Hook. There was a light of excitement in the old lady’s eyes, Harry saw it, and secretly wondered. “I am so glad you haye come, Harry,” she said. have had startling news since you went away.” “Startling news!” exclaimed Harry, in amazement. “Ves.” “What is it?” “Come into the sitting room.” Harry followed his mother into the sitting room. The orphan children, Leda and Jack, rushed into his arms. Harry saw that Leda had been _weeping and seemed much excited. Jack, however, was all smiles. “What is the matter?” cried the young fireman cheerily. “Has anything unusual happened since I have been gone?” “Tt is time ? “have they “We “Indeed, there has,” said Leda, with choking sobs, “and, oh, Harry, I am so afraid that they will shoot him!” The young fireman was astounded. “Shoot him!” he exclaimed, in amazement. “What do you mean?” : “Give Harry the newspaper, Leda,” said Mrs. Hook. “Let him read for himself.” Harry took the paper handed him, and almost the first thing his gaze encountered was a large heading, the reading of which startled him. Thus it read: “A DARING HSCAPE! “The Pluck of a Twenty-Year Prisoner: How He Broke From the State Prison. James Lane, the Forger, at Large. Five Thousand Dollars Reward! “This reward is offered for the capture of James Lane, the escaped prisoner from the State Prison yesterday. Never in the annals of the prison has a more daring break for liberty been made. “At 4:30 o’clock yesterday morning, aS the turnkey was passing the cell of Lane, he was impelled by some si ae tion to glance through the grated door. “There he saw the evidences of a daring break: The iron ie bars of the window had been sawed, the ropes of the bed had been extracted and used as a means of descent fifty -. feet to the roof below. “This roof overhangs the swirling current of the Black Hole River. It is supposed that Lane leaped from the dizzy Peer of forty feet into the current of the river. “Tt was certainly taking a desperate chance for Niuarey, a and it is not known yet that the prisoner may not be at the | bottom e the river. \ ; “None but a strong swimmer could have hoped to breast the current and reach the other shore. “Yet Lane is known to have been such, even chances that he is at large. for his capture. “James Lane, widely known as an adroit. forger, is eae, a twenty years’ sentence. Seven years of it have expired,. and, with commutation for good behavior, only seven more remained for him to serve. Though regarded as a desperate criminal, adjudged by the evidence brought against him at the trial, Lane has been a tractable prisoner. “Indeed, his conduct has been such as to win the sympathy of prison officials, many of whom doubted his guilt. It is hinted in police circles that here may be found the real rea- son for escape. Severahof the prison guards are suspected of leniency, and will be given a hearing at an early day. “Lane was given to fits of despondency, and at such times his grief was painful to witness. When the news of the death of his wife reached him he was nearly crushed. He is known to have two children dependent upon charity some- where in the cold world. “There is, and always has been doubts as to Lane’s guilt, the peculiar cifcumstances of his case being remembered well. It is expected to have the prisoner again in limbo be- fore many hours.” it is more than A rich reward is offered Harry read the account through the startled feelings and utter amazement. For a moment he stood like a statue; then he turned to Leda. “Your faher?” he exclaimed. “Yes,” sobbed the girl. “Oh, I so fear that he will resist = the officers when caught and be harmed. Oh, my father! Believe me, dear friends, he is not a guilty man!” Harry Hook drew his handsome form up. “Of course he is not!” he cried, with flashing eyes. “I am glad that he escaped, and if I can help him to get out of the country I will do it.” A glad ery burst from “Leda’s lips. “What is more,” cried Harry, with ringing scorn, “it is an inhuman thing to sentence a man to such a term for such an offense when the evidence was not conclusive. Thocaary? men were blockheads.” “You are right, my son!” cried Mrs. Hook, with vigor for a woman of her age. “I have always believed James Lane innocent.” “So have I,” cried Harry, “and if he should come here t6 this house I would shield him as sure——” | Harry went no further. At that moment a loud uproar was heard in the street, There was the sound of skurrying feet, loud shouts ae the crack of a pistol. An awful cry escaped Leda’s lips. “Oh, my father!” she screamed: “I know it is him. They are chasing him.” door. Harry Hook uttered not a =WwORd, but sprang for the front There was a vestibule before the agen and it was as dark as a pocket as Harry passed through it. Out upon the steps rushed the young fireman. Officers with drawn reyolvers were rushing down the street, and people were collecting by hundreds. “What is the matter?” asked Harry of a man on pe: side- walk. “They are after a feller,” was the ent ‘ Syey ee “Who is he?” “Tf heard ’em telling about Lane, the forger, as escaped . from the State Prison only yesterday.” Harry's whole sympathy was aroused, out to the fugitive. \ His: heart, went aN ‘ :
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ze 44 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. “Tf I. can help him, I will,” he muttered, and back up the ' steps he ran. But in the vestibule now he saw a shrinking form. 4 the lamplight. “Friends, I am in a tight place,” he said hoarsely and pleadingly. “The world is against ‘me, though I never harm- éd any one in my life. But I heard you say you would help “me!” For a moment Harry Hook stood like one ‘damon Then Mrs. Hook shrieked: ; “James, Lane! Don’t you know me?” The fugitive, gave a gasping cry. ‘cloak. “Friends!” he gasped. .“God be praised} I am safe.” * Then he stopped, and for a moment gasped for breath. He had cauglit sight of the two children. * “God in Heaven!” he uttered. “Am I dreaming? My own: children,” ; _ Leda. and Jack, with joyful cries rushed to their father’s "7 arms. the front door. CHAPTER X. THE INCENDIARIES’ WORK. feet. ules A wild, hunted light came again into his eyes. oy) “My God! they have tracked me here, human blood-hounds that they are. But I will never be taken alive!” ‘ “Oh, papa!” screamed Leda. Mee: for your life! must not stay here.” Harry Hook closed the hall dgox and bar red it. “ “Mother,” he said resolutely/ and with great quickness, * ‘you iy Reretiotory us used to hide their ae ; j As “Mrs. Hook did know. She seized the fugitive’s arm. /“Come with me!” she said, breathlessly. ‘you! ” fh Up the front stairs James Lane wenit, with: tien: Hook, s “We will, save ~ Tess, threw open the street door. Two officers:stood upon the threshold, - fe “Mr. Hook, ” said one of them sternly, “we. haye been in- formed that a ‘suspicious looking character has just, entered - your house. 7 $ “Indeed! ” said Harty, ‘eoolly,. character? Wh “T suppose you know my our duty. A te Fete “What. do you mean 2 vee iPeic “We must search your “house.” “What for?” bey some trace of James ane, the Sater: ‘Tt is believed it} Harry and his mother, with the two children, waited in ‘the glided into the hall, and a man’s pallid face was revealed to} sitting room below. $a ow He threw off his long But at that moment there came a thundering rap upon With the rap upon the door James Lane started to his| — You ; _ know the cedar closet and the place where people who lived |Short while the street was” ‘clear, and Harry waited a moment, and then, with well assumed calm- “We: do,” replied the verge Tespectfully, “but we must do |, f The two officers passed into the house with this. AG : They proceeded to make a thorough search of the ston For some time the officers kept up the quest. Bu They finally became satisfied that they were not on th right track and gave up the quest. ) But as the chief of police came down the stairs: he aa penetratingly at Harry and said: Z “Harry Hook, you have the reputation of being ee boy.” ; } RRS “I hope so,” replied the young fireman. “Now, you must tell the truth: Has not Jim Lane found shelter in this house?” et “You have not found him mere,” oe Harry, evasively _ "But has he not been here?” “I decline to answer that. ‘question, ” peptiaa. Harry. “Come, ‘this is not right,” said the officer, sternly. “You are “ ‘| thwarting justice, ‘Tell.me where he is.” — : “Sir,” replied the young fireman, resolutely, “if 1. really knew where he was I would not tell you.” — f A “You would not?” sate “No. »” ; SN not?” “You believe that?” : bie i “T do.” : “Then you will not tell me where he ist” “No. ” The officer shrugged his aleulaan® “You may be sorry for tiie, Harry, a be Spee lar ¥ fireman. ih ‘The officer said no more, but eee tr i: he 9 rrawis was. ae Mi his hiding peed : » But. before she returned a startling thing ing sound burst. upon the night air. feb It was the distant sound of the Se ells. ie Clang! Clang! Clang! From the street came the cry: “Ripet sine! i ime eam ace -In an instant Harry was ‘pele his feet. mount now. Off cdme his de and si wen | jacket and helmet. ) . 5 “Fire! Piro! “Fire!” ‘The ery” was: carried from street to stre rt i ‘the: greatest exc ‘gu [ia which was the ene heck j iB) : : Mexeral of the “boys: were alread: there. and get ight. hol end of the feightoned, ‘as “you will find. and aE iti to he str Br ae the
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HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 4, “The oil works!” gasped ‘Harry. “My Ged. ruin to the town, desolation and loss of life. there the quickest way. Lively, all!” Every instant fresh men were arriving. In a toe moments enough were on the line to easily, draw. the engine.” Then away they went at a mad pace, Harry Hook with his’ trumpet in the lead. A great crowd followed, and the air was filled with shouts and cries and a din most indescribable, And still everywhere arose that ominous cry: “Wire! Fire!” As Harry dashed on a thousand vague ideas were flashing through his mind. "8 The fire in his earnest belief was the work of incendiaries. That Jim Bisbee had made a strike the young fireman felt sure. He knew sae ctivers that much depended upon him now. If the oil works were indeed ablaze, then the result bid fair to be most serious. That a good part of. the town would succumb seemed almost certain, A species of mingled despération and horror was upon the young fire chief. ‘On, on, faster yet went the boys of No. 1. Panting, almost ready to drop with exhaustion, they came in sight of the fire. | 3 In spite of this, however, they rallied with a loud cheer, and swept on to the scene of the fire. Down went the long lines of hose. and the work began. The flames were raging in one end of a large warehouse. _ Tt was not fifty yards from the main oil tanks of the com- ‘ *pany. Should | the fire reach them an explosion would follow, “and the result could be nothing but serious. _ Harry Hook saw the situation at a glance. Tn an incite his Diane were laid, and ie set about carrying _ them out. ee : If the fire could be Gedued to ene wabetense: the oil tanks might be saved and the mighty catastrophe averted. At this moment Mr. Prentiss. “came ‘upon the scene. _ millionaire was beside himself with terror and despair. _ He rushed to, Harry’s side. “This is Bisbee’s_ work!” he cried. “My boy, you muse ; foil him. If we can save the day now, we will take vigorous measures to terminate his villainous career. “T will do my best!” was Harry Hook’s firm reply. that means We must: get Fresh men were on hand, # _ CHAPTER: XL SEARCHING For THE INOBNDIARIES. “Some of the crows | heard this and sheath wftaly. It gave, the firemen fresh ‘inspiration. _ i In directing the movements of hig men Harry showed himgelt a born fire fighter. He de loyed a line of men on* ladders “over | : the eastern roof of the ‘warehouse, and then sent axmen in-| side the building to break down the partitions. In this manner the fire was- kept within a small compass. lere: it was stubbornly tough > inch PY. ee It was, how- ever, a hard fight. e he. flames for a time did nat aoe Cee to , yield. nou es they. communicated wi ‘the main esate but The} line. \ ~ i : 5 2 - att eB Es os aioe. ‘ r pe 2 Cheers were given lustily for the brave fireman when the fire was finally extinguished in whole. But this was not all. Publie sentiment was thoroughly aroused. It required but a spark to kindle the smoldering flame. Calvin Prentiss mounted 2 wagon seat and Bp peut or the crowd fervidly. ; STt is time,” he said, “that this gang of incendiaries was exterminated, root and’ branch: Oilville will never be safe until Jim Bisbee stretches hemp. The sooner we make av effort to that end the better.” “Hurrah! Hurrah!” shouted the crowd. “Lead us on!” | “We're ready to volunteer!” “Wipe out the skunks!” These were the excited cries which were a positive index to the feelings of all. The feeling was of the bitterest kind. “I eall for one hundred armed men!” cried Mr. Prentiss. “We will make sure work of them. I want none but brave men!” In a very few moments the band of vigilants was crean ite The fire was now under control. Harry Hook joined the volunteers. © \ : Arms were procured, and then a course outlined. decided to proceed at once to Black Cap. Every foot of the region was to be scoured in quest for the incendiaries. No stone was to be left unturned. There was not time or opportunity for Harry to send word home of his undertaking, nor did he attempt to do so. It was now broad daylight, and the start was at once: made, * 4 Away marched the band of avengers out of the town. ° ‘mob of excited, yet deadly resolute men they were. Soon the open country was reached, and the river was crossed and Black Cap was approached. The bald crowned mountain loomed up before them like a grim sentinel barring their way. It. was a lonesomé country round about Black Cap. — There were a few woodsmen at its base, but it was seldom that the fastnesses of its summit were visited, save by the hunter. Deep caverns and precipitous chasi | were eee to exist: te there, and it was among these that Bisbee and his gang ube eat ade their hiding place. ; ay But the excited mingrs: were determined to scour every foot of the place to root out the villainous gang. Reaching the base: of the fountain, a plan of procedure was #4 considered. Tt was decided + to’ separate and Bo up the Gonna in a Tt was A re The signal to be given in case of the discovery of thes j incendiaries’ den was to be a peculiar whistle. fis Be With this question settled, the exploration was Begin 4s Harry Hook was one of the line, and made his way through Be : ithe thick underbrush and over the huge bowlders with aiff ae culty for over an hous? 004 Then a distant signal was ‘heard. : Also from the distance came the report of firearms. oat once “shouts came from every direction. 5
