Pluck And Luck (no. 403) (1906 02 21)

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GK PLETE. LUG _—_Stomesor ADVENTURE." MAZEPPA lo? THE BMY Fine coupany oR, PLUCKY WORK ON [ADDER AND INE. Lhe Te Bei be, & $938, by Frank 7 We f 2 . 4 ts i He was standing on the pole of the engine, his left hand resting on the neck of the horse on that side. His right hand held a silver trumpet to his lips. “Clear the way!” came through the trumpet again.

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ssh PLUCK AND LUCK Complete Stories of Adventure. Issued Fem 85 apeors tion $2.50 per year. of Goharen. Washington, D. C., “Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., ntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1906, Post Office, in the office of the Librarian by Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. No. 403. NEW YORK, FEBRUARY MAZEPPA N2. 2, 21, 1906. Price 5 Cents. THE BOY FIRE COMPANY OF CARLTON OR, Plucky Work on Ladder and Line BY EX-FIRE CHIEF WARDEN . CHAPTER I. cut > “OH, THE TOWER FALLS!” _ On a dark night some years ago three young men were on "the main street of Carlton in front of the Carlton House, _ the leading hotel of the place. They seemed to be quite Hs aspen over something that had happened inside the hotel. _ One was particularly angry. % _ “Why did you interfere?” he said to his two companions. T would have given him the thrashing he deserved, the : ” : _ "Keep cool, Al. Had we permitted you to attack him in sre her name would have been mixed up in it, and that | not do, you know.” , of course not,” assented the third young man. would do her no harm,” angrily replied the first young man. “Here he comes now! Hands off and I'll give (him what he deserves,” and he fairly hissed the words as he at a medium-sized youse of eighteen coming out ar ‘was of shapely, puila, with a frank, manly air him and laughing blue eyes. ig in all the wide world. a sidewalk he went in the direction je fifty feet away from the hotel rr sprang forward as he ap- dressed, but carried himself like one who A great bell in the heart of the city is struck three times. At the first stroke the youth came to a full stop, as if sud- denly rooted to the spot, and seemed to be listening. At the second he bounded forward, dealt his foe a terrific blow on the right cheek, and then darted off across the street and dis- appeared in the shadow of the houses over there. The blow downed the young man, But he sprang to his feet only to be caught and held by his two companions. “Release me!” he hoarsely cried, struggling to get away from them. “Let me go after him! young whelp or die!” “Keep quiet, Al,” urged one of his two friends, “He has gone to his fire company. What show would you have there? They would tear you limb from limb!” The exchange of blows was made so quickly that none but the four interested ones knew of it. But the clanging of the great fire bell caused everybody in the hotel to rush out and eagerly gaze about for the where- The three strokes told in which ward the © fire was, and those who understood the signals looked in the abouts of the fire. direction of the south side of the city. Just as they caught a glimpse of a bright glare in that ‘ direction a roar was heard up the street. “Look out! the sidewalk. “The engine is coming!” The roaring was like that of : a storm at sea, growing louder’ every moment. People who had run out into the street to get a better view of the reddening glow dashed back to the sidewalk for safety. “Look out! Here comes epordie. a sik “Clang! Clang! Clang! 4 ‘ The fire-engine bell struck =o “Clear the way!” came t Keep clear of the street!” cried a voice on I'll have it out with the’ arn people out of the feo? Re a trumpet, and the ibs

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Pacns on the neck of the horse on that side. His right hand held a silver trumpet to his lips. “Clear the way!” came through the trumpet again, and in another moment the roaring, rushing panorama was way __ down in the next block. 2 “I never saw anything like that before!” exclaimed a guest of the hotel. “I shall never forget it as long as I live. Who is that youth standing erect between those horses?” “That was Tom Hazen, foreman of the Boys’ Fire Com- pany,” replied a policeman near by. “What was he standing on?” _ “Nothing but the pole.” _ “Here comes Mazeppa’s ladders!” cried a voice in the Hy crowd, and in another moment a hook and ladder team dashed ee by in the wake of the fire-engine. __ By this time the red glare in the southern end of the city grew brighter, and the crowd on the street surged along in that direction. It was in the aristocratic part of the town, _ and people knew that it was a private residence that was _ “It’s Leonard Morton’s house!” called out some one in = the crowd. _ “Why! That’s the finest house in the town!” exclaimed Be eg and the crowd that still remained In and about the a rush down the street. What's that?” cried a young man, going along in the op- posite direction. “Whose house did they say was burning?” “They say it's your father’s, Al,” replied his companion, looking around at the red glare against the horizon, “but appertaining ag kis Goa” and the young man turned and gazed in the direction of the fire Iike one half dazed. He was thé “same young man who had been knocked down by Tom Hazen, the young fireman, only a few minutes before, and his name J Morton, son of the rich banker and manufacturer. was Al eS “No, I don’t think it is, either,” pee the third young “call one, 3 get a carriage and go down,” sald young Morton. one, Dick, that’s a good fellow. I’m all broke to ‘ran across the street to where several hacks sprang Inside quickly. “Drive to the fire: quick!” tied o one of eis pay; and the Rgapliratyen A Boga ong a No. 2, the boy fire company, was the first on the 2 oajearens ater gmat da some strange accident the entire lower with a_ podeiee. mass of flame. Nearly the been -0 tm the upper stories, and for help a Bindows when the MAZEPPA No. “Play on him, Bill! 2. ‘ there! ” and he pointed to the Rieibasar of the mansion wiles had been burst open by some one, . Bre the last word had passed his lips a stream of water was poured through the open door, It was heard to strike the stairs and fall in a shower on the floor. “Save me! Oh, oh, oh! I’m burning up!” came in shrieks from a third story window. The ladder had just touched the window of the next room. Dropping his trumpet and letting it swing by the cord over his shoulder, Tom Hazén sprang to thé ladder and ran up to. the third story window with the agility of a squirrel going up a tree. f On reaching the window he climbed in, though a dense volume of black smoke puffed out into his face. Then Jack Thorn, assistant foreman, sprang forward and ran up the ladder after him. Jack was the same size and age as Tom and his Sone friend. He, too, disappeared through the window. “Those boys will be lost!” cried a voice in the crowd. “Clear the way there!” cried a policeman. “Here comes another engine! Back there, I say! Clear the way!” and aided by half a dozen others he pushed back the crowd and made room for the second engine Just a few seconds later the third engine dashed up, the Vigilant, the oldest fire company in Carlton, whose members were all yeteran firemen. Then came the chief of the fire department, a tall man with eagle eyes and a huge tawny, mustache. He saw at a glance that the house was doomed and sang out to the firemen: “Boys, the house is doomed! Save all the lives you can!” “Hi! Hi! Look there!” cried the boy firemen, as a figure _ appeared at a window with a girl in his arms. “It’s Jack!” cried one. . Jf “No, it’s Tom!” eried another. ° “Move the ladder! Move the ladder!” A half dozen darted forward and moved the ladder to the window where he stood. Quick as a flash a big strong fellow from Vigilant Fire Company rushed forward and ran up Mazeppa’s ladder, _ “Gimme your load, my lad!” he said to the boy fireman in the window, and in another moment he had the form of an unconscious young girl in his arms. “Come out, my lad!” he called to Tom, Tom instantly disappeared, and the fireman went down the ladder with his burden, A rush was made to see if she was burt. ‘ : “Back! Back!” nctaie the police. “Stand back out of the way!” Young Al Morton ran forward and cried out to one of the. officers: “This is my home! I have a right to be eral That is my youngest sister!” and he rushed up to the brawny fireman who still bore her in his arms, exclaiming: “Give her to me! She is my sister!” “She has only fainted, young man,” said the Pian bec as he gave her to him. “There’s Jack! There’s Jack!” cried the young Mazoppas._ ‘He is all ablaze!” . Bill Saxton, ‘the boy at the nozzle, torned the stieum_om | Jack Thorn, who apne * the window to the left of the _ | ladder, U : He hangin ets something in bis arms Ran called out the boy x m~ -

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Sa - onee, and the long ladder was turned over ee Sane against the house till it reached the window. “Now, Dan, up with you!” Dan fairly flew over the rungs. When he got there poor Jack had sunk to the floor, over- come by heat and smoke. * _ “Dan—Dan!” called those below. “Look out!” Lt “Send another up!” Dan sung out, and then leaped into the window, disappearing from view of those below. A groan escaped many of the boys, for they loved brave Dan as a brother. “There he is—there he is!” yelled half a hundred, as Dan reappeared at the window with Jack in his arms. ae “Blanket, boys!” Dan cried. | > Four of the young firemen sprang forward and held the four corners of a strong piece of canvas called a “blanket” directly under the window. The next moment the uncon- scious form of Jack Thorn came whizzing through the air and landed on it. _ The rebound sent him up some two feet again, when he fell . back like one dead. > “Tp he, dead?” = “Ts he alive?” _ “Is he much burned?” _ How thick and fast came the questions as they bore him ; cen, from the burning building. _ Again the police had to club the excited crowd back. “Look at Dan! He has another!” — _ Brave Dan reappeared with the woman Jack had fallen res -- to the floor with. He held her with his left, and used his right _ arm to balance himself with, as he climbed out on the ladder. at} a8 “Be ‘ready with the blanket again, boys!” cries the chief of the: fire department. “Dan is a hero! Save him from a 4 et ~ : ut Dan ran down the ladder with his burden, a little lady of slender build, who was entirely unconscious. A wild cheer went from the vast throng when they saw him _ safely land. The fire chief ‘SptanE forward, caught his hand and exclaimed: “ A> st%ou are a hero, Dan Allen!” ~ Dan was so blinded by fire and smoke he could not even who it was. who fad: fe ccna to him. When they saw e yet!” Save Tom, Beaded saint a. halt dozen rushed io 6 Tom. Selous 4 ae orted, and up they went. sy were met by great tongues of red flame, threat- a ‘and they had to’back down. ; ; eguid t have faced “lod ground peares the brave young fire- sin bt th ne BALEDEY A No. those fiery blasts and tears ' ie ” 2. ladder against the tree. That done two men ran up into the tree to pull up another ladder to run it out to the tower. The walls were almost ready to fall. The flames were eating away the tower where it touched the main building. Tom stood on the roof with his left arm supporting the young lady by his side. The tower was actually reeling. “Hurry up, boys!” he called through the trumpet in his right hand. Then he was seen speaking to the young girl. “They can’t save us,” she said to him. “We are doomed. You will lose your life in trying to save mine. God will re- ward you for your noble sacrifice.” “Don’t despair; see, they are hurrying up with the ladder.” “But the tower is sinking! Hold me close! Oh, God, this is awful!” “Here, I'll jump for the limbs!” cried Tom. “Let me make you fast to me first!” and he took the strong silk cord that he used to hang his trumpet over his shoulder and passed it around her slender waist. Then he tied it hard and fast to his leather ‘elt. “Oh, the tower falls!” she cried, and a long wail of despair escaped her lips as she flung her arms about his neck. At the same moment the tower made a sudden drop of about a foot and then fell toward the tree, crashing against the | branches, while groans of horror went up from the multitude below, CHAPTER II. A CLOSE CALL—TOM HAZEN. A dense volume of smoke and cinders enveloped the brave | fireman and the young girl as the tower fell to the ground with a terrific crash. The firemen made a rush to rescue them, but they were not found there. They looked in vain until a great cheer went up from the multitude, “There they ure in the tree, in the Feet in the tree!” There they were, sure enough. - Tom was hanging to a limb with both “tet and the young girl was clinging to his neck. She had not fainted. _ “The ladder, the ladder!” cried the fire chief. “Stand a ladder under him.” Brave firemen from all three engines rushed forward to hold a ladder sgataat Tom Hazen as he hung there-in the tree, They held it against him, so he could put his feet on the — rung and then let go the limb. Tle moment he let go and caught hold of the ladder a great wild cheer burst from the multitude. Men burst into of joy, so great had been the tension of suspense, Woman-like, as soon as her feet touched the ground, the young lady swooned and seemed like one dead. Some one S| cut the cord that bound her to Tom, and Al Morton burst — Tae ee Owe. Sitied te ele arian, Bistall ae, ONE pg ’| and cried out wildly: “Clear the way! Clear the way there!” and started of ‘| through the crowd wich her. + Of course the crowd gave way, and she was borne toa place bce OA ; my No sooner had she been taken from Tom than the chief

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wg MAZEPPA No. — 2. — ee “Hooray! Hooray!” they yelled, and the great crowd re- The hospital was half a mile away, but he soon covered th> _ echoed their cheers. distance. ; ‘Bill Saxton, though, never relaxed a single moment with; He was met at the door by the man on duty there, who _. his steady stream of water, nor did either of the other two | asked him: engines. | “What do you want, sir?” . But the house was doomed. | “I want to see Jack Thorn, one of my company, who was . The flames made such quick headway that nothing on earth! purt at the fire to- -night,” Tom said. ae could, have saved it. ; “You can’t see him to-night.” _. “Let me down, boys,” Tom cried. “This is no time for| «Why not?” a plays” “Against the rules.” ' “They're all out! They're all saved!” cried the boys, as|° -CGan ] see one of the doctors?” 4 Mina ‘bore him around on their shoulders. “Yes, in the office,” and the man pointed to the door which Bie - “Let me down!” he called again, and they finally let him led into the office of the hospital. 4 “down On“ his feet. He went in and there found a young physician and a clerk _-* "Where's Jack?” he asked. in charge. “He ts-hurt,” replied some one. “What do you want?” the clerk asked him. ae? pe Re adtve? “I want to see a doctor here.” gM ves,” he bas been taken away.” “There’s the doctor,” and the clerk nodded toward the aoe “Anybody killed?” and he turned to the fire chief. young man seated at a desk. ae “Tthink not. But I never saw more narrow escapes in all Tom went over to, him and told him who he was and added: .“I would like to see Jack. He is one of our firemen.” “You can’t see him to-night,” was the curt reply. “Not if he wishes to see me?” “No.” ‘ vom stood there a minute or two looking hard at the young man. He was too indignant to say anything for a few moments. never had such a close call in my life,” Tom said. "was that young lady? She is the bravest girl that ii “ever lived. Why, she wasn’t half as much frightened as I _*Where did you find her?” some one asked him. Y “In one of the rooms on the third floor. She seemed to be “dazed by the heat and smoke, and didn’t know which way to} ~ What are you waiting for?” the young doctor finally asked, tana De. {- : looking up at him. ‘ “Nothing. I was simply admiring you,” was the sarcastic ‘Come, let's get out of this! I called to her, and she came | reply. “Can yon tell: me where I can get one of your ple- to me with both hands outstretched, saying: cansae” othe next room, through which I had just come, To my The young doctor fiushed up quite red in the face co vor I found that the ladder had been moved. 1 caught apse as pe PES Ben a a saga the waist and ran her into a corgidor, and up a Sai si nabeee tts Seal ay of stairs, Every place was filled with smoke. 1 struck The clerk came forward, put his hand rather roughly on r flight, and found it ledding to the little tower. There hppa incase Lae | eath r, with ke in i d it 9 d eee es & be uA aya bites Bs of tit pied ie Tom wheeled and pushed him over on the young doctor, ae and te a as Oi Would you batleve: it; Wie iold mie to saye | UPSet him, and both rolled over on the floor, Then he turned 4 swe sida Teaxe! ter - ri tate? 4 said if She couldn't. a and left the office and the hospital. — ‘a Z0 with her. She's the bravest girl I ‘ever saw.”| Out-on the street Tom hastened back to the engine-house, ie) walls may fall!” came from Bill Saxton, He Was too mad even to think, = the engine with his nozzle. “Oh, but I would like to get his head under, my arm for but the wall didn’t fall. _ | Just ten seconds,” he said to himself, as he hastened on. r, chief,” ‘Teplted. ups j rules, neither life nor prope would be safe. Jack is as_ ae < Sone sire eg erptlats 5 they should not let his who | pret have saved” sek Ale ae superior officer see him in his agony I can’t understand. — et ms Lar, at am too» We ton mse Tar. Pelham, ie ae ‘Stipstber Pie gibbon scorched in a dozen Pegi <u en ds dear ene SE eee ? woul Pie Lantos for the poor- ve to put some salve on my burns.” y “Yes—one in the back room; poeidis(¥ picccreiae salt ete e I don't wish to ro be epen, on: See ai ‘an oe ee: & + ou ws fice. oars pol i" Be Me me out, please,” and I catight her hand and ran up — 1 hurt?” the fire chief asked him, | “Tu!es—rules—rules for everything! If we were tied up with . Myer! A) bs fe went into the next one he saw, aobectumt rigs, tal, ; i ' i, exter " by . { Py More roe Cache 1 GEL iht. he ink ainpesienigi gen abe ak © eae | asked of the drug clerk. “Kamp hurnt: ts doverat Secees jo! °¢