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} 16 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. Baer To the first one who reached his side, and just as,death came upon him, he declared that it was Bisbee who had fired at him. Vengeful, indeed, were the feelings of the miners now. With new and deadly resolution they renewed the search. But the tricky Bisbee had made sure of his safety in a hid- ing place which they were unable to find. Search as they might, not a trace of the incendiaries could be found. Later in the day it was necessary to give up the . quest. The chagrin and discomfiture of all eahnot be expressed in words. Slowly and sadly the return iG Oilville was made, with the dead body of poor Mason on a stretcher. Harry Hook was, perhaps, the most disappointed of any. He went directly to the engine house, and there he met Mr. Prentiss, The millionaire was very much excited and became at once depressed in spirits when he learned that the quest had been futile. “What is to become of us?” he cried, in despair. “Why, at this rate the town is wholly at the mercy of that gang.” “Indeed, it looks like it, sir,” agreed Harry, gloomily. “Ts there no way to capture those villains and bring them to justice?” “There ought to be!” “Gan you suggest a plan, my lad?” Harry was thoughtful. “It looks as if it might be easy to decoy Bisbee down here and entrap him,” ae declared, finally. “Good! But how will you do it?” \ “T am not prepared to say just now,” said Harry. “T will try and think up a plan.” ; “I tell you immediate action is very necessary. See what I found in my letter box this morning!” The millionaire took from his pocket a paper,/ and held il up. Upon it in red letters was rudely printed the following: “WARNING! “One more chance. Last night we tried to fire the oil works. We failed, but the next time we will’ succeed. ‘Vengeance is the ery of One of the Oppressed.” “What do you think of that?” asked Mr. Prentiss, sharply.. “That’s a nice message to receive, eh?” “That is Bisbee’s work,” was Harry’s comment. “Yes, of course, But I want to ask you if it does not look like the work of a‘madman?” “IT should say it did,” replied Harry. believe the villain insane.” \At that moment a ragged boy dashed into the engine house and handed Harry a note. The young fireman tore it open and read: “Yet, I can hardly I feel sure / “Harry—Come home just as quick as you can. that something has happened to Leda and Jack. “From Your Mother.” Harry Hook’s face turned deadly white. “My God!” he gasped. “Has Alden Raymond got in his villainous work?” Then out of the engine house he rushed full tilt. CHAPTER XII. THE MURDERER’S HAND, ‘Harry Hook’s sensations were far beyond eb asia as he rushed out of the engine house. _|to the wretch’s eye. {he wale gi Ene All sorts of horrified reflections passed through his’ mind. “Something has happened to Leda and Jack!” he muttered, as he sped on. “If you have done them harm, Mr. Alden Ray- mond, woe to you.” The next moment the young fireman turned into the ‘street in which was their home, — A few moments later he reached the door. Up the steps he sped, but before he could throw himself against the door it opened, and Mrs. Hook stood upon the threshold. The good woman was pale and distraught. “Mother!” gasped Harry. “You sent for me?” “Yes,” replied the good woman. “Thank) God you have come.” “But tell me quick, has harm come to Leda a Jack?” “TI know not.” “Tell, me. all—quickly.” “When you rushed out to the fire James Lane followed That was the last I saw of him. Little Jack wis low, but I warned him pot to, However, he unawares a little later. As he did not return, Le out to find him. Neither have returned, and 1 fear] come to them,” “My God! Tt 18 more than Iikely that’ Raymad his clutches upon them.” ; “So I fear.” ¢ “You do not know where Jack intended to go?” ’ “After his father, I suppose.” i Harry started down the steps, “Where are you going, my son?” asked the anxio “To find them, if such a thing is possible.” “Be careful of yourself!” — “Never fear.” 7 Harry shot a loving glance at his Jesdtney™ an away. ‘ Down the street he dashed at full speed. He had but one thought uppermost in his mind, and eh was to find Alden ~ Raymond. He felt certain that the villain had stolen them away, ant ‘ perhaps done them harm. Harry’s blood was boiling. “Tf he has harmed them,” he muttered, “it will be a bad ‘ thing for him. I will not rest until he is punished.” ie As chance had it, just as he turned into the main street of — the town he came face to face with’ Raymond. vit The villain was leisurely walking along and d oe disposed to recognize the young fireman. - a He bestowed upon him simply a cold stare. grabbed him by the arm and cried, forcibly: “Look here, you graceless scoundrel, you are I want.” “Unhand me, you unciyil fool!” tied Raymond, BOY Re Eo “Pll blow your head off if you don’t!” : A revolver flashed in the villain’s hand. gutter. “None of that!” he: oried, as he backed — up again a building. held him as in a vise: ae “What do you want?” he snarled. The young fireman placed one sturdy fist in close suman “Now, I want the truth from you, Alden. Raymond will pound you to jelly;” said Harry, forcibly. v know what you have done with Jack and Leda.” Raymond’s eyes alii snes for a moment in a lu id:
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HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. *I don’t know’anything about them. You know more than I do.” é ' “You lie!” cried the young fireman, vigorously. the truth! Where are they?” *J don’t know!” “Do you mean that?” “Yes.” Just at this moment a policeman hove around the corner. A crowd was also beginning to colléct. “Help! Police!’ cried Raymond, vigorously. off, or I shall be killed.” Harry was so righteously indignant at the villain that he could not forbear giving him an extra shaking. The next moment he was thrust aside by the policeman. Harry was in no mood to abandon his war with Raymond, but yet he saw it was folly to dare the law. So he fell back. fis this?” cried the officer, harshly. “Disturbin’ the eye? I'll have ye Doth arrested and locked up if ye ve on.” : 2S assaulted me!” cried Raymond. “I make the against him! Do your duty, officer, and lock him “Pull him ie Olicer regarded Harry and then Raymond critically. ~ AS at happened, he knew the young fireman well. He gave Harry the wink, and then said roughly to Raymond: “T reckon ye ain’t hurt! Go on now, and don’t make a crowd! Do ye hear me?” The officer brandished his club and Raymond did go on. ea also turned a y, sick at heart and still as much in sthe fate of Deda and Jack as before. 7 >that Raymond was Seat in the disap- ne children. : his footsteps, ” he concluded. find out something.” about with this purpose in nid ig Perhaps in that He could find no trace of the villain At this moment a crowd in the distance attracted Harry’s attention. It was at the far end of the street and upon the verge of the mill pond. Impelled by a strange motive, Harry went _ thither. } Some men had. Just” dragged an object ashore from the water. It was a limp little form, evidently that of a little child. 3 pressions of horror and pity went up. : 1 sense of suffocation Seized Harry. He was unable nent to make a move. Can it be?” he finally muttered. ne awful fascination drew him to the spot. sht to the little dead egos he went. It was that of a itougnt an awful ery from Harry’s lips. “My soul! It is little Jack!” _ The crowd fell back before the agonized young fireman. _ He knelt down over the drowned boy and chafed his hands and tried to call life back. But if Was useless. Little Jack Lane was dead. Was his death accidental, or was it the murderer’s hand? \ ‘CHAPTER Xitt. can | 1 ] | FACE TO FACE. Baery Hook arose from over little Jack Lane’s dead form, and Ms ene was fit and rigid. “T will not}, The crowd stood about, hushed and deeply impressed. “Ye know the little feller?” asked one of the men who “Tell me | had recovered the body. “T do,” replied Harry in a rigid voice. boy when you found him?” “He was caught on a beam in the flume over ‘yonder.” “Ah! Did you see him fall in?” “No. I reckon he’s been in the water several hours.” “Tt is murder, then!” cried Harry Wiese A sensation was created. “Oh, I reckon not, sir,” remonstrated the man. “Likely the little fellow was playing: on the logs and fell in.” Harry bent down and tore aside little Jack’s jacket col- lar, * ; “Look!” he cried harshiy. “Does that look like it?” There, plainly visible in the soft flesh of the boy’s throat, were the blue prints of human fingers. It was a tell-tale mark, and a thrill of awful horror went through the crowd. “Murder! ” “Yes,” cried Harry Hook, with fearful earnestness, “and I know the. murderer.” Before any in the crowd could meet this announcement there was a hoarse, awful cry, and a man burst through the throng. “Don’t tell me that is my little Jack! cruel. Make way! I must see him!” Harry Hook reeled as he recognized the newcomer. It was James Lane, The escaped convict’s face was ashen hued and agon- ized. He rushed forward and threw himself upon the ground be- side the little dead form. _His grief was pitiable to witness. “Oh, my boy, my little Jack!” he wailed. “You are lost to me forever. Gone, gone, and curses on your murderer; the world is not so wide, life is not so short that I shall not live to avenge your death!” For a moment Harry Hook was wholly in a anendery: as to what was the best thing to do. He realized. in an instant with full force the awful danger to which Mr. Lane was exposing himself. “Where was the God is not so \ The coroner and officers of the law were approaching. Har- ; With ‘an effort, bent down and placed a hand upon the agonized father’s shoulder. “Mr. Lane, listen to me!” he said. The distraught father ventured to lift his head, and gaz- ‘ ing into Harry’s face, cried: “Qh, God! You cannot know the agony of my heart!” “Yes, it is hard,” agreed Harry, “but remember, Mr. Lane, liberty is worth more to you than aught else just now.” “Liberty!” exclaimed the escaped convict in a hushed voice. “Oh, God, how hard I have worked for it.” “Then I adjure you to be brave and discreet or you will lose it.” “Lose it?” . Lane looked about him in a bewildered way. “Yes; the officers of the law are coming.” This had its effect upon the agonized man. tottered back into the crowd. All this Harry hoped had had not been understood by the crowd. He would have tried to induce Lane to seek safety in flight, but in some manner the crowd hid him from view. At this moment, also, the coroner and the officers came up. The usual form was gone through with by the coroner. Witnesses were held, and arrangements for an inquest made, “Tt is likely an accidental death!” said one of the officers. Harry overheard this, and very indisereetly said: “No; it is murder!” “En: an instant ern: ae vfas upon him, He arose and 1
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_ said lately?” man from thus betraying himself, -are finger marks on his throat!” all in the crowd. “ment. “I can tell you the name of little Jack’s enemy and the tened to reason. right, I am that dead child’s natural defender. I am his father!” , pe ; Raymond. There was a cynical smile upon his face. | affair,” he declared, “I step forth to defend myself: I wish _ to say that Iam in no way connected with this matter. It ¢ = be. proved against me!” B shot a glance of recognition at each other. 3 se ite of the other. 18 | HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. sid PARSE ae See NEAR Ay | (enc en te ae A a ee know who that fellow is? He is James Lane, the forger and © escaped convict.” A startied ery went up. “James Lane, the forger!” The officers forgot the inquest and all else in their excite- ment, The knowledge that it was in their power to re-arrest James Lane, the escaped convict, was paramount. t But the convict saw the situation at a glance, and. realized that his freedom was about to be denied to him again. — He had not sought to escape this time. Little Jack’s sad fate had made him insane and reckless. But now all the love of freedom came back to him hae “Murder!” exclaimed one of the officers. “Who are you?” “My name is Harry Hook.” “You are the young fireman of whom so “much has been “TJ am a fireman,” replied Harry. “What do you know about this case?” “Very little. I may have spoken inadvisedly, yet I am afraid you will overlook the fact that this was a case of mur- der.” : | “Indeed! What prompts you to believe it murder?” “Look at the boy’s throat.” The coroner and officers did so. “The lad was strangled,” declared the coroner. “There f Then he turned to Harry. “Do you know what the lad’s name is?” he asked. “Yes.” ; Harry then detailed the story of Leda and Jack Lane. He told the history of the waifs with a pathos that touched CHAPTER XIV. 4 HEATED CONTROVERSY. | -A fearful spasm seemed to seize James Lane, the convict. His hand closed and relaxed like the action of a maniac, ‘ and he glared at the man who had wrecked his, life eh. ae terrible hatred. He seemed hardly able to restrain himself. from leaping upon his foe, but at the moment the officers seized him. chet The chief ‘of police confronted him, and said sternly: : “What have you to say? Do you admit that you are. James j Lane?” Sar Peat tia The wretched man drew himself Upe roe “May I speak a few words?” he asked, in*a uoarse, con : strained ‘Voice. i ; “Certainly.” fi j - f The crowd was intensely intoventaee A Aes ae upd them. \ : = “Then I will tell you a story which will Brg your ‘ene ee said Lane forcefully. “Do you see yonder man? He is re- sponsible for my misery; | he is guilty of the blackespn as oot in the calendar. “You know him to be. a respectable man’: ‘of wealth. ‘He is. Uy in reality a scoundrel, and murderer. Ne pie “He is was who sent ape be: ‘State's prison innocent me) “Indeed, it is a sad story,” declared the coroner, sympatheti- cally; “but who do you think could haye been so base as to commit this deed? What enemy did the little fellow have?” The question was put in a tone of voice loud enough to be heard by all in the crowd. For a moment Harry hesitated to answer. Then-a startling incident occurred. ; There was a sharp exclamation, and a man burst through the crowd. His face was pallid and distressed, his hair dis- heveled, and he riveted his sunken, burning eyes upon the coroner. ‘ “I can tell you!” he cfied, in a resonant voice. Harry gave a gasping cry of horror. It was James Lane. Unable to restrain himself longer, the heartbroken, an- guished parent had broken through the crowd with this de- nunciation. “Yes,” he repeated fiercely, as he noted the coroner’s Bo hound who would be capable of taking his little life. You/all have heard of him. It it Alden Raymond!” A sensation was created. Harry tried in vain by sign and look to warn the raciicmete f 1 “Oh, you may wince, coward and assassin; the” guilt stamped upon your miserable countenance. — — wrong ed me; hut listen! There is a God, and a just ster, and He has promised me that I shall live—iive to 1 Win my vengeance. — There is a reckoning day for you, Alden Raymond, ane some day I shall have justice.” ‘ “Raymond, throughout this speech, had stood accuser with a stony glare of hatred. rat : ; _Byery eye was upon him, and not a few felt inclined roel sympathize with Lane. pir TOR a & ‘| But the villain pekake ahd 8 said, with mock pity, to we officers: * ¥ - But) Lane was thoroughly aroused, aciaa would not have lis- “That is a strong statement to pera sir,” said the coroner. “Have you the evidence?” “J have it in a thousand ways,” ek a6 the temporarily in- sane father. ie “What is your name? Who are you?” “Who am 1?” cried Lane excitedly. “By all that is just and There was a commotion in the crowd. , Then from the throng a man stepped forth. It was Alden “Hearing my name used in connection with this miserable sy n. ; Manacles were Bat tapon the prisoner’ led sadly away. _ The body of little Jack was By ee tot James Lane drew himself up to his full height, Hach man It was the meeting of sworn foes after years, ‘There was : nothing but deadly - hatred between precise each thirating a! aymond, scoundrel and murderer!” — j vineed beneath this terrible accusation, but ‘elk L Ww } d era to t officers. fc ye
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HARRY, HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF(/NO. 1.0 | ec 519) ae enn “The rascal who forged that draft is too near home.” There. was an indescribable light in Raymond's eyes. For a moment his face paled, But he quickly recovered himself. “What do you mean?” he asked hoarsely, “Is that intended for a personal remark?” tf “You may accept it so if you choose.” “T am insulted.” “TI think you can stand it. i , “Well, I will not stand it!” blustered Raymond. “It is an insinuation that I forged the check.” “Perhaps: BO. ° “Jupiter! What an improbable thing that I should forge a check upon a firm of which 1 am a member.” “Tt is not improbable,” returned Mr. Prentiss, calmly but rigidly. “You have each quarter far overdrawn your share of the pofits. The check would only be a method of increas- ing your reyenue at my expense.” Raymond’s face was livid. : “Zounds!” he hissed. “You dare to face me with such an accusation! * “Basy!” said the millionaire, coolly. “I never make mis- takes. Long ago I adopted the motto, ‘Be sure you're right, then go ahead!’ I will not face you with this» accusation without proof to back it.” “Proof?” ; “Yes, undisputed proof, which a detective placed in my hands to-day.” The effect of this upon the villain Was terrible to witness, A murderous light came into his eyes. “Who are you?” hissed the Villain savagely! “It is pre- sumption, indeed, for you to talk to me, you pauper. Why, I haye money and influence enough to banish you forever from these parts. I shall make you fear me.” Harry laughed scornfully. ; “I would be a coward, indeed, to fear you!” he declared. “T can hate and despise you, but fear you, never!” “You shall smart for your treatment of me to- day, Harry Hook.” “Bah! ‘That for your threats!” Harry made his way sadly homeward. Mrs. Hook was terrible shocked when she learned the fate of poor little Jack. The good woman was quite overcome. “And poor James is back in prison!” she said. “Ah, me! What trouble is his! If Alden Raymond is the murderer of little Jack, I shudder for when he stands before his God!” “Retribution will overtake him,” affirmed Harry earnestly. For several days Harry kept up the futile search for Leda Lane. ‘The police were enlisted, but all efforts were of no avail. The young fireman was discouraged and despondent. “I fear the worst!” he declared. “Ah, it must, indeed, be true that Leda is dead.” — ; Harry expected every moment to hear of the young girl’s _ body being found, even as Jack’s had been. ye TE this did not happen, and Leda’s disappearance ’ re- mained a mystery. ' But in the meanwhile other things of an exciting sort ' were happening. “The ‘evening after the finding of Jack’s body and. the re- arrest of Lane, Harry: had occasion to visit Mr. Prentiss. The servant seated him in the library. As chance had it, the rons, APSE and his junior I abaote Alden Raymond, were in a side room. They were indulging in a heated siecoaal every word of which came to Harry. He’ would not have listened but for his knowledge of Raymond - aan the fear that he might] 5 do ‘Mr. Prentiss ‘harm. ; Also, the conversation in part concerned hina, and this war- ranted him somewhat in listening. yes have just. reasons, Alden Raymond, for distrusting you,” Mr, Prentiss was saying. si eg oe ue you are a traitor to my interests.” é : “Oh, of. course,” sneered Raymond, contemptuously. “You had better take into partnership that brave boy Beier i pauper and upstart as he is.” ; “Do you allude to Harry Hook?” ; af ms ey believe that is the impudent young cub’s name.” d “Then I would advise you to pattern after that noble jad. You can ‘well afford to do i he a : “No, thank, you! I was born a gentleman! ” Bet “Harry's cheeks burned, and he with extreme difficulty re-| ‘strained himself from confronting is insultér. dy (ib But. better sense prevailed, and ne. refrained. BMS Sa mae He had a valiant defender, however, in Mr. Prentiss. Piss | “T tell you { will hear no -aspersions cast. upon. the char- cter of that lad. I owe him much. He has saved me from nber of times.” aughed - cynically. \ \ CHAPTER XV. \ THE MASK OFF. It was very clear to Alden Raymond that he was un- | | masked. Oe He read it in the accusing glance of his partner, ae he had no defense to offer. His cowardly, craven soul withered within him, and he ; gave way to a desperate, mad sense of hatred. citi Foam flecks peer s upon his lips, and his eyes glared madly. ath “Curse you! Then ‘you put a detective on my track?” at did,” replied Mr. Prentiss, calmly. ; ; “You have aaa bei great confidence in your own part hmer.,” § ‘ a “My former partner,” said Mr. Prentiss in a voice like ‘| steel, “I disclaim you as a partner after this.” - Raymond was livid. “Ah! You do, eh?” iodo” ay E “How can you do that?” A Repl “You remember the terms of our partnership, ‘You had but little money, and I reserved the right to dissolve the. con: ¥ tract at any time that I might see fit.” ; “You did. Then you mean to dissolve it. now? ore xf 10) ’ : “I do. From this hour, Alden Raymond, your interests you going to do about it?” he deked. - ‘tand mine stand divided. I will Bf you. as a partner a rentiss was exceedingly angry, | longer.” Bale eT wil not discuss Harry Hook further,” he said coldly. “You dare not cast me off!” ” isin ine beg OY gee os urn to that matter of the forged draft.” “I dare!” tae i tect’ ives have Aa no clew to the forger ye!” “It will ruin: ‘you!
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EM 20 “T defy you.” “You do?” “Yes, for with this*crime of forgery roe: against you, I ‘can send you to prison for ten years!” This was too much for the black passion of the wretch. Hatred and murder gleamed from his evil eyes. He glared at the millionaire like a madman. { “Now who has the best of the Rn yada eried Mr. Pren- _tiss, triumphantly. ; “You shall never do that!” put you where you can do no harm. “that!” A long knife gleamed in the wretch’s hand. He made a spring forward, and was upon the millionaire like a panther. That moment would have been Calvin centres. last, but for an unlooked-for intervention. A light form sped across the room. The deadly knife was dashed from his grasp, and Raymond was hurled across the room. Oved him stood Harry Hook, white-faced but determined. He had been just in time to save the life of Mr. Prentiss. “Coward and murderer!” cried the young fireman. “At last you are unmasked.” Raymond cowered in ‘a heap upon the carpeted floor. He did ndt dare move or speak, but glared at Harry Hook like a hunted wild beast. “Harry Hook!” exclaimed the millionaire joyfully. have saved my life.” yelled the villain, “for I will Curses on you, take “You “With God’s help, sir,” replied the young fireman. “It was a close call.” “JT shall never, forget it!” cried the millionaire. “Come, sir,” to Raymond. “Betake yourself from my premises. The law shall deal with you.” f “Tf you say the word, sir, I will turn him over to the poliee now,” said Harry. “No; I am not ready yet,” said Mr. Prentiss. Raymond scrambled to his feet, and slunk from the room. But he paused at the threshold long enough to say: “You have the upper hand now, curse you! but my time will come!” x After he had gone Mr. Prentiss grasped both of Se hands. “God bless you, my boy,” he said fervently. ° just in time.” _ “Indeed, sir, | am glad of that,” said Harry sincerely. ‘ “Then you , heard the interview?” Sradiau? “The mask is off.” “For which I am glad. It was for the purpose of warning you that I came: here to-night.” : “Ah!” cried Mr. Prentiss excitedly. “Then you have learn- ed something else?” : “T have!” “Let us hear it!” Harry seated himself in a chair opposite the millionaire, and they conversed for a long while. : The young fireman narrated to him the thrilling incidents connected with the drowning of Jack Lane and the mysteri- ous disappearance of Leda. The millionaire smote his hand upon his knee forcibly. “T tell you, Harry, that scoundrel is at the bottom of it all.” “T agree with you, sir,” said Harry. “What shall we do?” “Really, ‘he ought to be arrested and convicted. “You came But, on the other hand, Jim Bisbee and all that gang need to be rooted out. Perhaps it would be as well to wait a while and try to bag them ali together.” - /*T shall accept your advice, Harry, and will say that the » _ town va never in such a state ce Sp AAne SE before. It is nec- HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. gl. ee ee 4 r essary to adopt rigorous measures at once ‘to wipe out this } gang.” ‘ ‘ “That is right, sir.” * : “We must organize a band of vigilants, and they must net be excused from duty until it is done. Hg “I think it can be done.” ; as “Now, Harry, can I depend upon you to attempt that move?” “You can, sir.” : “Remember, I will stand back of you through it all. We will soon find out whether law and order will continue to reign in Oilville or not.” “T believe that it will, “Keep.on your guard for a fire. try to burn the oilworks again!.” “You need not spars sir. I am sleepless in vigilance,” re- plied Harry. , This_ terminated the {ateevion: Harry sallied forth into the night air and went i but events were coming thick and fast. The next day, upon the street, Harry saw a man who at once claimed his attention. He looked familiar. Shadowing him carefully, he made an astounding discovery. It was Jim Bisbee in disguise. | The villain certainly had temerity to venture into. the city. The young fireman was for a moment undecided what to do. Should he cause Bishee’s arrest or not? There was but lit- tle time in which to make up his mind. : . \ y Mr. Prentiss.” I feel sure that they will CHAPTER XVI. IN THE DEN. It would have been easy to have turned Bisbee over to the police. In spite of his disguise Harry knew him. tga But a happier thought struck the young fireman. It was deemed advisable to locate the hiding place of he incendiaries. Why not turn detective and shadow the villain? "eh 2 Harry believed that more could be gained by this move than by any other. Accordingly, he proceeded to do so. on down the street at a leisurely pace. He paused finally at the door of a drinking saloon. He gave a cautious look up and down the street. Harry glided into the doorway. The next moment Bis entered the saloon. The impulse was strong upon Harry to follow him; “Ue he “ya ‘knew that this would not be a safe or good policy. : i . He had no disguise, and the villain would be sure to know him and suspect him. So Harry abandoned the idea. ities! He concluded, however, that the villain had simply entered — the place to get a drink, and that he would soon come out again. ty So he decided to wait outside for his reaper e He did not have to wait long. 2 Bisbee came out presently, and this time he was acoomp- r anied by a rough looking villain of his own ilk. . Harry experienced a thrill. > This fellow he concluded was one of the ‘incendiary _ also. i Sears? This premise was later proven erne. The villain continued | Harry followed them. te ; Very soon they had passed beyond the limits of t t ne 2 were in the country. ;