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fs ‘te MAZEPPA No. 2. ~~ 5 3 “Of course—let me see them,” ceeded to examine his hurts. = When he had found out the extent of his hurts he asked: “Is' it true that the Morton residence is a total loss?” ' | “Yes; I think it is. It was all we could do to save lives, let alone any property.” Just then a party of young men came in and sat down on the other side of the screen to wait for the doctor. “Yes, I saw it all,” one of them said. “Al was full enough to toast Miss Pelham’s beauty—his own cousin. Hazen had just come in looking for a friend whom he heard was in there. On hearing the toast he said no gentleman would > use a lady’s name in a bar-room. Al! got furiously mad, and _ it was a]l we could do to prevent a fight then and there. But * we finally™got him out. Hazen came along a few minutes later and Al went for him, striking him square between the eyes. The fire bell struck the same moment. Hazen knocked _him down and broke for the fire. He saved'Miss Pelham's life. What a strange coincidence!” “Yes, very strange, indeed,” assented one of the others. and the doctor arose and pro- + “They say he came from Hallsville two years ago to work M+ in the iron foundry, and nobody knows anything about his people.” “Oh, he isn’t but eighteen, you know.” = ay “True, he is but a boy, but he has come to be the most a _ daring fireman in the city, and all the boys who went into that fire company with him believe in him and back him agaist the world.” at “Of course they do. Who would have believed he could 5 have ‘trained: up boys to be such firemen as they are? Ma- zeppa No. 2 beat all the others to the fire to-night.” “Yes, and | most of the others are old veterans, too. Al swore he’d run Hazen out of Garlton because of what took place sige SS ongla to-night; and since the young fireman has saved the life of Mim Pelham he'll! hate him more than ever, I » Ba Suara ea cosnin, ail no saan steep canes atl things about the young ee the doctor behind the screen. a eh Weld! Hacae,, who his hurts dressed by the 5s Taycis antiean 3 kt ‘ladder. The'other two companies were there, too. They were all busy keeping streams going, when they were startled by the clang of the great fire bell again. Clang! Clang! Clang! Three times meant the third ward, and that was the one they were in at that moment. “Where is it?” came from half the firemen on the ground. Bill Saxton didn’t wait to find out where it was, but began to reel up his hose. Just as he had it on the reel the signal came again, and quick as a flash the Mazeppas were off, leaving the other companies but half ready to start. The chief of the fire department went with them. The fire was in a row of big tenement houses, where lived the families of the factory operatives. The buildings were of frame and as combustible as tinder. Just as Bill Saxton began to throw on a stream the clear, ringing voice of Tom Hazen was heard through his trumpet. “Up with the ladder, boys! There are women and children in there!” Up went the ladder, and up went Tom the ‘moment it touched the burning building. Five women were in one room up On the second story floor in a state of abject terror. “Come, ladies!” he called to them. “You must hurry down if you don’t want to be roasted!” and he caught one of them by the arm and-ran her to the window through which he had just come. \ “Oh, save us! Save us!” cried the others, rushing about the room gasping and utterly blinded by the smoke. “Of course I will if you will’ keep quiet and do as I tell you,” and he then sung out through his trumpet: “Some of you come up and lend a hand!” By that time the other two companies had arrived on the ground, and two of the old veterans sprang nimbly up the ladder to his assistance. “Oh, you are firemen!” cried one of the women. God you have come! Oh, that dreadful man!” “Come, hurry down or the flames will get you!” said Tom, hurrying them out through the window to the ladder. It took but a few moments to get them out: and down the ‘He went down with the last one himself. Just as he reached the ground with her he was startled “Thank at hearing a wild, hoarse laugh, as though coming from a maniac, up in the burning building. “Ha, ha, ha! Burn—burn! The world burns! of all things has come! Ha, ha, ha!” “That's him—that’s him!” cried the woman-he had brought down the ladder. “He set the house on fire!” Tom sprang up the ladder again and disappeared through the window. Many others beside him heard that wild, maniacal laugh, The end and men looked inquiringly at each other. The chief of the fire department ran to one of the rescued women and asked: “Who is that man laughing up there, madam?” “Oh, I don’t know. He is crazy, and set the house on fire. Oh, he was perfectly awful,” and she gave a shudder expressive of the horror that filled her soul. Tom ran from room to room in quest of the maniac, for _ such he now believed him to be, eg cham ema lBae smoke. Some were enveloped in flames. Suddenly he heard the wild laughter in an adjoining room, and made a rush in that direction. He found a man there holding an unconscious young girl under his arm. hee Ha, ha, hat ee ee ‘The world burns, and |

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6 MAZEPPA No. 2. The daring young fireman then seized the girl in his arms| department, as he grasped his hand, “God knows you have and made a dash for the window through which he had come.} done enough to-night!” The smoke and flames now became almost stifling. Just as he “Yes—I—I——_” and the brave young fireman reeled and fell ¢ _ reached the window he heard that wild burst of laughter right | like one dead at the feet of those about him. behind him, and the next moment the maniac seized hold of “Stand back! Give him air!” cried the chief, sweeping him. back with his good right arm. “Take him away!” “Help here!” he called to the firemen below, and two firemen dashed up the ladder with wonderful speed. “Take her down!” he cried, as he held her out to the one]. CHAPTER Iv. ao TOM HAZEN’S ASTONISHMENT. (oT saan egg galtaraptiaioe i tca tel sei When Tom Hazen fell at the feet of the chief of the fire a _ “Por God’s sake came down, Tom!” “ department many of the boy firemen believed he was dead. 4 Tom did not hear him, for he was engaged in a death-| mo, the moment they forgot all discipline and crowded area rene 2 re abe CUknOwn. mapas, around their prostrate foreman. —_ maan oem to have the strength oO 8 giant. “Is he dead—is he dead?” they called repeatedly. Come, my man,” Tom said to him. “Let's go down and/ «no no! pack, boys—get back!” the chief cried. “Give 7 see the world burn. him air! Let’s take him away from here!” and the chief , “Ha, ha, ha! The world burns! We'll burn with it! Himsalt ten y t a hand in bearing him beyond the heat of the =. Eyerybody shall burn!” and he took the young fireman up in burning building 3 x . his arms and ran out into a corridor with him and up tWO! poy jaiq him on the grass, and then the chief called to an —. Reaaee of atin. : officer and said: eer Ped!" groaned Tom, oe saw how helpless he was} «cal an ambulance and see that he is taken to the hos- tae ‘nya Best I am doomed! This fellow is too strong oem I must go back to my post,” and taking Tom’s trumpet, - ; nas ; e hurrie ing the 3 . The maniac ran up the scuttle ladder to the roof, which) tape St Bret it te priser Ss 7m PRED se ake tg one, and, with e wild whoop held the young firemat| tuiance came, and Tom was placed in it and driven away. <5 y eabe length above his head as though he were but ®|. ‘phe brave fremen had a most terrific struggle to prevent “at ae child. ie the fire from spreading to the other houses in the block. It i SR yee on!” Tom cried, seeing that pe. ee in peril of his} was jong after midnight, and many were nearly exhausted, lite. VERE OR Ona let, 0-10 agg , | While many spectators had gone to their homes. eae Ha, ha, ha! The world burns! The whole world burns! ft ‘wos Duly’ by the most dupecluman ¢ffort that: the digas rir The, smoke sae eer Manes: Bee Bere! », Burg! Pyrat”. 69 | were Kept front spreading. The maniac was seen to go down Lae eee that he rushed to the edge of the roof, and by a migbty| with the roof. Not even his charred bones were found, gs - im) __ force hurled the young fireman far out into space. the great heat entirely consumed them. _ Oe mre G3 Tom groaned, for he knew that death awaited him on the; ‘ye ambulance in which Tom had been placed was driven _ _ pavements below. furiously over the pavement in the direction of the hospital, 2 % Down—down he went whizzing through air and smoke and) ye seyere jolting soon brought him to, and he rose up flame and—— wondering where he was. _~ Crash! ‘ ‘ He looked up and saw the doctor and driver together on say ac He struck a score or more of telegraph wires which ra | ine front seat, and gradually he came to realize where he was. _ along in front of the burning buildings. He rebounded and/ 7p. hospital was the last place in the world he would care fell back on’ them again. _ to go. ; t ; once had he lost his presence of mind. Quick a8 %/ «axing me to the hospital, eh?” he said to himself. “I must have lost my head after getting down off those wires. No wonder; it was enough, the Lord knows. But I’m not going to the hospital if I know myself,” and he scrambled out ‘of the rear end of the ambulance as it was passing + through a dark part of the street. , He was bruised a little by the fall, but he got upon his feet and looked after the ambulance as it disappeared up the street. oS “The doctor will be laughed at when he gets there,” "=~ said, as he turned away in another direction, “and I guess he’ll say a few things he didn’t learn at Sunday school. I’m 4 going home and stay there till I feel all right again. Two €/ fires in one night are too many for me, é rhe “Lord, but that wild lunatic was strong! He handled me as though I were a mere child, I heard one of the women say he had set the house on fire. I wonder if that is true? . “Hi was hanging to him by the silk cord which he always used in fastening it to himself. But now he seemed to have lost sight of it, as he was seen feeling for it as though a rush was made for it to afford, him a chance of escape by = that means. a : y