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7 t< HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN -OF NO. 1. as 21 Harry kept closely in the shadow of these so that they ~ could not see him. Suddenly the two villains turned from the road into the alders. Harry quickly reached the spot. He turned into a path and climbed hastily a little eminence, fearing that they would give him the slip. : But before he had gone far he heard ‘their voices. They seemed to have halted, and creeping cautiously forward on his hands and knees, Harry reached a copse from whence he could see them plainly. - They were standing upon the summit of the eminence, and evidently looking toward the city. Every word they uttered reached Harry plainly, and it was a révelation to him. © “T tell ye, Kid Kelly, that we’ve got the wires just laid right,” said Bisbee. “We can burn up them mills in six ‘hours’ time slick as a whistle.” “Mebbe ye’re right, Jim!” said the villain called Kid Kelly. “Of course I am!” “Are all the boys posted?” “You bet they are!” . “And everything is ready?” 5 “Yes.” “Waal, I reckon it'll be hot around here for us arter the oil works go up.” “T-reckon.” “What's best to do?” “Why, with that hundred thousand that Raymond has prom- ised us we can make to Australia. I hev a brother in ther bush out thar. I feel a hankerin’ fer bush life, Thar’s nothing Tike it, Kelly.” “So you say.” Sit'ssa fact!” “Well, I'd like to try it then.” st “You will have the chance if you follow me. Thar’s many a pal I’ve put on the way to prosperity, and if it hadn’t been for rum I’d been there myself long before this. But I’m too free-hearted, Iam.” _At this Bisbee heaved a deep sigh, at which Harry saw his companion. look askance. All this had been important information to Harry Hook. It was certain that there was a scheme afoot to burn the oil works. That it was “near consummation was also cer? Hi tain. .” / _ Harry’s ‘desire now was to Bente the den of the incendiaries. _ Once this was done, back to Oilville he would go and it would take’ but very little time to have the vigilantes upon. the spot. i The trap must be sprung quickly in order to frustrate the % “deadly plot. Harry knew this, : So the young fireman was all agog with interest as he ‘The villains conversed: for some time longer upon other - topics not so material. ( eee Bisbee shai “All right “i ', Together they strode away toward Black Cap. mm ost intense excitement Harry followed them. a ae young fireman was obliged to exercise the utmost With the Bisbee knelt down and lifted a flat stone from the ground. Then he and his companion vanished through the opening which it covered. - Harry watched this intensely. ‘ When: assured that the coast was clear, the young fireman boldly approached the spot. : He knelt down and caréfully lifted the stone. It disclosed a small opening just large enough to admit a man’s body. But below it Harry saw the walls of a cavern passage. There was an iron rod to cling to, and seizing this, the bold young ; fireman swung himself down into the placey He closed the entrance by reaching up and moving the stone over with his hand. He was in the den. ‘ All was darkness about him. % But Harry began to cautiously grope his way along, until suddenty he caught a ray of light ahead. That he concluded came from the poke chamber of the incendiaries’ den. All was darkness about him. ; He was making good progress through the passage when suddenly a startling thing happened. He heard a grating sound behind him. There was a flash of light, and he saw a man’s form coming down into the place, Instinctively Harry saw the truth. c \ One of the gang was entering the den. The situation now : was a risky one. Discovery meant serious consequences. done? | There seemed but one thing, and Harry adopted it. He shrunk into a niche in the wall and compressed him- self into the smallest possible compass. The newcomer slid down into the passage with a muttered oath. There was the scraping of a match, and then Harry saw the fellow advancing with a lighted taper in his hand. It was a critical moment. Harry could hear his heart ies in the intensity of the rhe moment. Would the fellow see hi It did not seem possible for him & escape notice. Yet, there was a chance, and the young fireman an eg to the hope. Nearer drew the fellow. ; Now he was close at hand. He was walking along with his head down, and was ith tering in a maudlin fashion to himself. Now he was close at hand, and the light of the taper fell upon Harry’s crouching form. It was the chance ofa Pays ; sand. WA But as luck had it the fellow sume by, without seeing Harry’ y or- suspecting his presence. , What was to be. CHAPTER XVII. ; A PRISONER. ‘It was a close call, and Harry Hook felt aiave deeply | when he was assured that he was safe. ° " : The fellow passed on. : fii gt Like a shadow, the young fireman arose and flitted after him. Through the passage they went. ' J Very soon the interior of the incendiaries’ den ould be x. oS seen just ahead. an It was a large, Square chamber, and in the center there a burned a large calcium light, which made the ites as light. a as day. ae A dozen ‘rough. Tooking. men’ lay about in attitudes: “ot AY
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age 22 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO- 1. Harry was now in a fearful state of mind, “He ‘coud see no possible way of escape from the place. What was to be done? He was beside himself with suspense and agonized fear. — Hvery moment was precious. The safety of the oil works de- — pended upon him. 3B It was necessary to act at once. of? Harry measured the distance for a jump. At first he medi- tated it. But sober second though forbade the risk. ‘ There was the chance that he might goto his death. It would be wise to first. endeavor to escape by some other © way. y ‘i a Accordingly; he crept back into the cavern. To his relief — he could no longer see a guard at the passage to the exit. Imbued with fresh hope, he crept toward this ‘how. But as he reached it the climax came. ; Suddenly two dark forms pounced upon him from a niche in the wall and he was dragged into the light. “hs spy, oe spy!” was the cry. The young fireman halted in the shadows ang watched the scene for a moment. He knew well the mighty risk he incurred in venturing thus into the lion’s den. But he was deeply fascinated by the experience. He watched the scene intently for some time. Then: an inspiration seized him. He was anxious to hear the conversation made by Bisbee and Kelly. There was a pile of lumber in one corner of. the cave, near their position. By keeping in the shadows, Harry reached this. He slipped behind it and crouched in a listening attitude. Every word now uttered by the villains came to his hear- ing. ; “Are you sure everything is all ready, Jim Bent?” said Bisbee to one of the gang. “You bet it is, boss.” “There will be no failure about the explosion?” “Not a bit.” “I' think we had better blow up the last end of the works ‘first. Once the oil tanks get started there will be no stopping , the flames.” “Ye’re right, sir.” _ Harry’s blood boiled. ‘He comprehended the perfect villainy of the game. The plan was all laid to blow up the oil works. t “To-night at nine o’clock we blow up the oil works,” aie Bisbee, triumphantly; “then for the money from Raymond \ and away to Australia!” The incendiaries cheered, and Marry cipetluiods a thrill of horror. ‘ ce, He saw the mightiness of the responsibility which now _ hung upon his shoulders, and a dreadful fear seized him. Would he be able to assume it? rx "This was the query. — He must make his escape from the cavern the quickest possible way. i & It was not far from the evening hour, and he would have “e little more than time to reach the town and wea ie: the vigi- - Tantes. ‘Guards must be brought to surround the oil works, the secret mind must be found’ and the explosion averted. Also men must ‘be on ‘hand to seize ake villains as they iM ‘sallied from their stronghold. All this would require time. j _ Was there sufficient time? j “There must be!” said Harry, compressing his lips. “T will fight. + He hurled his assailants off with force eae er a Tus for the passage. : ; One of the incendiaries sprang in front of him. Quic as a flash, Harry let out with his fist. aha. pare Down went the fellow in a heap. ; young fireman. such odds. He was overpowered and dragged into the light. - “Who is it?” roared Bisbee. “Turn him to the eae her : If he’s a spy he mustn’t go from here alive!” Harry’s face was revealed in the light of the ealetum, , A gasping cry escaped the villain. ‘ \ “Thunder and guns!” he cried. “Here's a rich one! ‘Tt's | confounded young fireman.” $ Then he burst into a loud guffaw. a ae Bk “Haw! Haw! Haw!” he roared. “Well, here’s go! Run yer head inter a nice trap, didn’t ye? swow, if you ain’t jist the chap ’'m glad to see.” The villain was more bcc paced at eee ¢ Harry.. ee oedy Tate, ’ He faced his. foe bravely. ; ; “Jericho! ” exclaimed. Kid Kelly, “how la he ever. here?” ; ee j a make it!” nie es ane one ‘eta us. fr ae ae "The villains now moved away to Peay onel of the cavern. | 4) i ae right.” fie i pipe rae eh They were now beyond’ earshot. 1. vecion ‘ye! Waa.” A Ne Giese ” oe ied to consider his chances of escape from “What'll we do with him?” by 9 “Waal, I’ ige little mess fo 6 ‘He, of course, thought pa of retreating by the ih) ne had 5: ibs abla rit ‘e hil me we F centered. back.” Sh » But) to his Horror he saw a guard posted at the entetaita ; The order was = oboved. to the passage. A swift, awful eae ag seized him. What did this mean? : » -Were the villains aware of, or ‘aia -_ munpedt: his entrance | to the passage? if not, why WAS the guard poste at the exit? | The young ‘aeeneid Believed incite He saw ‘daylight aut beyond oss a ‘broad passage: In - He thought not of. ‘tht eatened Oilville. i
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x HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. De le powerless to avert the awful catastrophe which menaced Qil- “ville. R ‘Harry waited for no more. __ He glided into the passage of exit. Along it he sped in- the darkness. He saw a glimmer of sky just above him. He reached up and displaced the tat stone and sprang out into the outer air, ' He had made good his escape. : “Now for Oilville!” he cried. “God give me strength to get there!” { Away he dashed over the rough ground. Faster and faster The villain Bisbee saw him struggling thus and approached | he ran. é him, Now he reached the banks of the mountain river, Over the “Lie still, you dog!” cried the wretch, giving his prostrate | pyde bridge he sped. ; form a brutal kick. “What are ye struggling for? ries won't} On and on, breathing a feryent prayer for Desickail: Faster do ye any good nor anybody else.” and faster, and now the lights of the town burst upon his “Villain! ”. gritted Harry. “You cannot mean to carry out | yiew. your nefarious purpose to blow up the oil works?” In that brief spell of time Harry Hook had lived a cen- Me: SY ORs dos” tury. “But think of the atrocity of such a thing!” It seemed as if he would never reach the town. He won- _ The wretch laughed. dered what the time was, and if he would be able to divert the “That is all lost on me,” he said. “Jim Bisbee is no victim | dread catastrophe. _ of foolish sentiment.” A hundred times he saw the oil works in flames in his ex-. ~ “But surely you are not inhuman! Think of the precious! cited fancy. lives that will be sacrificed!” “What is that to me?” “You are a monster! ” One moment he paused to gain breath, and full upon his “And you are a fool!” hearing smote the distant strokes of a bell. “Punishment will overtake’you.” rt It was the town clock, and he counted the strokes up to “Don’t go preaching to me! I don’t like it, and I won't ten. “have it. This is my game and “a winning. You'll have! One second he paused with awful expectation, This was to your turn by and by.” be the dread signal for the explosion. With a coarse laugh the villain went on: The next moment it came. “You and T have a little score to settle, too. Wait till I] ‘There was a rumble like distant thunder, a conyulsion like get back from town, and we'll have it out!” an ‘earthquake, and into the distant air leaped a mighty if Harry said nothing, but his soul was filled with horror, | column of flame which seemed to travel to the very zenith. _ Already he’ saw Oilville in flames and dozens of innocent) Ay awful ery burst from Harry Hook’s pallid lips. lives sacrificed, It filled nim with Sea: “Too late!” 4 But he was powerless. The distant quarter of the city seemed one wall of flame. % ‘The incendiaries departed, and the prisoner was left with Harry knew that the oil tanks were afire, only two of the gang for guards. “God help Oilville to-night!” he muttered, with an awtal, _ Harry lay in his uncomfortable and helpless cone for | sinking sensation at the heart. ' what seemed ages. “Tt is awful.” , The two incendiaries left to ponra hin found a hottle of _ Then he revived. eh whisky and a pack of, cards. and adjourned to another cavern He knew that yeoman service was needed to save aa resi- b amber. | dence part of the city. (oe Harry was left alone. Down into the town he ran. Time passed wearily. ; As he came into the > streets thrilling scenes were en- It seemed to him that it must be. near the hour for the | countered. A great crowd was at every street corner. People were He doubted not but that he should hear it in his present | rushing hither and thither in the wildest of terror, sition. His hearing was constantly strained. |. Fire companies were rushing madly to the scene of the aie. 4) sh ‘two erate were too busy in the adjoining cavern to] aster, Harry saw No. 1 coming and joined them. gu 1 The boys cheered as the young chief joined them, and sped : hey ‘aia not believe it possible for him to cht gen ‘Hope on. In a few moments they were confronted with an ap- had not yet died out in Harry’s breast, palling situation. ae constantly writhed in his bonds. Buddexiy he experi- The entire oil works was one sheet ak flame, {2 .. ed mighty thrill, ; It was madness to attempt to cope with themes sch ; Das es loosened a bit, i All that could be done was to limit the sui “ he fire AB ; CHAPTER XVIII. THE EXPLOSION, He now reached the brow of a descent that led him directly |down inte the town. fa But this seemed almost impossible, Pine ‘ Sits ashe Burning yolumes of oil from the tanks rushed down | pone. ist ‘the streets of the town, Hearing desolation, icing and horror 5 His efforts were’ rewarded with success. Was. free, nay: iN