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“/ oir ae The boy firemen remained at their post till near daylight, - by which time the flames were entirely subdued. Then they ___Yeturned to their engine-house very much exhausted, having been up all night. ' “Boys,” said Bill Saxton, “we have had a hard time of it, but we have won all the honors!” “That we have,” sung out a dozen at once. “But we don’t know what it has cost us,” Bill continued. “Tom and Jack and Dan are in the hospital, and we don’t know how it may end with them.” “Oh, they are tough,” said Ben Stewart. all right or soon will be.” Ps “Toughness is a good thing against everything but fire,” ; said Bill, shaking his head, “We are all very tired, but I 4 suggest we send one of our number up to the hospital to find out how they are.” ; “Good! Good!” cried a dozen at once. . “Who will go?” “T—I—I!” cried every one present. _ “One is enough,” Bill replied. “Ben, you had better go, and say to the doctor that we are all waiting to hear from + Tom, Jack and Dan.” Ben was off like a flash, and the tired boy firemen threw _ themselves on benches and were soon sleeping the sleep of ex- haustion. ‘It was near sunrise when young Stewart returned. “Boys,” he said, “they wouldn’t let me see’ em, but sent word out that Thorn and Allen were sleeping and that Hazen had not been brought there at all.” “Why, I saw him go off in the ambulance!” cried Harry “He may have been sent to another hospital,” said Saxton. _._ “Not much,” returned’ Hogan. “I saw the name ‘Carlton > “Fhecnita? on the ambulance.” . *So did I,” put in another one of the boys. “Well, anyhow, they said he was not there and had not been there,” Ben said. ““Where is he, then?” and Bill Saxton looked from one to the other of the boys.” _ “Yes, where is he?” a dozen asked. Aes all march up there and get an explanation,” “T guess they are es said . "Every boy sprang up and in less than ten minutes they were the way to the hospital. I sprang in, and the others followed. want to see the doctor in charge at once,” Bill said. is in there,” the man replied, pointing to the office. y marched in and found the same clerk and young was the curt reply. saw hin placed in ing ambulance last night when he scio’ and heard the policeman tell the driver and ‘are the names of all. the patients here,” the doctor > the register on the desk. | ove “edie to find ‘Tom Hazen’s name ‘ MAZEPPA Né. 2. vi “In the rear of the hospital on the next_block,”~ “Come on, boys. We'll find out something ‘about this or know the reason why,” and Bill Saxton led the way out and round to the stable. There they found the man in charge of the stable disposed to answer no questions, and wanted to refer them to the head doctor. “You’re the doctor we want,” Bill said to him, “and you'll get an extra head on your shoulders if you don’t talk to suit us. Where is the ambulance driver?” “Here he is,” said a burly fellow, coming out of a little Office on the left. “What do you want of me?” “Where did you leave the fireman you took away from the fire last night?” Bill asked. : “Well, hanged if I know. When we got here the ambulance was empty. He had given us the slip, I guess, and the doctor was mad.” “If he did he must have gone home, then. Come on, boys, we'll go to his boarding house and see if he is there,” and they turned and made their way down to the street again. They marched round to the Widow Hulsey’s boarding house where Tom had lived for two years. Some of the boarders were just leaving after an early breakfast and were amazed at seeing all the members of Mazeppa’ No. 2 in front of the house. «— “Is Tom here?” Bill asked of the girl who came to the door. “I really don't know. He hasn’t been down to breakfast yet,” she replied, her blue eyes opening in surprise, “May I go up to his room and see if he is there?” “Why, yes,” and she held the door open for him. f Saxton ran up the stairs, taking three’ or four steps at a bound, and knocked on Tom's door. No reply came, and he pushed open the door and entered. There lay Tom sound asleep—the sleep of utter exhaustion. He looked at him in silence for a minute or two and then came out on tiptoe tO avoid ~waking him and went down- stairs. “He is asleep, boys,” he said to oe young firemen, “and I hadn’t the heart to wake him up.” “Yes, and that’s what we all need,” Bill added. “Let's all go home and get as much sleep as we can and meet at the engine-house to-night.” They all turned away and quickly disappeared, and Saxton told the widow not to awake Tom, but let him sleep as long as he could. The news of Tom’s heroic deeds spread all over the city during the day, and his struggle with the maniac gathered interest as it was told and repeated, The entire city was thrilled by the story and no one repeated it more to his credit than did the chief of the fire department himself. The members of the rival fire companies did not have much to say, but they were compelled to admit that Mazeppa No. 2 carried off all the honors. “They happened to be the first at the fire,” one said, “and that’s how they came to get the chance to save life. Had we = there first our men would have done the saving. That’s all the difference.” The chief went to see Tom, and found him still in bed. “What's the matter, Hazen?” he asked. “I am all broke up, chief,” was the reply. “No bones broken, I hope?” “No, but I want to rest to-day.”

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Lord, what a mean revenge! If I can save myself from such a charge I'll break every bone in Al Mor- MAZEPPA No. 2. | you are. Here’s your trumpet. I took it home with me this | my pocket? morning.” “Thank you, chief. I am glad to see it again. Tell the boys I am all right and will soon be out.” The chief then left him, and Tom fell asleep again and did not wake up until in the middle of the afternoon. - He was dressing hurriedly to go downstairs for something to eat when a knock on his door was heard. “Come in,” he said. .. The door opened and two men, utter strangers to hf, - @ame in. “Are you Tom Hazen?” one of them asked. “Yes, that’s my name,” he replied, looking inquiringly at the man. “We are detectives,” said the man who first spoke. “Detectives! What do you want here?” and Tom looked the astonishment he felt. “Miss Pelham lost a valuable diamond ring last night, and a be ig & ohne we have been retained by Mr. Morton to look it up.” | *Did he tell you to come here to look for it?” Tom asked. 4 Ae “No. He simply reported the loss and we came to ask if you knew anything about it, thinking she might have placed ’ it im your charge in her fright last night.” _ *] know nothing of it. She did not give it to me, nor did _ I notice that she had one.” ag ' #May we search the clothes you wore last night. In the % struggle to save her it might have slipped off, you know, and " lodged somewhere. Stranger things have happened in our ur experience.” _. *There are the clothes I wore last night,” Tom said, point- "| ing to the smoke begrimed and scorched suit lying on a chair ' in the room. ‘ They took up the suit and searched all the pockets very deliberately. ~ “Ah! Here it is!” the taller of the two exclaimed, holding up @ diamond cluster ring to view. “It was in the waistband pocket of your trousers.” Tom was almost paralyzed as he gazed at the sparkling a a 5 see, We now how these things happen sometimes. ‘Mr. said if we found the ring not to make any arrest. | "We shall take it to him and that will be the end of it. Good- = fe tay Tom could utter a word in reply he was alone , Bs i pene Saar) CHAPTER v. Bip - THE STORY OF THE DIAMOND RING. PM fo say that Tom was astonished at what had taken place would not express it at all. He' was dumfounded—speech- ; ante menereorsy Serbs Poy tet evs: 8 thats, ani sa giles au ha inca aga nde mae Ne ae he sprang ‘to his feet, exclaiming: aie a game played on me! That ring was not in that ae ‘he sean the trousers and tured the waistband vet inside out. he le Nima, ging at he walt AI oTe ton’s body and then take the consequences? Oh, I see through it now! Dick Allgood said in that drugstore last night that Al would be jealous of me because I had saved her life. To make her think I am a thief is the object of this little game. Heavens! but he is mean enough betray his own mother!” Tom paced back and forth in his room like an enraged tiger. He was trying to make up his mind what was best for, bim to do under the circumstances, There were features about it that puzzled him. “I'll go and see the chief about it,” he finally decided, and in a few moments he was on his way downstairs to get some- thing to eat before going out. He called at the office of the fire chief, but that official was not in. Quite’a number of citizens who recognized him rushed forward and shook hands with him. But he wanted to see the chief and went in search of him. He met Ben Stewart, one of the boy firemen. “Glad to see you, Tom,” Ben said. “We were afraid you were badly hurt.” “Well, I was. I feel sore all over yet, but I guess I can keep on my feet. Come on and help me find the chief. I want to see him.” So Ben went along with him. Some one told him the chief was at the Carlton House, and he went there. The moment he entered the hotel a rush was made fo shake his hand and congratulate him on his heroic work the night before. He was very modest about it, and said he had tried to do his duty. “Ah!” cried a strong-voiced man behind him. take your hand, my boy!” and ere he knew it he was shaking hands with Leonard Morton, the rich banker. “You saved the lives of my daughter and niece last night at the risk of your own. If you ever need a friend come to Leonard Mor- ton,” and he wrung Tom’s hand with such vigor the young fireman wondered if he knew about the diamond ring. “I am glad I was able to do what I did, sir,” Tom replied. “So are all of us,” returned the banker. A few minutes later a servant came to Mr. Morton and told him that the ladies wanted to bring the young fireman up- stairs so they could thank him. — Tom heard her and promptly spoke up: “Tell the ladies a fireman does not expect thanks for doing his duty.” “You must go up with me,” “Indeed, sir, I cannot.” “Why not?” Mr. Morton said. - “Let me- + “Because I came here on other business, and must defer —- seeing the ladies till some other time. Ah, chief! Gilad to see you! I went to your office to see you, but you were out. I have urgent business with you,” “Come on, then,” said the chief, “we'll go back there,” and he led the way, followed by Tom and Ben. Once more in the chief’s office Tom shut the rae + ‘|him and Ben to secrecy, and then related the story of the ring, together with an account of his encounter with young Al Morton just a few moments before auch fire Ren out the night before. : “Great Scott!” exclaimed the chief. “So did I!” exclaimed Ben Stewart, “and Pavan tag 9% vf who must, have seen it, too.” Soe) that lets me gett” ‘Tom 1 7 > ny ‘anette on a “her hand as young Morton bore her away in his deca SEs