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24 Tt was a virtual reign of horror, and Oilville seemed etern- eas doomed. CHAPTER XIX. THE WORK OF THE DESTROYER. It is difficult for pen to describe the situation at that mo- ment adequately. The scene was a terrible one. The fire. companies were powerless to check the advance ‘of the burning oil with such a substance as water. But Harry Hook saw that more heroic measures must be adopted. The oil was raising literal havoc everywhere. For years this dreadful monster had slumbered securely in the midst of the peaceful community. ‘But now the volcano had been loosed, and the result was awful to contemplate. No power on earth seemed able to stop the flames. moment the situation grew worse. é The oil ran into the sewers, and an explosion followed, tearing up the ground and making a dirt heap of the streets. Whole blocks were blown into the air as if with gunpowder. The heat from the flames was something awful. But there is a limit to all things, and even the burning oil soon found this. The oil works themselves had been razed to the ground in a very few minutes, and the oil, burning so fast and furi- ously, could keep up its volume only a short time. Soon it began to subside, but scores of buildings were in flames, and the split or Was sweeping over the whole city. It was now possible for the firemen to work. é They could not combat the burning oil, but they coufid handle the flames in the buildings. But Harry Hooker was far-sighted enough to see that to attempt the putting out of each individual fire was beyond the power of a hundred fire departments. Measures of a more heroic sort must be adopted, and he was not slow to hit upon them. i Just midway in the business portion of the town was a broad canal. Harry saw that all east of the canal must go. Yo save the west side was now the object to be attained. Along the line of the canal many valuable buildings stood. But these it would be ec aa ts to save, The flames would soon have them. “As well give them up to dynamite as to the flames!” cried Harry’ Hook. ‘ana thereby save the rest of the city.” , "Men were dent to blow up these buildings, In less than an hour they were razed to the ground, and the great -confla-. gration was in a ‘fair way to be under control. The west side was saved. One third of the beautiful city and its valuable oii works \ were in ashes. .. But it was a matter of congratulation, certainly, that the ; other two-thirds had been preserved. _ But for Harry Hook’s prompt work in stopping the flames before they reached the canal the entire city would have been destroyed. - That night in Oilville was long remembered as a night of terror. hy | i : Suddenly a cry of alarm went up from the west side, : ‘pk isearck ney flames went oe, in a dozen saeehenk quar- very HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1. with masks were, seen going 1 from siete to house : Harry Hook sent the company to extinguish the flames, and — himself headed an indignant mob to capture the incendiaries. Wherever one of the wretches was seen wae was alee down e without mercy. As good fortune had it, the fires set in so many quarters: were quickly extinguished in their incipient state, and, thanks to prompt effort, the town was saved. 4 But Harry Hook seemed to be pioakcuiano and in the thick est of the excitement. wu Leaying one fire well under control, he was about to. thisH ae to another, through a side street, when he beheld a thriling scene. A well-dressed, elderly man was struggling with ike! rut 2 fians. He was trying in vain to hold them. oc “Qive me help!” he cried. “Don’t let them escape.” “Hold on!” cried Harry. “I am coming!” Ag the young fireman sprang forward he eames: the : speaker, X I It was Calvin Prentiss. 2 The millionaire had left his house at the first alarm ree: fire and hastened to the scene. Coming through the street he had spied two men just in | the act of firing,a building. At once the brave capitalist pounced upon ‘acu and ‘en deavored to hold them for arrest. This was what had caused the struggle witnessed by Harry The young fireman rushed to the spot at full speed.. But before he could give the millionaire aid, the: owo vil lains broke away and made their escape. Mr. Prentiss was much excited. Bi “Ah, Harry Hook, is it you?” he cried. “What a pity as we could not have peau those scoundrels! ” ; you gaan: Are you alone and unprotected?” | “Don’t think of it, Harry. My God! only think of Oil to-night.” “J do, sir. It is a terrible blow.” maeat ce, ‘ “And all precipitated by a handful of dheerapaies ‘palais eh Actually, Harry, I believe Raymond is ate af en ter ah ft this.” Ne oe ei should not be afraid to wager that he 185% Prentiss vehemently. i “He richly deserves hanging!” : “So he does. -But how sudden the ‘nes came, “Harry!” “You are right, sir, But I might have averted it had I been but a few hours sooner.” \ a aon hes “What do you mean?” 7 ; “I was possessed of the villains’ plans alt a day b vir them.” “You were?” 2 7 SY da. (sine tir Wt ACR q “But—how was that?” “T will tell you the story later.” a5 “I will be glad to hear it. Is the conflagration athe n trol now?” i Be “It is, sir?” ; “Then I may as well go home. There is rea ly I ean do here. xh, Harry Hoge you ates. kn tion.” “I can feel for you, sir.” he tt Tek “This is a hard blow for me, and for Oltvile. » ; Tt 45; sir,” “Come to me to-morrow at ‘an carly hour, to you.” “Ty. will do So. ¢
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ae ba oe Harry returned to his duties. The fire was now quite well in hand, but. police and gaat men patroled the streets until daylight. Many arrests were made, and public sentiment ran high. It) was with difficulty that the prisoners were saved from be- ing lynched. Tt was near dawn when Harry, weary and exhausted, made his way home. Mrs. Hook received him with joy, for her heart had been wrung with many fears. “T have had you dead many times in the past few hours,” - she said. “I am so glad you are safely back.” “Indeed, mother, your fears were without foundation,” de- clared Harry. “I have not taken undue risks.” The young fireman turned in, and proceeded to snatch a _ few hours of sleep. When he arose finally it Was near the hour of nine o’clock. He dressed himself hastily and ate his breakfast. | His first move was to go to Mr. Prentiss’ in response to the “3 appointment made the night before. © SS a a ey oe tn CHAPTER XX. FINANCIAL RUIN. Aer ie HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NORE oe LY 25: morning comes news from New York that my stocks, in wlfich my surplus was temporarily invested, have panned out worth- less. These stocks I got through Raymond. It is only an- other of his villainous schemes.” E Harry was horrified. “That is awful,” he murmured. “That is not the name for it, my lad. I am a ruined man. In this hour of my trouble I am alone—alone in the world!” The wretched man sank into ae chair ane Sugiee his face in his hands. Harry -Hook’s whole sympathetic aes was aroused. His eyes flashed. “Tt is Raymond’s work!” he cried, “put why cannot the villain be punished?” \ : “Ah, I fear there is not sufficient evidence to convict him.” “Then let detectives be put upon his track and hound him until that evidence is procured,” cried Harry. “Alas! I have no money—nothing to fight with now.” At that moment the servant stood upon the threshold. A man-stood by him. $ “Mr. Prentiss, sir,” said the butler, with a bow. The visitor strode into the room. “Mr, Prentiss?” he asked. “Right here, sir,” said the millionaire. “Mr. Prentiss, I am Sheriff Lake. I am here upon rather a disagreeable duty. Larkin, Mead & Co., brokers of New : ri Harry roeied in‘at the engine house on his way uptown. York, Have handed me a summons and attachment to execute fatigued with the night’s work. “Courage, boys!” he cried. ‘ord, and it will stand.” “We have made a glorious rec- | : re : He found everything there all right, but the boys. were much } UPon you, sir. I but do my brie “Let me see it-” The shériff handed him the writ. “Larkin, Mead & Co. are very previous,” said Mr. Prentiss _ The fire boys cheered) at this, and their depressed spirits | forcibly. “It is evident that they fear that I am not able to “revived. Harry went on with all haste to the residence of Mr. Pren- | tiss. Prentiss was there, looking pale and careworn. - A large pile of papers were upon his desk, and he seemed to have been poring over these. “Tam glad to see you, Harry,” “Sit down.” Harry sank into a seat, ~ “Now, Harry,” continued Mr. Prentiss, “tet me have your _ story.” a And with this Harry told of the experiences in the incen- diaries’ den, and how Bisbee had ia Bes used Raymond’s name as an accomplice. Dyn , eave. Prentiss listened attentively. xe _* When Harry had finished his brow darkened, and he brought his fist down forcibly upon the table. “Oh, what an atrocious hypocrite and villain that Ray- mand is!” he cried. “All these years he has been a viper in y ‘bosom. How he has betrayed me!” “Indeed, I am sorry for you,” said Harry sincerely, “but I mot help but helieve that he has nigh run his course, and will soon be brought up with a short turn.” Tt yaust be so, and yet at this late day what does it bene- fit me?” & Mr. Prentiss arose and paced the floor with the most _ intense of mental. suffering. he said; with a wan smile. 11 it not. be possible to rebuild the oil works?” [r. Prentiss turned. - He was shown promptly into ‘the millionaire’s study. Mr. | place.” deed, sir,” said Harry, with an effort to cheer him up,’ ‘meet their claims.” “IT am only complying with their request, sir.” “Very well. The sheriff bowed and withdrew. Mr. Prentiss read the attachment.and groaned. “A writ for one hundred thousand dollars,” he exclaimed. “That will sweep from me everything I have in the world. Even this house will go.” “Do you “But that is not right,” cried Harry indignandy: owe this money justly?” “No, else I should have paid it long ago. It is all Ray- mond’s raseally work.” Harry’s sympathy £58 Mr. Prentiss was of the strongest. Yet he was powerless to offer aid. A short while later he was again making his way down- town. It seemed to Harry as if a great change had come over his life in the last forty-eight hours. ville. Mr. Prentiss was driven to the wall; and would probably be obliged to give up. hands, probably Raymond’s. This would mean the altering of the whole moral ane ais business life of the smart little town. In a smali city like Oilville the leading magnate of neces- : sity exercises a powerful influence over the community. He may do this for better or worse. That the latter ond ‘be Raymond’s purpose Harry felt sure. bey . 3 “If Alden Raymond gains supremacy,” he mused, with a : It will be better va chill, “my chances in Oilville are at an end. for me to leave the place at once. at chars baila One important thing Harry had forgotten, and he at once, y | decided to carry it out jokes further, ines I, will answer this at the proper time and He foresaw the effects of a nek radical change in 1 Ol, The oil wells would go- into other
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26 i HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO, 1. Tt required no time at all to organize the band. In less than He raised his voice, and cried: an hour the start was made. “Leda! If you hear me, answer—it is Harry!” One hundred armed men were en route for Black Cap. Almost instantly the young fireman heard a rustling sound Harry led the way, and straight to the entrance to the in-|near, and a low, faint ery of joy. cendiaries’ den they went. “Oh, Harry!” But evidently Bisbee had counted on this : move, for he had “Leda!” eaused the aperture to be filled up with stones. “You have come to save me?” “Waal,” exclaimed the Vigilant chief, “if that coyote thinks “Thank God! I have found you!”: ‘that will keep us out of there he’ is very much mistaken. Harry’s gaze had traveled instantly to a small, aivand Pull out them stomes, boys! ” aperture cut in the stone wall of the cavern passage. With a cheer the men set to work, He saw now the dim outlines of a heavy wooden door. The stones were tumbled out of the place in a jiffy. But At once he sprang forward to open it; but a heavy padl suddenly a startling thing occurred. secured it. The crack of rifles smote upon the air, and two of -the Harry was not to be foiled. Vigilants fell. He picked an axe lying near and dealt the padlock , The incendiaries were hiding above on the mountainside, blow. and poured in a volley. It gave way, and the door swung open. The next moment. This drove the Vigilants to cover, and a sharp skirmish | peda Lane, pallid but joyful, sprang into Harry’s sft followed. That was a joyful meeting. One of the Vigilants received a wound, and this aroused For an instant Harry forgot all else in the transport of hi Haley’s spirit. moment. Then an awful horror came to him. With a loud, hoarse cry, he sprang up with the words: ‘| He thought of Jack. “Come on, boys! Let’s drive the coyotes out of that place.” Leda did not know of her brother's tragic fate. With a cheer the Vigilants followed their leader up the first greetings were over she asked: height. It was a risky move, but plucky. “And Jack—how-is he?” Up they went, and the next moment had driven the foe Harry drew a deep breath. back before them. How could he tell her the truth? It seemed as if he Two of them were taken prisoners. ‘The others retreated | stifle. “ incontinently into secret cayerns. He reflected that it would not do to tell Nee the truth _ Meanwhile, Harry Hook, left at the stone-blocked entrance, | in this place and at this time. He evaded the question | ¥ s had not been idle. pretending not to hear it, Z ‘He found that an aperture had bien made Tangs enough to} fe stepped back suddenly, and feigned deep alam. | admit his body, and he boldly slid down into the cavern. “Every moment we stay here we jeopardize our ives,” he He was in total darkness. cried. “We must leave at once!” ia Bor} aught he knew the foe might be all about him, but the | “Where are the incendiaries?” asked Leda, with a young fireman’s plucky spirit was up. “They cannot be far away.” ; “Oh, that horrible man!” she murmured, with a him.” CHAPTER XXtI. “And which did you” select?” asked sil briefly, wee “Death!” replied the young girl featlessly. ; pa 3 eXPTAING HS cries. Harry now took her hand. and led her away ‘thi sre ‘passages. te “Harry was possessed of one hain thought ania invaded| In a few moments ee came to the aperture by ‘ the den of the incendiaries so sige had entered. : ; j i ar Harry enlarged it, and crawled through, er the assi Leda through. They were in the open ‘air. iy Leda Lane was free once more. — “The young’ ons. ‘eHiotions. “were far - This was Leda Lane. He felt reasonably sure that the young girl was held a oe ‘tive in some eavern of Black Cap. -- Tt might be that this was the very -avern. At Aeast, he _ would make tho search. Now that he was in hy 4 den, Harry felt the need of great ‘hist caution. Harry led the way over pane hill in ated of owe 2 He erept silently siehe: to the main chamber of the cavern. , He heard a loud a cheering’ ina} cote oe tre ; H a The calcium light was not burning, but, as it was daylight, | ; - enough light came from the cliff entrance. _ Harry was surprised. ( There seemed to be no one in the iste The truth burst | } upon him. They had deserted it. But it was easy to understand this. — aah = Yi fight was going on outside, and the incendiaries were Obably all in the outer air making a defense. * is, left the cavern chamber practically empty. It also ‘se tled all doubt in Harry’s mind as to the ore nied Of an- other means big entrance and exit, , of Judge Titel? It was Jim Bisbee. The villain and murderer had ex at last, and in a fitting maziner. Most of the other incendiarie shared Bisbee’s fate, amon d trot yao miain’ chamber of ‘the foal o Ha bei could on!
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HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO..1. ° aie The Vigilants were triumphant. : Indeed, they had good reason to feel so, for the gang. of _ incendiaries, which had so long been the curse of: Oilyille, had been most effectually wiped out. The return was now triumphantly made to Oilville. Harry and Leda went straight home, Mrs, Hook was so _ overjoyed that she wept at Leda’s safe return. But now came the painful duty of breaking the news of _ Jack’s fate. Leda was prostrated with grief. But Harry had already registered an oath that Raymond _ should be brought to justice. He meant it. Two days passed. The excitement had in a measure died out. There. was now one general topic of conversation in the town, and this was the rebuilding of the oil works. | There was not one in the town but would atiait have seen Mr. Prentiss do this. But the unfortunate man ‘had gone to the wall. The oil wells were in the hands of his creditors and were for sale. Everybody felt bad for Mr. Prentiss. © 'A heroic move was made to raise the money by subscrip- tion, organize a company, and put Mr. Prentiss on his feet once more. - But this fell through. y - Business was dead in Oilville. Something had to be done. At this time the report was circulated that Alden Ray- _ mond was buying the oil wells, and would become the future (i magnate | of Oilville. . The villain’s work seemed but Just begun. —" The town was nigh ruined. CHAPTER XXII. ve WINDPALL, Nobody felt worse over the situation than did Harty Hook. The young fireman had pulled all the wires DORSTDES in _ favor of Mr, Prentiss. The latter was overcome. By “Harry, you are my oReCwe friend,” he eae warmly. “I “shall” never forget you.” — “T would that I had it in nm power to do more,” said the young: fireman, generously, A few. days after this a column “dsticls came out in the Oilville Times describing an interview with Raymond. Tt protrayed him as a wonderful financier, a man of honor-. able methods, and just the man to redeem. Oilville. It went on to say further that he intended to rebuild the oil works, and that the town would soon be pushing on to reater prosperity, t a Pa But Harry Hook was outspoken and feantess in his” de- ae nunciation of the villain. — tell you he is the most dangerous wine we have in ," he declared. “He is not the man to tie to.” the business men were frantic and were not disposed al rege closely the Be cites of any man who would Gate venta their Bees 3 \ u he world over. One ian builds his fortune vib of another. The bustling iesitig crowd ues not ‘trator of his estate. | windfall of the most wonderful sort, His bitter hatred for Prentiss was well gratified, for he saw his former partner reduced to genteel poverty. “The wicked shall flourish for a time like a green bay tree,” say the Holy Writ, and so it was with Raymond. But a crash is sure to come sooner or later, for the under- lying principle of the structure was’ not laid upon truth and ; right—the only safe foundation. ‘ One day Harry went home from his work and entered the house to find his mother in a very excited state of mind. The good woman threw her arms about her son’s neck, “Oh, Harry!” she cried, “I-really believe that ‘fortune is to smile upon us after many years of evil luck!” Harry was astounded. ; “Why, mother!” he exclaimed in amazement, you mean?” ' “Sit down here, my gon, and I will tell you.” Mrs. Hook produced a letter, the envelope of which looked legal. Harry saw upon the end of it the firm card, Wyse & Sharp, Attorneys at Law, San Francisco. “You can remember your Uncle Lester, Harry?” asked Mrs. Hook. “Unele Lester!” cried Harry. friends.” “what. do “Well, I do. We were great “Yes, he was very fond of you as a child. Well, he went West, and I have heard that he got very rich!” “Rich?” gasped Harry. aMegh 2 The young fireman was all in a quiver. “Go on, mother! What about him?” ' “He is dead!” . it Harry experienced a shock. An expression of pain crossed his face: , ‘ “T am sorry to hear that,” he said. “I always liked Uncle Lester.” “Well, here is a letter which will tell you all better than — I can,” Mrs, Hook handed Harry the letter. | broke it open and read: ¥ ; “Mrs. Hook: . ‘ “Dear Madam:—We are appointed executors of the will of Lester Bailey, deceased, of Sacramento; also adminis- By the will, it appears that you and your son Harry are the heirs mentioned. By communicating with ‘us by return mail you will learn much of advantage to you. The property left by Lester Bailey will aggregate a million in round figures. Hoping to hear from you soon, we are “Yours respectfully, P “Wyse & Sharpe. id he could not act. Then he recovered, ; \ ‘He sprang up with a wild cry: i “Hurrah! Mother! Mother!” he cried, “ ‘that means us. Uncle Lester has left it to us. We are millionaires!" Bik Harry Hook seldom lost command of himself. But t For a long while mother and son sat discussing their good | fortune. Indeed, it seemed too good to believe. were suddenly raised to affluence. ‘ The letter from Wyse & Sharpe ‘was at on once answered. Sev. eral days passed before an answer came. te rene 4 PAN a tit ‘The usual legal The young fireman is was a Yet it was true, as they readily knew. seems poverty they A Then one of the firm appeared in. Speeeiiee. visited the eas in Harry Hook read this, and his head swam, For a Bien: BN
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28 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN OF NO. 1 Harry would not believe it else than a dream for somé time. The young fireman was astute enough not to say anything to any one in Oilville about his great luck. But he had his plans laid for & daring coup de main. None of the people in Oilville’ suspected the truth. Harry went to his duties just the same and oficlated at‘a number of fires in his usual plucky manner. But one thing he did do which added to his wonderful hap- piness, until it seemed as if the cup was full. He took Leda Lane blushingly to his arms, after exacting from her a happy promise to be his wife. He had loved her from the first, and her poverty and the cloud of disgrace which had hung over her father’s head were no bars for impulsive Harry Hook. . “Tf you will have me I am yours!” he said, and what could Leda say but yes? Mrs. Hook was well pleased. “James “Lane’s daughter is good enough for my Harry,” she said, fondly, “and that is saying a good deal.” One’ day Harry met Mr. Prentiss. He looked haggard and careworn, but yet there was a light of hope in his eyes. “T am awful glad to see you, Harry,” he said. “Yes, in a measure, I may say that I am more hopeful. I have placed some securities which I\had forgotten were in my possession on the market, and I expect to realize quite handsomely from them.” “I am glad to hear that,” said Harry. “Yes, but it will never put me on my feet. drop in the bucket as it were.” “Yet it will contribute somewhat to your support.” “Oh, certainly, in a prudent way. By the way, I have heard that the oil wells are to be sold by auction to-morrow.” “Indeed! ” “Tt is likely that naynend will be on hand and will buy them.” “Ah, indeed! said Harry, dreamily. ‘Mr. Prentiss regarded Harry with something of surprise at his peculiar manner. He, however, said presently: “Well, Harry, I am a to have met you! Take care of yourself!” “The same to you.” Harry went on down the street like on in a daze. “To-morrow!” he kept muttering; “I will be there. see my solicitor.” At this moment a mysterious looking man isnnod out of a doorway. He touched his hat. “Mr, Hook, glad to see you!” lie said. Harry gave-a start. < : “Ah, Miles!” he cried. “I hope you come with good re- ’ port! ” ' Upon the man’s breast was a silver star, the batige of ¢ a detective. ‘ It is a mere I must CHAPTER XXIII. By, i THE AUCTION. The ‘detective, for such he evidently was, smiled and looked ; cautiously about. . i “Yes, ” he said, confidently; “T think that in a very few ' days we’ shall have the ouidence to convict our man.” oes do?” | F; : casey iadpedle hand. se be ; was Raymond. diamond upon his shirt front. crowd. up to him. said: Z imagine, to look upon all this ruin of my ‘fortune and th ¥ enterprise which was once dear to me as the apple of | eye. understand exactly how you feel.” of life are many. at this very moment,” he declared. this moment the auctioneer opened the ‘sale. as are its value, and then calling for a bid. ‘| Thirty!. five! the game was held at forty Meg pittance. “T feel sure of that.” “Tt will make your fame.” “Good!” “I tell you, Jim Miles, better than all ne you wit have * saved an innocent man from an unjust fate.” “That will be better than all else,” replied the detentiye! “T have but one more thread to pull to make my chain of evidence complete.” Seley Al “Then Bisbee was innocent?” ‘ ? j “Of that deed—yes.” \ Thea ie “You are sure that the man you have under Sty eee is " the real murderer of little Jack Lane?” : ; Say “As sure of it ag I am that my name is Miles.” , ie ie “Good! I am well pleased with your work.” Leak “T always endeavor to faithfully do my duty. i) i “T believe you. When you have your man behind prison i The detective bowed,’ b “All T-want is to convict the murderer of res Jack ‘Lane py Qo y \ “That ig all!” Jott The next ‘aay a large crowd was gathered at the oi Many prominent capitalists were peta Bad amo The villain was attired in a flashy suit of clothes with a huge He conducted himself with great arrogance, anda phusporki manner whieh was disgusting to the better men: of the Mr. Prentiss was in the ‘ackground, and aateg ‘Sami went There was a moisture in the ex- smillionaire's eyes as 1 “Well, Harry, it is a hard sight for me,’ as you’ —" wel It is all swept away.” ~ i f mat Hh “Indeed, Mr. Prentiss,” said ridity with fens, i ea “I can never retrieve myself, Harry. bi “Don’t say that. You are not an old man, and the chaaee Sling to hope. 3 no { mkt “Alas! I can see one,” oo eee a Fas Harry looked straight at Mr. Prentiss. ae “You were never nearer the retrieving. of your fortui the “T don’t understand you.” ae ir al eh . \ pew acy eae ¢ “Wait and see.” ele He begun with a long preamble describing a “How much am I offered?” he cried. “Give ‘me a ic “Twenty thousand dollars,” said a capitalist. “Twenty-five,” said Raymond; Srypaew alae “T am offered twenty-five, Who will give me’ Who will give me thirty-five? Now I have tt Who will give me fone ree Gas ae saw that the hi co were all’ done But the re fireman steppe
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BS SS eens , The auctioneer stared at him as much as to imply that he eould not go over the bid, and shouted: “Forty thousand for the last time! Are you done?” “No!” cried Harry, loudly. “I will give you fifty thousand dollars for this property!” Every eye was upon the young fireman. ceased talking. . Raymond stepped forward. He glared at Harry,.and in a supercilious way, said: “ Auctioneer, you will pay no attention to that young pauper. He is only seeking to break up the sale.” The auctioneer turned his back to Harry. “Forty thousand dollars!” he cried, “and sold to——” But he never finished the sentence. A ery of disapproval went up from the crowd. “Pair play!” was the ery. “You must take the boy’s offer.” “But he hasn’t got fifty thousand dollars!” cried Raymond, furiously. One of the assignees of the sale now stepped forward and said: “The young man’s bid is accepted. Auctioneer, go on with =“vour work!” The auctioneer oS “Then I'll bid sixty thousand dollars!” cried Raymond, furiously. : “Seventy!” said Harry. ‘ “Wighty!” “Ninety! ” “One hundred thousand dollars!” Harry drew in a deep breath. He turned and faced Ray- mond. “One hundred and fifty thousand dollars!” he cried. “You . _ cannot give over that, sir, for you have not got the money.” A bitter curse dropped from the villain’s lips. He shrunk ‘back. A cheer went up from the crowd. “Hurrah!” they cried. “Good for the little fellow! got pluck!” “Sold for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to Harry Hook!” cried the auctioneer. Calvin Prentiss was at Harry’s shoulder. He was pale and astonished. “Harry, what are you doing?” he asked. bidding for?” : “Myself! ” The ex-millionaire looked astonished. “Where did you get so much money?” “You shall learn in time.” But Alden Raymond stood sneering and syncophant near by. i -' “The terms of the sale are cash,” he ieee: to see the cash paid.” Harry turned upon him. “Remain where you are,” he said, coolly, “and you an He has Y : Bi "Who are you “T am curious Then Harry turned and beckoned to his abtietior: who came forward with a black satchel in his hands. He opened if, and the money in one thousand dollar Hane notes, one hyndred and fifty in all, was counted out. There _ Was fully fifty thousand left in the satchel. _ “Here is the money,” said Harry, “and I claim to be the 2 owner of this rich property which you, Alden ‘Raymond, have tried to acquire by intrigue and falsehood, by treachery and crime.” CHAPTER XXIV. / CONCLUSION. rr. 3 declaration had a ee scien Seah he crowd. | aym nd. ees livia. ; HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN: OF NO. 1. ; 29 oe Sapo nao ne PORT SSL SION DATE NO SPT “Where did you age that money?” he gritted, pa denial “Curse you!” “Tt has come to me Sen aitig: " said Harry, firmly. “I have not leagued with incendiaries, nor have I committed mur- der and sent an innocent man to prison for life to gain it:” Raymond quivered like an aspen. “What do you mean?” he gritted. “Just what I say.” “Do your words imply an accusation?” “They do!” “Take care! ments! ” “I make no statements that I do not stand ready to back with absolute proof.” “Shall I give the proof?” “You cannot do it.” But even as he spoke the villain’s near failedehim. He saw a man with keen, penetrating eyes advancing at a gesture from Harry. Instinctively terror seized him. He turned deadly pale, but kept up his air of bravado. The detective, Jim Miles, pulled a pair of bracelets from his pockets. “V’ve been on your track a long while, my frien@,” he said. “Please put these on your wrists.” Foam flecks came upon Raymond’s lips. “What? Do you mean to arrest me?” Ls 5 do! ” “Upon what charged “ Here! ” Miles drew a paper from his pocket. “You are cornered, my fine fellow,” he said, coolly. warrant charges you with the murder of Jack Lane!” “It is false! Who dares bring that charge against me?” “Steady!” said the detective, mildly. “I have two witnesses, and they will swear that they saw you strike the boy sense- less and throw him into the mill pond.” The attitude of the villain was now a most pitiable one. He had faced the situation with rare hardihood, but the last plank was now knocked out from under him. “The game is up!” he said. “I am not the one to kick against Fate. But I have had sweet revenge.” “And you are now in a position to repent of your crimes?” said Harry Hook. The villain flashed a malevolent gaze at Harry as he was led away. The affair had held the crowd enthralled. It was a stunning surprige to many of the best citizens of Oilville, who had deemed Raymond an honorable man. But Calvin Prentiss was the most deeply affected of. all. He came up to Harry and took ‘his hands in his own. “My boy,” he said, “I don’t know where you got that money, but I am glad of your prosperity.” “TI wiil tell you where i got the money,” said Harry. “It is mine by legal inheritance. My uncle died in San Fran- cisco a short time ago and eft me a round million.” Mr. Prentiss was quite overcome. | “Tam happy in your fortune,” he said, “but to my dying day I shall never forget this last encounter of yours with an arch-villain.; It seems as if Raymond’s exposure Eines me a new lease of life.” “Mr. Prentiss,” said Harry, earnestly, “T hope you will not be offended if I make you an offer?” « “What is it?” “T have bought this ‘oil Wade but it is a iinet: with which I am in no wise familiar. The counsel and assist- ance of a man like you is what $ heed. ee eu eri oo You will be called upon to peor, these state- Where is your warrant?” “This accept me as | a partner?” -