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: MAZEPPA No. 2. 9 “Do you know the two men who found the ring?” the] which will be worked the names of those whose lives were chief asked. “No, but they said they were detectives employed to hunt up the ring.” “You would know them again?” “Yes, of course.” “Well, I think young Morton has played the trick to make Miss Pelham think you an unworthy character. Let’s see how many saw the ring on her hand as he bore her away. We can find out without letting the secret out. Don’t men- tion it and we'll see if anything comes of it.” They agreed to follow his advice and then left him to go to ‘.. the engine-house of Mazeppa No. 2. Very few of the members were there, as all of them worked for a living. Tom was talking with one of the boys, when an elderly _ woman came in and asked: “Is Mr. Hazen here?” “Yes,” said Ben Stewart. “This is Tom Hazen.” She came up to Tom, looked him in the face for nearly a __ full minute, after which she said: “Pardon me, sir. I ‘wanted to get your face on my memory 80 I could never forget it. I’ve got it now. I am a poor ‘woman and can give nothing but my prayers for what you did last night. Oh, I shall never cease to pray for heaven's blessings on your head!” and she seized his hand and covered __ it with tears and kisses. ns! Tom and the others took off their hats, and she continued: “You saved me from a horrible death last night, and then .» fought that maniac to save my daughter—my only child. We lost everything. Haye nothing left in the wide world, not) even a change of clothing. But you saved our lives and we are grateful.” “Madam, give me your name?” Tom said, as she turned to “My name is Mrs. Raines, and my daughter is named Dollie. A neighbor two doors west of the house that was parned, has given us shelter. Dollie Works in the factory on eee ‘Dover. street and can earn enough to feed us.” her name and address in a little notebook and and make Mr. Morton put up saved last night.” “That will make trouble,” “In what way?” “Some of the Vigilants ran up the ladder and-brought down several women.” “Yes, after your boys had gone in and brought them out.” “True; but they had to be brought down before they were safe,” returned Tom. “i guess the ladies will do all hands justice,” of the citizens. “I hope they will. But I want to raise some money for Mrs. Raines. She and her daughter lost everything they had last night.” “Very good; here, put me down for ten dollars,” citizen, handing Tom a bill. “Yes, here’s another for me.” “And here’s a five for me,” and a dozen men paid in over sixty dollars in less than five minutes. Tom wrote down every name and the sum paid by each, and then.said to those about him: “Il am going to the Carlton House and see how much I can raise there. It will take several hundred dollars to fix ‘em up in another home.” When he entered the hotel, he asked the landlord if he could canvas the guests for subscriptions. “Yes, my boy, and here’s a tenner to start with.” “Thank you, sir,” and he went among the guests and citi- zens, and soon he was surrounded by a crowd, all eager to give something and shake his hand. Al Morton was there, and took four well-known citizens aside, to whom he said: “See here, if you want your money to go to that poor woman, send it to her by one who will give it to her.” “Why, what do you mean?” one asked. “Isn’t he honest?” “Let me tell you something, and then you can judge for yourself,” and he told them about the detectives finding the diamond ring in Hazen’s clothes that morning and its re- turn to its owner, adding: “We can’t prosecute him under the circumstances, you know. He is brave enone, and all that, but that’s all.” After that no more money was given Hazen in the hotel that evening. Tom noticed that he was eyed ey nea by many. “Ah!” he thought. “Al Morton has told that story of the diamond ring. I'll wait till I have my proofs and then his said Tom, shaking his head. remarked one said the "| father will have to spend some money to keep him out of jail.” A Half an hour later he told some of those about him that he would go and give what money he had received to Mrs. Raines, adding: / “The sooner she gets it the happier she will be and the better she will sleep.” 3 “Yes, but you Rad better give it to her to-morrow,” sug- gested some one in the crowd. “No, I will go to-night.” - Al Morton stepped out of the hotel and held a whispered confab with a man on the sidewalk. The man hurried away, and Al returned to the crowd in the hotel. Ten or fifteen minutes Inter Tom and Ben Stewart left to- gether to go and see the Widow Raines.

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“What have you got?” Tom asked. “I've got clubs and slungshots.” Ben’s father was a policeman, and he had quite a collection of such things on hand, taken from parties arrested during _ -@ Service of several years. : Tom laughed and went with him, as it was not far out of their way, and so each one got a regulation slungshot with a cord attached to keep it from flying from the hand. “I don’t think we’d have any use for them once in ten years,” Tom remarked, “And yet we might,” returned Ben. ‘em, anyway.” , “No, of course not.” caer When rad turned the corner of the Carlton hat factory Pies tenis is the tough part just below us here.” ve he “Yes, I know.” Bhs -“Halt—hands up!” hoarsely ordered one of two men, step- Tee out from under the dark shadows of the big factory. f tie Both boys were startled. i “Hands up!” hissed the man in front of Tom, thrusting the - muzzle of a pistol in his face. ey - ‘Tom had the glungshot in his hand at the moment, the cord Nie ke round his wrist. ‘He raised both hands above his head and brought the - glungshot down against the man’s left temple with such force ag to drop him to earth like a log. -. Ben let his fall plump on his man’s nose, crushing it and “fending him reeling backward. “No harm in having : Crack! R ‘Crack! by: _ Maddened with pain and dazed, the second man fired twice. * ‘But his bullets went wide of the mark, and Ben, who was game all the way through, sprang forward and dealt him another blow full in the face. “" : As each slungshot had nearly a pound of lead im the busi- ARSy ness end of it a blow from one of them was a theinderbolt ory “when wel] aimed. i c “Give him another, Ben! * exclaimed Tom, saetgahes Pocliened - sana giving the would-be robber a blow on the shoulder. ‘He aimed at his head, but the man dodged in time to save - himself. He had dropped his revolver, and then, seeing his —palwas Knocked out, he took to his heels and ran with all 2 ee got his a. exclaimed Bea, as he picked up the eng use of J ‘No. 2. < ee oe fn the Fifth Ward, Tom!” Ben mal : ea reached the engine-house a as the fire iscpiu was MAZEPPA No. 2. Wwe won't roast if we can help it.” | “Here with the ladders!” called Tom through his trumpet in front of the store on the right. ; A ladder was quickly run up to the roof, and Tom and Dan Allen ran up it like two cats. “Send up anothey ladder!” ‘Tom called; and a second ladder was pushed up to the roof. There is was immediately run up to the roof of the burning store, and Tom and Dan hurried up there. The janitor had his wife and two children out on the roof. She was a two hundred-pounder, and was running about the roof wringing her hands and screaming at the top of her voice. “Attend to your wife,” Tom said to the janitor, get the two children down all right.” The two young firemen each seized a child and ran down the ladder with it and gave it in charge of other firemen, who hurried down to the street with them. Tom looked up and saw the janitor vainly pleading with his wife to go down the ladder, She had never done such a thing in her life, and fully be- lieved it certain death for her to undertake it. “Come, Dan,” Tom called. “We must go up and help him,” They both ran up to where the janitor was struggling with the frantic woman, She was wringing her hands and scream- ing with all her might. The flames were now coming up through the scuttle with fiery fury. Tom placed his trumpet close to her ear, and yelled: “Shut up or burn up!” She came near falling off the roof in her consternation. But she shut up at once. “Go down, quick! You have no time to lose!” “My children! Oh, my children!” “They are safe down on the street with friends,” She started to go down, and on every rung she had to” Stop to scream. Being. s0 heavy, the long ladder swayed) and sagged under her movements. But*she finally succeeded in reaching the lower roof, and to the amazement of the firemen down there refused to go down the ladder which led to the street. She broke away from them and ran over & half dozen roofs to the end of the block. “Let her go!” Tom called out to them. _ But they had followed her two roofs away ere he called. Just a moment later there was an explosion below, and the roof on which the ladder rested caved in and the ladder fell with it. - A groan came up to Tom and Dan from the crowd below, for they seemed to be entirely beyond human aid. “Tom, we are lost!” Dan called out to him. < “There's another side,” Tom replied, going across the roof _|to the other side. “and we'll ©. ~~ ‘aba i To his amazement the roof of the store on that side is in a blaze. “This looks bad for us, Dan,” Tom said very coolly. *No; but can we help it?” ‘ “I don’t know,” and Tom shook his head. “TN annie to die, and to stay here is to roast.” He walled over to the front end of the bulling and gazed down at the multitude in the street. It was a sea of upturned faces, eee not aan “Bat ee