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30 HARRY HOOK, THE BOY FIREMAN) OF NO, 1. Mr. Prentiss was quite overcome. “You don’t mean that, Harry?” “Every word of it!” “But—I haye no money.” “T don’t care for that. capital.” “But that is hardly fair.” “Yes, it is. At least, if I don’t kick, you need not.” _ So the bargain was made, Arrangements were made at once for the rebuilding of the oil works. Harry Hook, the boy fireman, had suddenly risen to the position of the foremost man of Oilville. happiness were destined to be his lot, as is ever the case with the upright and honest man. Raymond, confined in prison and awaiting trial, was wholly without friends, The villain had “thrown up the sponge,” to use a slang phrase. Yet he performed one good act to offset much of his wickedness. This was to make a confession which cleared James Lane. After many years of pain and suffering the innocent mar walked out of prison, Life opened new vistas before him, and he was happy in the employ of his prospective son-in-law, as the superintendent of the oil works. Alden Raymond was tried and sentenced. By the efforts of _a few, his sentence was commuted from hanging to imprison- ment for life, 7 . Harry restored Mr. Prentiss’ lovely home to him. He did many other kind and philanthrdépic deeds which made him popular. For himself he built a lovely home and nae his aged Put your expericnce against my Prosperity and | mother happy. Leda Lane deyeloped into beautiful woman- hood and became his dear wife. : Not again was Oilville to witness such a trial by fire as that for which one villain--Alden Raymond—was respon- sible. The town became more prosperous than ever, ots the ‘nape piest resident was Harry Hook. “ct Hy The young fireman, ;jhowever, never forgot lis fireman’s in- stinct, and at the tap of the bell was sure to respond. But © |; business cares crowded upon his time, and he remains only an honorary member of No. 1. But he is as strongly in with the boys as ever, and the happiest days of his life are spent in mutual reminiscences — with former comrades, when he was the penniless but plucky Harry Hook, the boy chief of No. 1. THE END. Read “THE WAIFS OF NEW. YORK.” By N.S. Wood (the i Young American Actor), which will be the next number (253). es of “Pluck and Luck.” SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly. are always in print. If you cannot obtain them from any newsdealer, send the price in money or sa stamps by mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION: i SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you will receive the ee you order by return mail, see “HAPPY The Best Illustrated Weekly Story Paper Published. DAYS.” ISSOED EVERY FRIDAY. . HAPPY DAYS” is a large 16-page paper containing Interesting Stories, Poems, Sketches, Comic Sie’ Jokes, Ariswers to Correspondents, and many other bright features. Its Authors and Artists have a natidiial reputation. A New Story Begins Every Week in “Happy dcagg OUT TODAY) No amount of money is spared to make this weekly the best published. es
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ECRET SERVICE OLD AND YOUNG KING BRADY, DETECTIVES. PRICE 5 CTS. 32 PAGES. COLORED COVERS. ISSUED WEEKLY 180 The ane and the Serpent Ring; or, The Strange Case of the LATEST ISSUES: Fortune-Teller, 135 The Bradys and the Bank Clerk; or, Tracing a Lost Money | 181 Ge eres and “Silent Sam’; or, Tracking the Deaf and Dumb Package. Pe fe i 186 The Breve on the Race Track; or, Beating the Sharpers. 182 The PVs. and the “Bonanza’’ King; or, Bighting the Fakirs in pee an Co op gin the Chinese Quarter ;'or, The Queen of the Opium 183 The ‘Bradys and the Boston Banker; or, Hustling for Millions in h feiters; or, Wild Adventures in the the sr Pe be Monae eee 184 The e Bradys on Bitzzard Island; or, Tracking the Gold Thieves of 189 The Bradys in the Dens of New York; or, Working on the John Street yatery. “aa 185 The radys th the Black Hills or, Their Case in North Dakota. 140 re Braue pas the Rail’ Road Thieves; or, The Mystery of the | 186 ate E ae vs and “Faro Frank”; or, A Hot Case in the Gold n rain 141 The sBetite after the Pickpockets; or; Keen Work in the Shop- fea me. heave and the “Rube; or, Tracking the Confidence Men. ping District. 88 The Bradys as Firemen; or, racking a Gang of Incendiaries. 142 The Bradys and the Broker; or, The Plot to Steal a Fortune. 189 The Bradys in the Oil "Country ; or, The Mystery of the Giant Tae The Brades aaa te Lost Pots pieces ane th Texas. | 190 he bredys and the Blind Beggar; or, The Worst Crook of All. ane ane pees yee! be Bignkl oy ote ene Bee “Crook In ie 191 apes Bradys and the Bahkbreakers; or, Working the Thugs of 147 The” Bradys and the Female Detective; or, Leagued with the Ea mh Bradys a # and the Seven Skulls; or, The Clew That. Was: Found 148 mie Bradys and the “bank Mystery ; or, The Search for a Stolen que Sb ah 3 th Mexico; or, The Search for the baat ‘Treasure Wee es ee a ae Cripple’ Grask t of Henobking eutthe, Hiad Men” 194 the Beeere at Black Run; or, Trailing the Colners of Candle The Bradys and the Harbor Gang; or, Sharp Work earns be The Bradys in Five Points; or, ire Skeleton in| the Cel 195 bea aoe the Bulls and Bears; or, Working the Wires ee Pe edge or ene: The Bradys and the Chinese 196 The Bradys and the King; or, Working for the Bank of Mngland. Smu rs. mhe wes e ‘dys’ Boy Pupil; or, Sifting Strange Byidence. 197 eg oe ee and the Duke’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of the syed Bradys in the Jaws of Death; or, Trapping the Wire Tap- 198 The Bradys and the Bed Rock Mystery; or, Workiig In the Black rhe. "Readye and the Typewriter; or, The Office Boy’s Secret. 199 EUs. * : The Bradys and the Card Crooks: or, Working on an’ Ocean Liner. Ee and the Bandit King; or, Chasing the Mountain 200 The Bradys and “John Smith”; or, The Mane Without a Naa. The Bradys and the Drug Slaves; or, The Yellow Demons of The Bradys and the Manhunters; or, Down in the Disthal Swamp. Chinatown. ad _ 6 202 oieeeen Micah and the High Rock’ Mystery; ot, The Secret of the The Brad s an e Anarchist Queen; or, Running Down the ee ae Q & 203 The Bradys at the Block House; or, Rustling the Rustlers on the The Bradys and the Hotel Crooks; or, The Mystery of Room 44. | , Frontier. The, enanys and the Wharf Rats; or, Lively Work in the Har-1 204 The Bradys in Baxter Street; or, The Houge Without a Door. 205 The Bradys Midnight Call; or, The Mystery of Harlem Heights. ie Taradas and the House of Mystery; or, A Dark Night’s| 206 The Bradys Behind the Bars; or, Working on Blackwells Island. Work. 207 The Bra ame and the Brewer's Bonds; or, Working on a Wall 62 The Bradys’ Ae By or, Playing Against the eee Street 3 The Bradys and the Mail Thieves; or, The Man in the Bag. 208 The a ied on the Bowe or, The Search for a Missing Giv. THE Brodys and the Boatmen; or, The Clew Found in the} 209 The Bradys and the Pawn! toler ; or, A Ver, Mysterlous ase. 210 The Bradys and the Gold Fakirs ; or, Worl ing for the Mint. rg Bradys after the Grafters; or, The Mystery in the Cab. 211 The Bradys at Bonahza Bay; or, Working on ili a a and the Cross-Roads Gang; or, the Great Case in mer mt re ‘ ees ae “bh, paar ns eg ssour’ e Bradys an e Blac ers; or, yi, “467 ca Bradys and Miss Brown; or, The Mysterious Case in So- Wildtow: oD An obi aad Wog or 213 The Bradys and Senator Slam; or, Working With ‘Washington * 214 The rae 8 and the Man from Nowh H 169 reg. Beate and Blonde Bill; or, The Diamond Thieves of Maiden Hs mne ‘3 Bi “hol. od al a cy Very rela @ Bradys and “No. 99"; or, Th h a 170 The Bradys and the Opium Ring; or, The Clew in Chinatown. A ni isnt ie ecbeapea mien 171. fey Bra va, oD on the Grand Circuit;’ or, Tracking the Light-| 216 The Bradys at Baffin’s Bay; or,\The Trail Which Led to the Arc- arness C. 72 The Bradys and ‘the Black Doctor ; Oty, The Secret of the Old| 217 The Bradys and Gim Lee; or, Working a Clkw in Chinatown. Vault. 218 The Bradys and the “Yogg" Men; or, Seeking a Chin on the Road. 219 The Hredrs and the Blind Banker; or, Ferretting out the Wall Street — 220 The Bradys and the Black Cat; or, Working Among the Card Crookes of icago, iety. 168 The “Bradys and the Factory Girl; or, The Secret of the Poisoned env ia : as ‘Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any ‘NaNseae on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by ‘FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. TIF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our libraries, and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send — to — by re- turn mail. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. ‘vile aig SR seat ote Hee te HR Dear Str—Enclosed find...... cents for which please send me: HAY i ie OF WORK AND WANS Nog. i 5 Gis bya Nins «x acta Be Ova uidg eee Cee sane cee tye ee “ WILD WEST WEEKLY, NOS. eee eeeeeeeeeeteeeeeetetaetereetaeteteeseer ess cre ie « PRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos.......-.see0se 0000s DER 1 Bega naa ce AND. LUCK,. N08 «03 das ches dyna bang et ee eRe gi ee By asa! owe Pike VaNee MGR E GOs as 4 y dora RVGNs oid CCAM Tis eee U aielaih gk Wlale Van ut ONREL Ss DeaOUiR essa ania nA ane nae aie
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A Weekly Magazine containing Stories of the American Revolution. By HARRY MOORE. ; These stories are based on actual facts and account of the exciting adventures of a brave han youths who were always ready and willing to imperil their lives the gallant cause of Independence Every number will consist of 32 large pages of reading matter for the sake of helping alon bound in a beautiful colored cover. LATEST ISSURS: ive a faithful of American The Liberty Boys’ Gratitude, and How they Showed It. ; The Liberty Boys and the Georgia Giant; or, A Hard Man to 88 The Liberty Boys’ Plot; or, The Plan That Won. Handle. 89 The Liberty Boys’ Great Haul; or, Taking Everything in Sight. 88 The Liberty Boys’ Dead Line; or, “Cross it if You Dare!” 49 The Liberty Boys’ Flush Times; or, Reveling in British Gold. 4 Tha - + ‘ 4,08 I Roo e | 8 : noRee heap pedl 84 The Liberty Boys “Hoo-Dooed”; or, Trouble at Every Turn. 41 The Tiberty Boys in a Snare; or, 0 ppeee 85 The Liberty Boys’ Leap for Life; or, The Light that Led fhem. 42 The Liberty Boys’ Brave Rescue; or, In the Nick of Time. 86 The Liberty Boys’ Indian Friend; The Redski ho Fought 48 The Liberty Boys’ Big Day; or, Doing, Business by Wholesale. ‘i 4 er y OVS an Friend; or, The Redskin who Fought *o) 44 The Liberty Boys’ Net; or, Catching the Redcoats and Tories. 87 Th itore Bie Going 4toBitadlts Makine BieCh ets 45 The Liberty Boys Worried; or, The Disappearance of Dick Slater. 83 e ' rty Booey +0. bei lind’ ; or, Taking Big Chances. 46 The Liberty Boys’ Iron Grip; or, Squeezing the Redcoats. 38 ‘The Liberty Boys’ Black Band; or, Bumping the Britis. Bor { 47 The Liberty Boys’ Success; or, Doing What They Set Out to Do,| 89 The Liberty Boys’ “Hurry Call”; or, A Wild Dash to Save 48 The Liberty Boys’ Setback; or, Defeated, But Not Disgraced. Friend. ; aie 49 The Liberty Boys in Toryville; or, Dick Slater's Fearful Risk. | 90 The Liberty Boys’ Guardian Angel; or, The Beautiful Maid of the 5O The Liberty Boys Aroused; or, Striking Strong Blows for Liberty. Mountain. is ji sets 61 sg at aD Boys’ Triumph; or, Beating the Redcoats at Their on ‘The Piberty Boys! Brave Stand ; or, Set. Back but Not Defeated. — wo Game. g e erty Boys ‘‘Treed’’; or, Warm Work in the Ta mber. Y, ’ Seare; or, A Miss as Good as a Mile. 98 The Liberty Boys’ Dare; or, Backing the British Down. | 53 The Liberty Bove Dan er; or, Foes on All Sides. 94 The Liberty Boys’ Best Blows; or, Beating the British at Benn 54 The Liberty Boys’ Flight; or, A Very Narrow Uscape. ton. ai iis 55 The Liberty Boys’ Strategy; or, Ont-Generaling’ the Hnemy. 95 The Liberty Boys in New Jersey; or, Boxing the Bars of the Bri 56 The Liberty Boys’ Warm Work; or, Showing the Redcoats How ish Lion. ‘ + to Fight. ; 96 The Liberty Boys’ Daring: or. Not Afrald of Anything. 57 The Liberty Boys’ ‘‘Push” ; or, Bound to Get There. 97 The Liberty Boys’ Long March; or, The Move that Puzzled the 58 The Liberty Boys’ Desperate Charge; or, With “Mad Anthony” British. “72 at. Stony Point. 7 9 98 The Liberty Boys’ Bold Front; or, Hot Times on Harlem Heights. 59 The Liberty Boys’ Justice, And How They Dealt It Out: 99 The Liberty Boys in New York; or, Helping to Hold the Grea 60 The Liberty pone pS ee or, A hee W, ae ne. City. , ; eee. . 61 The Libert, oys’ Seale rders; or, Going nd, : . ef $2 he Liberty Boys” Daring Stroke} or, With “Light-Horse Harry” |/100 The liberty Boys’ Big Risk; or, Ready to Take Chances. «* at Paulus Efook. The Liberty Boys’ Lively Times; or, Here, Thére and Mverywhere. The Liberty Boys’ “Lone Hand” : or, Fighting Against Great dds. ; The Liberty Boys’ Mascot; or, The Idol of the Company. The Liberty Boys’ Wrath; or, Going for the Redcoats Roughshod. The Liberty Boys’ Battle for Life; or, The Hardest Struggle of All The Liberty Boys’ Lost; or, The Trap That Did Not Work. The Liberty Boys’ Decoy; or, Baiting the British. 71 The Liberty Boys Lured; or, The Snare the Enemy Set. The Liberty Boys’ Ransom; or, In the Hands of the Tory Outlaws. The a alas Boys. as Sleuth-Hounds; or, Trailing Benedict Ar- nold. Sia gh Boys “Swoop”; or, Scattering the Redcoats Like aff. The Liberty Boys’ “Hot Time”; or, Lively Work in Old Virginia. Re eo Boys’ Daring Scheme; or, Their Plot to Capture the ng’s Son. The Liberty Boys’ Bold Moye; or, Into the Hnemy’s Country. The Liberty Boys’ Beacon Light; or, The Signal on the Mountain. 79 The Liberty Boys’ Honor; ov, The Promise That Was Kept.- 80 The Liberty Boys’ ‘Ten Strike’; or, Bowling the British Over. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, ———_— IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS | of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. turn mail. ee ee FRANK TOUSBY, Publisher, 24 Union eee eeeee «+. .copies ce ats WEDD WEST WHELAN, NOG ..5 ces cave gabs oe Leb oncmeaaa uc geet ae aaa bts. gt PRANK: READE“ WREKDY, ‘Nog. <.kecssdigs over idole vpn cd ete eee es alee) fc SS, PURIOK, AIP LUOK, Noi esc Lis cuihte't sores oy anne leva hearmapedt de erate Sagat sh oe SRORBT: SURVICE, (Now) 0 ac cFu ds cafe owe vega nal ek ois cua eee aoe cae seat: Or. PE TBR E IY: BOVSIOF 26 (Nas. gi Sey. [isang Coulee kaon weed oul pees eine A cS DemOent Hand ‘Books; Nag... .. 4. liege y noted 04 eee ate Peamnanae The Liberty Boys’ ‘‘Jonah’:; or, The Youth Who ‘‘Queered”’ Everything, i HY For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by Pe Mata ee ple MeO Nettie a see cd Si gee Square, New York. ~ Dear Str—Hnclosed find......cents for which please send me: : Of WORK AND WING Noss: 05 6611S aids nae soy owen uv ores oy xeulouad miles eee pace Bineet atid Nos 37s ii a seyale 8 The Liberty Boys’ Lucky The Liberty Boys’ Drag-Net; or, Hauling the Redcoats In, a The Liberty Boys’ Lightning Work; or, Too Fast for the Brit : Bee lunder; or, The Mistake that Helped The Liberty Boys’ Shrewd Trick; or, Springing a Big Surpri The Liberty Boys’ i or, Outwit ing the Bnemy. ae The Liberty Boys’ ae, it’; or, Knocking the Redcoats — ei betty Boys “Wild Irishman”; or, A Lively Lad fi ublin. ; ‘ is The pide y Boys’ Surprise; or, Not Just What They Were L ng For. : BN The Liberty Boys’ Treasure; or, A Lucky Find. : Run of Luck. The Liberty Boys in Trouble; or, A Ba 2 The Liberty Boys’ Jubilee; or, A Great Day for the Great Oa The Liberty Boys Cornered; or, “Which Way Shall We Tarn? Se ae eile Boys at Valley Forge; or, Enduring Terrible H ships. The iinaney Boys Missing; or, Lost in the Swamps. The Liberty Boys’ Wager, And How They Won [t. | The Liberty Boys Deceived; or, Tricked but Not Beaten, | The Liberty Boys and the Dwarf; or, A eerecrous Enemy. The Liberty Boys Dead-shots: or, The Deadly Twelve. : 5 24 Union’ Square, New Yor’ them to you weveceevtesecvensesescsees 190 ‘ ee hecesaa oe oe f° T ,
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fe F \ ¢ 4 { ; ; a? a . ~ ‘ THE STAGE. No, 31. HOW: TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing four 3 No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE _ BOOK.-—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the _ most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. ; No. 42, THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.— Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch and Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ment and amateur shows. No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and yery instructive. Every boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. _ No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It “contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should obtain a copy immediately. No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- plete instructions how to make up for various characters on the _ stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, _ Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the lat- est jokes, anecdotes and funny, stories of this world-renowned and ever popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages: handsome _ eolored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. HOUSEKEEPING. ~ _ No. 16. HOW TO KHEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing » fall instructions for constructing a window garden either in town mei COUntry, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful arr. ahi at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- lished. No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the’ most instructive books on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of ape and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. No, 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. ELECTRICAL. No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- scription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magné¢tism ; together with full instructions for making Blectric Toys, Batteries, ete. By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- ~Tustzetions. p No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- taining full directions for making: electrical machines, induction _ oils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. By R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. 4 _ No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRIOAL TRICKS.—Containing a . ‘arge collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. ENTERTAINMENT. No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. The secret given away. Wvyery intelligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- tudes every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends, It is the greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in 4t. . No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable _ for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the money than any book published. roe _ No. 85. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little _ book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, - backgammon,.croquet. dominoes, ete. ‘ — No. 36. HOW TO pete. « ‘ < SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all che leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches d witty sayings... . “ : Wo 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little book, giving the rules and full directions for playing Buchre, Crib- _ bage, Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, _ Auction Pitch, All Fours, and many other popular games of cards. ~ Ne. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun- dred interesting puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A -tomplete book. Fully illustrated. By A: Anderson. : : ETIQUETTE. _No. 18. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTH.—It {sa great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know all about. There’s happiness in it. oh i No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette of good society and the easiest and most approved methodseof_ap- pearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and a the drawing-room. A DECLAMATION. . No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS. —Containing the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutc ialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together A with many standard readings. .|of stamps and coms. teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from all the popular authors ef prose and poetry, arranged in the mos« simple and concise manner possible. ; No. 49. HOW TO DEBATH.—Giving rules for conducting de bates, outlines for debates,-questions for discussion, and the beri sources for procuring information on the questions given. ° ~ SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation’ are fully exjained by this little book: Besides the various methods ot handkerchief, fan, gloye, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy without one. , _No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome littie book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instrue- tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties. id to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square ances. No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love. courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not gen: erally known. . No. 17. HOW 'TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well’at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. ,; No. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL—One of ‘the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Lverybody wishes to knew how to become beautiful, both male and female. The secret is ple, and almost costless. Read this book and be convinced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 7, HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated an¢! containing full instructions for the management and training of the canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, parsaurt, Reon ete. No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely illue trated. By Ira Drofraw. '@ No. 40. HOW 'TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hinte on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds iad how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harringtor. eene. 4 No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—Aé valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving birds; animals and insects. No. 54. HOW*TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving com plete information as to the maner and method of raising, keeping taming, breeding, and’mana all kinds of pets; also giving full instructions for making cages, @tc. Full illustrations, making at’ the most complete book of the kind ever published. y an : MISCELLANEOUS. No. 8. HOW TO BECOME*A SCIENTIST.—A useful and ine structive book,, giving a compjete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematies, chemistry, and di- rections for making fireworks, ¢elored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled. ; . » Now14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book fox making all kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc. \ No. 19.—-F RANK 'TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANC» TABLES, POCKET COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving th: official distancéS on all the railroads of the United States ant. Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hact fares in the prigcipal’cities, reports of the census, etc., etc, making it one*of the mgst complete and handy books published No. 88. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won derful ;book, containing useful and practical information in the treatnfent of gxdinary diseases and ailments common to ever} family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com laints. . ~ at P'No. 55. HOW: TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Cou taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arrangins Handsomely illustrated. No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences. of well-known detectives. No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Contain ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W Abney. ones No. 62. HOW. TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY CADET.—Containing full explanations how to gain admittance. course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.” No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete in- structions of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naya} Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, description of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything a_boy h| should know te become an officer in the United States Navy. Com- piled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become-a@ West Point Military Cadet.” PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. a Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. 7 hy her eas explained by twenty-eight —
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—s. Pio CC & A IN Dp i, U CE. CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. EVERY STORY COMPLETE. 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 32 PAGES. LATEST ISSUES: Joe. AM da or, Three Years Among the Japs. Arnold. Jack Hawthorne, of No Man’s Land; or, An Uncrowned King. By_ ‘“Noname.” Gun-Boat Dick; or, Death Before Dishonor. By Jas. C. Merritt. A Wizard of Wall Street; or, The Career of Henry Carew, Boy Banker. By H. K. Shackleford. Fifty Riders in Black; or, The Ravens of Raven Forest, By Howard Austin. The Bey Rifie Rangers; or, Kit Carson’s Three Young Scouts. By An Old Scout. Where? or, Washed into an Unknown World. By ‘Noname.” Fred, Fearnaught, the Boy Commander; or, The Wolves of the Sea. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. By Allan From Cowboy to Congressman; or, The Rise of a Young Ranch- man. By H. K. Shackleford. Sam Spark, the Brave Young Fireman; or, Always the First on Hand. By Bx-Fire Chief Warden. The Poorest Boy in New York, and How He Became Rich, By N. S. Wood, the Young American Actor. Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor; or, Hunting for a Sunken Treasure. By ‘‘Noname.” On Time; or, The Young Engineer be se An Exciting Story of Railroading in the Northwest. By C. Merritt. mea eereey or, The Boys of the Farihouse Fort.. By An Old cou! His First Glass of Wine; or, The Temptations of City Life. A True T'emperance Story. By Jno. B. Dow The Coral City; or, The Wonderful Cruise of the Yacht Vesta. By Richard R. persia eben a Making a Million; or, A Smart Boy’s Career in Wall Street. By H. K. Shackleford. Jack Wright and ‘His Wlectric Turtle; or, Chasing the Pirates of the Spanish Main. By ‘‘Noname.” ce oe mAs? the Boy Jockey; or, Riding the Winner. - By Allyn The Twenty Gray Wolves; or, Vighting A Crafty ‘King. By Howard Austin. The Palace of Gold; or, The Secret Oa a Lost Race. “By Richard R. Montgomery. Jack Wright's Submarine Ciataiiashits or, qrhe Phantom Ship of the Yellow Sea. By “Noname,’ A Beye Cristo at 18; or, Hyom, Slave to Avenger. By Allyn raper. The Floating Gold Mine; or; Advitt in an Unknown Sea. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. Moll cir hapieag or, As,” Brave as His eel By Gen’l Jas. Gordon. B, “We.” Sar Richard R. Montgom Jack Wright and His Ocean cer onyp Around! -the World in 20 Days. By ‘‘Noname.” ; The mae Pioneers; or, Trackinggan Indian Treasure. Dra Still acm Sam, the Darin Hand. By Ex-Fire Chief By Allyn _ Bivenian ; or, Sure to Be Op ieee on i ached eis ait or, Ben Blu "s panty Noyage. By Capt. Thos. Jack Wright and His~ Blectit Canoe ; or, Working in the Revenue Service. By ‘“Nonamé.” Give Him a Ohance; or, How ‘Tom Curtis Won His a By Howard Austin. ¢. Jack and I; or, The Secrets- of King Phatdok’s Caves: By Richard k. Montgomery. Ree 5,000 Years; or, The Treasure of the Aztecs. By, “Allyn Jace c Wright's Air and Water Cutter; or, Wonderful Adventures on the Wing and espe By “Noname.” The Broken Bottle; or, A Jolly Good Fellow. ance Story. By Ino. d. Geek "% True - ‘Temper- The Boy Spy of the Revolytion. Slippery Ben; or, By Gen’l as. A. Gordon. Young Davy Crockett; or, The Hero of Silver, Gul¢h. By An Old Scout. For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any adtess on Receipt of Pater FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you we re turn mail. Se ee ee FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 ion ‘Seria, New York. ..cents for which please send me: NEMO obugn oer oes law ec POSTAGE Drar Str—Enclosed find... .copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos « ~« WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos “ FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos....... “ PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos SHC SER VECH A INOB.. d:55 56x! slash oe THE LIBERTY BOYS OF 776, Nos.... Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos........... < “ “ “ . “ “ < “ ae STAMPS TAKEN ee BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS. 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 232 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245, 246 247 248 249 250 251 25 2 ee eee 9 On Deck ; 233 Custer’s Last Shot; or, The Boy Trailer of the Little Horn. PRICE 5 CENTS. Jack Wright and His Magnetic Motor}; or, The Golden City of the Sierras. are ‘Noname. Little Mac, The Boy Engineer; or, Bound To Do His Best. By Jas. C. Merritt. The Boy Money King; or, Working - Wall Street. A Story of a Smart New York Boy. By H. K. Shackleford. “Tr” A Story of Strange kagentitwod’ By Richard R. Mont- Jack Wright, The Bo yomery. Inventor, and His Under-Water Ironclad ; or, The Treasure of the Sandy Sea. By “Noname.” By Allyn ce O’Grady’s Grit; or, The Branded Irish Lad. raper. Through Thick and Thin; or, Our Boys Abroad. By Howard Aus- tin The Demon of the Deep; By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. Jack Wright and His E lectric Deers ; or, Fighting the Bandits of the Black Hills. By “‘Noname.’”’ At 12 o’clock; or, The Mystery of the Lighthouse. A Story of the Revolution. By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon. The Rival Boat Clubs; or, The Boss School at Beechwood. By Allyn Draper. The Haunted House on the Hudson; or, the Smugglers of the — Sound. By Jas. C. Merritt. Jack Wright and His Prairie Engine, or Among the Bushmen of * Australia. By ‘Noname.” . By H. K. or, Above and Beneath the Sea. * A Million at 20; or, Fighting His Way in Wall Street. Shackleford. Hook and Ladder No. 2. By Ex-Fire Chief Warden. or, The Boy Pilot of Lake Erie. By Allyn Draper. Locomotive F red; or, Life on the Railroad. By Jas. C. P Merritt. Jack Wright and ‘His Hlectrie Air Schooner ; or, The Mystery of tag Magic Mine. By ‘‘Noname.’’ i, Philadelphia Phil; or, From a Bootblack to a Merchant. By How- if An Old Scout. alt ard Austin. we et Rangers; of, The Sons of Freedom. By Gen. Jas. A. ordon : Old Sixty-Nine; or, ™he Prince of Engineers. By Jas. Marritts Among the Fire-W orshippers ; or, Two New York Boys Sa Moria: By Howard Austin. : Jack Wright and He Electric Sea, Motor; or, The Search for r Drifting Wreck. et “Noname.” Twenty Years on an Island; or, The Story of a Castaway. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. Colorado Carl; or, The King of the Saddle. By An Old Scout. Hook and Ladder Jack, the Daring Young Fireman. By Hx-Fire Chief Warden. i Ice-Bound; or, Among the Floes. B Jack Wright and His Ocean Sleuth- der-Water Treasure. By “‘Noname.” The Fatal Glass; or, The Traps and Snares of New York. he True Temperance Story. By Jno. B. Dowd. The Maniac Engineer; or, A Life’s Mystery. By Jas. C. Merritt. Berton Bertrew. ound; or, Tracking an Ua- Jack Wright and His Electric Locomotive; or, The Lost Mine of Death Valley. By ‘‘Noname.” ‘ The Ten Boy Scouts. A aBtory of the Wild West. By An ola ; Young Hickory, the Spy; or, Man, Woman, or Boy. By Gen'l Jas. A. Gordon. Dick Bangle, the Boy Actor. A New York Boy in the Soudan; or, The Mahdi’s Slave. By How- ard Austin. Jack Wright and His Blectric Batloon Ship; or, 30,000 Leagues The Game-Cock of Deadwood; A Story of the Wild North West. By Jas. C. Merritt. Harry Hook, The Boy Fireman of No. 1; or, Always at His Post. arg ; Scout. By N! S. Wood (The Young Ameri- ean Actor) Above the Earth. By “Noname.” Ex. Fire-Chief Warden. Cents per Copy, by 24 Union Square, New York | THE SAME AS MONEY. i ea Ce ee ary eee ee . . tee eee eee eee eee ee ee ary edie): PE meg eres ee acne VE