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“Tom—Tom!” cried Dan. “There’s a dozen telegraph wires iying across this roof going to either end of the block.” Tom wheeled round and gazed at the wires. 31 The building on which they stood was the highest by two 3 “stories of all in the block, hence there was a sharp decline on tw er side. “Dan, we can save ourselves!” he cried. “If we can find ething that can stand the friction we can slide clear ' down to that third roof!” __. “If we could stand the heat! the wires now!” _ “Here’s some old wire!” and Dan sprang forward to a corner ba. pete the linemen had tossed aside some remnants of wire _ months before. Tom seized it, bent it and then sprang forward and looped it over four of the telegraph wires. sy Dan did the same with another coil, each doubling four The flames actually reach ‘That done Tom ran to the front and sung out through his , __ trumpet to. the crowd below: “4 “We are going to slide over on the wires! _ the roof of the third house!” bs A groan came up from the crowd below, for the flames Send help ‘to Were now above the wires, 2 "The two brave boys ran back to the wires and stood under _ them. — P< Dast*. Eton eee Their hands met in a firm grasp. oe bs, ’ ~ “It’s our only chance, Dan!” = “Yes, our only chance!” “Come on, then!” and Tom held on to his loop and sprang ‘ieee the roof—over the seething caldron of flerce flame—and cae ‘so thrilled with horror and suspense as rave tne shot iercttale the réd roof of the third building, by the devouring element. below drowning even er v4 MAZEPPA No. 2. in missin Z9 that night when Tom Hazen and Dan 11 Four of the boy firemen ran up the ladder to them and again a great shout greeted them as they shook hands all around. Tom went to the front end of the building and sung out: “Turn the water on the next houses!” and the order was obeyed. The two descended to the street and again wild shouts told how painfully the crowd had watched their narrow escape from a horrible death. But Tom did not relax his vigilance in watching the battle between fire and water. Trumpet in hand, he was here and there and everywhere, till at the end of two hours the flames were under control. Another hour was sufficient to put out every spark and remove all danger of any renewal of the conflagration. Wearied and smoke-begrimed, the young firemen prepared to return to their quarters. Tom had just given the order for them to start when two officers came up to him. “You are Tom Hazen, are you?” one of them asked him. “Yes,” he replied. “Well, we want you. Come along!” “What's the matter?” “Come along and find out,” and he laid hold of his arm. “Hands off,” said Tom, pulling away from him. Instantly both grabbed him and tried to handcuff him. Ben Stewart instantly suspected the cause of the arrest and sung out: “Here, boys, help Tom!” With a rush the boy firemen swarmed around, over and on the two officers, hurled them to the ground and made mops of them. “Help! Help!” cried both officers, and in a moment or two the wildest excitement prevailed. “What's the trouble, boys?” the foreman of Vigilant Fire Company asked, as he,and a dozen of his men came up. “Hanged if I know,” said one of the boys. “Somebody said |for us to help Tom, and we pitched in.” “Two men arrested Tom,” said one, “and no man can do that when he is on duty—not if we know it.” - The two officers finally got on their feet and fled in the darkness of the night, and the boys crowded around Tom to inquire what it was all about. “Hanged if I know,” Tom replied, “unless it is for down- ing two men just before the fire bell rang.” _ “Who were they?” a dozen asked. “Don’t know. Ben and I went to the Carlton House to get some money for the Widow Raines, and were on our way to see her when we were halted by two men, who told us to hold up our hands. Luckily for us we each had a slung- shot, which we got at Ben’s house on our way to the widow's. We just let °em have it in their faces and downed ‘em. Just a moment later the bell clanged and we hurried off.” | “Well, they don’t run you in for that, eh, boys?” sang out Bill Saxton. «Nol* cae with. a-yell from every throat. ws “Oh, I'll go and see about it in the morning,” Tom said: “Let’s all go home now. We have no more work to do here.” The boy firemen at once prepared to return to their quar- | ters. They were all angry at the attempt to arrest Tom when on duty at a fire, and an attempt to do it again would have. : eee ae tent eee

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“And we'll stay here wtih you,” and the whole company said the same. They slept on the floor and benches and horse blankets till sunrise. Then they arose and bathed hands and faces downstairs. “Now, boys,” called out Tom, “let’s all call on the widow and give her this money. It will do her good to have us all a > g0.” feat 7 “Whoop! Just the thing!” some one cried, and they all prepared to go. “We'll march two abreast,” said Tom, and that way they - Started out, ‘The Widow Raines was up helping the poor family with _. whom she had found a temporary home. ‘ Tom knocked on: the door, and Dollie Raines herself opened rae : Bet ‘She was a very beautiful girl—regarded as the ice ee in all Carlton, though only a factory girl. She did not know Tom even by sight, and when he asked has if Mrs, Raines was in the house replied that she was. “Will you please tell her that Tom Hazen and the members _ of Mazeppa No. 2 wish to see her?” - “Ah, you Tom Hazen?” she asked, looking him full in the we a with an eager light in her eyes. Yes," he replied. “I am Dollie Raines. Oh, tne nati ia ‘feat. Tom gazed at her in silence for a moment or two and then _ replied: “Well, I am glad of it. It’s the ‘prettiest debt owing to me, "and Lam going to let you owe it,” and he extended his hand to her with a laugh as he spoke. _ ©“Oh, I shall never forget I owe it. But for you I would t 3 not, be here now.” irr door on hearing her talking, snd fire madam,” Tom replied, lifting his hat. “We have ; We have raised some money ture - a new pane Here te boys.2 he said, asia away, eed 1B alesttion snk were silently marching away, leaving the mother ighter together in their joy. They went round by rom ate in a hurry and ‘bia ran gh emer left the slungshot | Fail oad Bix of bate. ‘is desk, and was received with a Beh Se t . ie a, MAZEPPA Ben Stewart sung out, left. Sim there, after “Sees => od : ane. ‘| man’s face and remarked: __[an ambulance. In ten minutes the ambulance: Nos ve. “Who—your boys?” “No, your men.” “Ah!” and the chief’s eyes flashed. other way, maybe.” ‘ Just then an officer came in and the chief ordered him to lock Tom up. Tom was dumfounded. But he made no_ resistance; “What am I charged with?” “I simply hold you till this matter can be investigated.” Tom said no more, and in another minute he was locked up in a cell. “You will find it the he simply asked: a CHAPTER VIII. A DASTARDLY PLOT. Let us go back to the two men who attempted to hold up Tom Hazen and Ben Stewart while on their way to see Widow Raines. The reader will remember that just as Tom and Ben downed them the great fire bell clanged, and the two young firemen — sprang away to their post of duty, leaving the two villains completely knocked out. The man Tom had hit lay on the sidewalk like one dead. The blow had fallen on his temple and had knocked him senseless, _ ‘ The other man had been hit on the nose, just halfway be- tween the end of it and the eyes, crushing in the bone and making an utter wreck of it. But he did not lose his pres- ence of mind, save but a few moments. By this time the two boys were gone, and he was left alone with his com- panion. The two pistol shots had been heard by others, and people came running in that direction. panion. “Get up and come away!” * But Jim was like a dead man, and the other one growled out: “Done for, as I'm a sinner!” and then sprang away, going direct across the street to avoid meeting those he heard com- ing. { A half dozen men came along and one stumbled over the man on the ground and fell. _ “Hello! Here’s a man down! body!” Strike’ a match, some- One struck a match and held it close to the face of tee. ’ unknown. cc Te man ‘has been killed!” mateh, é “Yes, and we heard the I esteal ‘said er of the ® party. “Call the police.” — “What is it?” demanded’ a "sad behind them. “Here's the DeMenty eel one as two officers crowaed exclaimed the man with the One held bis lantern 80 as to cast the “1 don’t think he is deed call an ce.” The other officer hastened to nprteg’ station and ae MC $A — “Jim, Jim!” called the man, stooping and shakiag nis com- 2 : \ i hes 4

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/ MAZEPPA No. 2. 13 whose life Tom Hazen had saved. She was sufficiently re-| “One hundred!” ee covered from the shock of that terrible night to sit up and| “Yes. I’ve got to pay a doctor and have good attention. : move about the sumptuous apartments occupied by the Mor- “That’s pretty steep.” 7 tons, Al and his sister were with her when a servant brought} “You wouldn’t have my nose for ten thousand, would up 2 message from the office below, to the effect that a man | you?” there wished to see him personally. “No, nor for a million. I'll send you the money,” and Al Al excused himself and went downstairs to the clerk’s|turned and left the room. The guide met him at the front office. door and saw him off. : ° “Where’s the man who wants to see me?” he asked of the} Joe and Jim Bryan confessed to be private detectives, and & clerk. had an office in a cheap quarter of the city. Young Al Morton Teg “There he is,” replied the clerk = he pointed to a young |had once employed them in some shady transaction, and now eae of rather doubtful appearance, who was standing with | had engaged them in a plot to ruin Tom Hazen. The police ts his back toward the office. : knew nothing wrong of them, but did not neeeiee them as mo Al went up to him, looked at him for a moment or two, | detectives at all. . "wondering who he was. He was a total stranger to him. But} On his way back to the hotel, Al passed a policeman whom he said, touching him on the arm: i happened to know. “I am Al Morton. Did you send up for me?” Have you heard of the attenypt to murder down on Bayard a “Yes,” replied the young man. “Come out on the piazza, |street?” he asked him. * € please,” and he led the way out, followed by Al. “Yes. I saw the man and sent him to the hospital,” was "When clear of any third party the young man stopped, the reply. ie = turned to) Al and said in a half whisper: in the hospital more dead than alive.”

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es v4 MAZEPPA No. But Jim Bryan was yet unconscious, the blow on his temple having been a hard one. The lawyer came away and at once procured a warrant for the arrest of both the Bryans. The one in the hospital was safe enough, but the other one was not to be found. He placed the warrant in the hands of a constable, not a policeman, and told him to lose no time in bagging his man. “He is hurt in the face,” he said to him, “and may be in hiding somewhere under medical treatment.” The constable soon found people who knew the Bryans, and two hours later Joe Bryan was a prisoner. He was all broke up over his arrest, and lost no time in _ . sending for Al Morton again. Al hastened to.the station-house, pale and nervous, and asked permission to see Bryan. He was shown to Bryan’s ell at once. * “They have jugged me,” Bryan said. “So I see. But what is it for?” _“The warrant charges me with an attempt to rob Tom © Bae last night.” - “Good heavens! Has Jim been talking, I wonder?” “J don’t know. I never got a chance to see him.” “Well, I'll send a lawyer to take charge of your case, and ix Le #3 J eri oe will pay all the bills. But don’t send for me again. Send for __ him, I don’t want to get mixed up in it. Re If I do I'll be a “ruined man,” ; _ “I won't say a word.” | “Well, here's the money I promised to send you this morn- : “ing,” and he gave him a roll of bills as’ he spoke. Bryan took the bills and concealed them about his person. ‘Al said. ' _ “I will try to find out if Jim has been talking,” th “Both of you must tell the same story, or we will get into a trouble. I never dreamed you would make such a mess of it. ‘as you have.” _ “We never dreamed they'd be armed, either,” said Joe Bryan, “or we’d have been more on our guard.” _ “Well, don’t mention my name to anybody, and I'll see isfae. threnigh 98: far as money can. Don’t forget that.” _ Al then left the station-house, and as he passed out the front "door he almost ran against Tom Hazen and the chief of sae ME RR AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. bs ahys peseed ind ity Heyan-came tp his neuaes in the hospital. Ly chowiliad ad pclae anadiasy gps a Boneh he should do very te taking ae é aot aie he Rad. hast placha ‘nade: Ariyat, snd asked that his ai declan ae be sent ter Ta Ag om Ms al the doctor told ; fk tal and hé turned his tace to the wall pein de addy real ‘He feared to make any state- 1. through the effort of ee no time in P with a whisper, srt ye the are ! “Yes, all except my nose, That will never be as it was again,” and then he looked around the room to see if they were all alone. Leaning forward, he asked: “Have you said anything yet?” “No, not a word.” “Then we are all right. You must tell this story: We were attacked in the dark and nearly killed. We didn't know who did it till we heard Tom Hazen had claimed that he and a friend were attacked at the same place. Having knowledge of a robbery committed by him, we believe he plotted to kill _ us and thus save himself, and have had him arrested.” 7 “Have you had him arrested?” “Yes, on the charge of trying to kill us both. Morton backs us and has engaged counsel for us. He had me arrested, “- ti >So “What for?” “On suspicion of trying to rob him.” “Then they'll arrest me, too.” “Yes, very likely. Just stick to this story and we'll win sure. Oh, I'll fix him for this,” and he laid a hand tenderly on the bandages that covered his broken nose. Jim lay there silent for some minutes. Then he said: “Well, it’s the best we can do, I suppose.” “Yes, and we'll come out all right, for we have a good lawyer in charge of the case.” After staying out the time allowed him, Joe took leave of Jim and went away. Days passed, and things quieted down somewhat. No fires occurred to draw the firemen out, and they were all at work in their various occupations. But the boy firemen had a grievance, and could talk of nothing else when they met of evenings at their hall. They were all like a band of brothers, and the cause of oné was the concern of all. They could not idapatan why the governor’s daughter“liad never thanked Tom for having saved her life. Mr. Morton had done so, it was true, but she had not. One evening word was sent to them that a party of friends ‘would pay them a visit at the hall on the following evening. “That is a hint for us to brush up, boys,” said Tom to those present. “That’s just what it means,” said Jack Thorn, who had just left the hospital, and was again with the boys. “Then we'll all brush up,” Dan Alien said. “Yes, and decorate Mazeppa No. 2,” suggested a member. “Of course yes,” and committees were at once appointed to ~ see tothe decoration. _ The next evening the hall looked like a bower of evergreens and flowers, while the engine downstairs was an immense bank of roses on wheels. By eight o'clock young people of both sexes came trooping in, and the young firemen gave them a cordial reception. . The Widow Raines and Dollie ran up to yom to greet ana thank him, " Tom looked at Dollie, and thought he had never seen any- thing half so beautiful in all his life. She was dressed in a way to enhance her beauty tenfold. He bowed egain, is: ; eyes riveted to her blushing face. ' “We are all glad to-see you here, Miss Dollie,” he said. “I am more than glad to come and thank every one hog: for what you have done for us,” | she replied, laying a ‘Mttle brown hand on his arm. rE “But we don’t need any thanks, for we did only what our duty demanded, and then—” - “Yes,” said Jack Thorn, interrupting him, “but, it’s Pah np! 3 peaches and cream hos bases ‘em come and see us, ‘you kaow, 4 and they all laughed at the remark. BSI aaa

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7 engine, leaving Tom by the side of Dollie Raines, charmed - almost to helplessness. — _- A few minutes later the musicians came and the hall was cleared for a dance. Tom led Dollie out on the floor and - waltzed round and round the room with her. When he led her to a seat he found that many ladies and gentlemen had - eome in while he was dancing. He excused himself to Dollie and went to look after others. | en In the crowd he noticed an elderly lady and a young, girlish figure by her side, standing near a window. There was some- ‘thing about the young lady’s face that seemed a little bit pe ition, and yet he could not Ses i her. He went up to the elderly lady and Said: ~~ “Madam, come with me to the other end of the hall and I'll a Set sede Doryon" _ “Thank you,” she replied, and they both followed him. He procnia seats for them. — - He turned to the young lady and said: “7 can’t tell you how much we appreciate this visit from oss -our friends.” eer “Oh, if you would keep open house one night in each week,” = she replied, as She took the proffered se “I think you would see us here quite often.” ~ “1 will tell the boys that,” said he. “How is it that Mazeppa No. 2 is always first at a fire?” tog: as ere it’s owing to youth and enthusiasm,” he re- We think we have-a right to feel ae aon know." Se eall on the young ladies you save?” 5 ky on I am well acquainted with them. It PET cage 2 my part to do so. I did call on the Widow res ae but I went to give her some money our _ppSaceaiheneat for her. She Jost everything in that Pimge proud of her. agair e asked for her name. MAZEPPA No. We do our best to beat ’em, and }- 2. 15 Clang! Clang! The great fire bell struck and-instantly the wildest con- fusion reigned in the hall. Young firemen, who were waltzing round the room, flung their fair partners aside and made a wild rush for the engine- room below. Like a huge leviathan bedécked with flowers the engine shot out into the street and went off like a roaring thunder- bolt in the direction of the fire in the second district. The fire was in a business block and among a lot of frame buildings which were burning like tinder when the firemen arrived, The chief of the fire department saw the danger that threatened that part of the city, and directed the main efforts of the firemen to prevent its spreading. “Cut through the roofs and flood the stores on each side,” was the order he gave, and the daring young foreman of Mazeppa No. 2 was the first on the roof of the store on the right. Trumpet in hand, he gave orders in a quick, terse way that told how well he knew what he was doing. $ Suddenly a barrel of oil exploded in the store below him, and the roof heaved up and sank down with a terrific crash, carrying him with it. A ery of horror rent the air as a cloud of dust, smoke and sparks went up from the wreck. CHAPTER X. THE GOVERNOR'S DAUGHTER. Tom Hazen was the only one who went down with the roof. - The others happened to be fost near enough to the roof of the next building’ to escape the catastrophe. For a moment or two Tom believed his usual good fortune had deserted him, and that now it was all up with him. The flames burst through the broken roof in several places — him. He pulled himself together, and looked around him Il as the dust and smoke woilld permit. Walls surrounded him on four sides. He seemed to be | in an immense furnace, with a terrific fire beneath it. Quick as a flash he thought of the asbestos ling, which he had round his waist for the first time at any fire. He had ordered one for each member of the company, fifty feet long, and with a strong iron hook attached. Asbestos would not burn even in the hottest fire, and that fact caused him to order the lines made in New York. a almost cried out in his joy as he quickly unwound the line from around him, Then he cast the iron hook up to the ‘ tae of the wall, It failed to catch, and fell back at his feet. ‘Taking it up, he threw it again, this time clear over the wall. ’ ‘It caught against something and he pulled hard on it to test. the hold. it seemed to be fast, and, gathering all his strength, he pulled himself up, his feet against the wall. © " Just ag he reached the top Dan Allen saw him, and with a ery of Joy enrang forward and pulled him over on the other “her he ay Hk oe dnd, ering male smoke and ut |to the extent of suffocation = “Here, Jack, let’s take him away,” Dan cried out, "455 is Se St ae i Hepa Te enka

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16 '“Save Tom, save Tom!” come up from below. Jack Thorn ran to the end of the building and sang out: *Tom is safe!” “Where? Where is he?” came up to him. “Up here on this roof!” he replied. -A shout of joy went up from the street, for all had been ‘sure Tom Hazen was‘at last a victim of the element he had fought so heroically. “Bring him down! Bring him down!” they called. _ The chief of the fire department came up and saw him just coming to where he lay on his back, “We must get him down from here,” he said to Jack. ‘Tom came to quickly when he got started, and when they lifted him up to take him down the ladder, he said: . “Just wait a few minutes and I can go down myself.” They laid him down again, and the chief asked: “Are you hurt?” “YT don’t think I am, but I am full of smoke and dust.” “tt might have been worse.” “Yes. I thought it would be, too.” : “Yes, we all thought that.” ae All the firemen fought the flames like heroes, and by degrees got the mastery of it. ‘Tom soon went down the ladder, and was received with rr F sized of joy by even the members of the rival companies. ~ .. When the fire bell clanged and called the firemen to their "post of danger, the visitors remained at the hall of Mazeppa "No. 2, hoping the firemen would be able to return soon. ‘They went on with the dancing, while a few ran to the fire, to see how long it would last. In the midst of a dance a $ young man rushed into the hall and sung out: _ “There was an explosion and Tom Hazen went down with “the ROGES ee _ Dora Pelham was not dancing at the time, the elderly lady who had come with her. Bi Oh Se ag anion aniger rac aaanae deere cperadiiae Nga Dollie Haiiied gave a,shriek ad came near tainting, P ieaent other women in the hall. ‘The elderly” lady companion of Miss Pelham called for % water. a pa Some onf# brought her a glass of ice water and she dashed It _ into her face. She came to with a gasp. sf “Please eal a carriage,” the elderly lady ‘said to a by- i: ; ‘stander, and in a few minutes the carriage was announced. aS ket two were assisted out to it and placed inside, vee sisi et the hah bad patel but sitting with did Many Sait t va donstiming the. ‘flesh and bones of the daring "soon lett the ‘hall. — MAZEPPA No. 2. “Of course he did,” said a fourth man. the ground now, talking with the chief.” Dollie Raines sprang forward, caught the last speaker by the arm and asked: “Oh, sir, do you know that to be true?” “Yes, I do, for I was near the other side when he came down. I don’t know how he got out, but he did.” “Oh, I am so glad!” and despite her effort to keep calm, she burst into tears. Her mother led her away and returned to their little home. It took the firemen pretty near all night to put out all the fire. The buildings were all of frame on that block and great fears were entertained for the safety of the entire block, hence none of the companies were allowed to leave the scene of conflagration until evary spark had been extinguishd. When Dora Pelham returned to the Carlton House it was not known that she had been to the engine-house of Mazeppa No. 2 company. She had left the hotel in the afternoon to visit a lady who had been a schoolmate of her mother. While there she heard one of the young people say a party would go-to the engine-house that evening, and a sudden impulse urged her to beg the lady of the house to go with her. They went, and no one knew them, much to their gratification, When in her room once more Miss Pelham seemed co pletely prostrated, and Mrs. Morton wanted to summon a physician. “No, no!” she said. left her alone. In the morning she seemed to have slept but little during the night. : “To think he had believed me ungrateful,” she said to her- self, as she stood before the mirror arranging her hair. said he never received any note from me. I must see Cousin Al about that. He told me he had mailed it instead of giving “He is down on’ “Just let me sleep, plenm and they it to him in person. Strange he never received it. I know . ‘Cousin Al thinks him a dishonest man, but I cannot think - so, and I am glad I told him so before he went to his death. Oh, it seems so strange that one so brave, so ready to risk his life for others should perish so horribly! I will send for a paper and see what good they say of one so brave.” _ She rang for a servant and asked that a morning paper be sent up to her. “" It soon came, and with hands trembling and eyes ready to ; fll with tears, she sat down to read it. ; ' Suddenly she sprang to her feet, bedmiceh a ery of joy,,but as | quickly checked herself. “Oh, I might have known it,” she said. “They did think | he was lost, but I might have known the Fates would be kind — to him. Heavens, what narrow escapes he has had within the — last two weeks! And mat too, but a ges ? while there — = “He 2 the meat were Wither Raines and her <f alive! ceiving my note.” She sang as she completed her toilet, and her aunt py cousin came in to congratulate her on one fT) rN indisposition of the night” before. ae ! “I never felt so well in my life,” ys 5 Rens excel man wien be nad it. te ou believe a” Z hime onda keepin To

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" Meved the young fireman to be a thief; at least he thought that way. After ion tusk she said to him: “Cousin Al, I am going to pay Mazeppa No. 2 a visit at their hall some evening this week, and would like to have you > go with me.” _ “You really don’t mean it!” he said. ' “Yes, I do. I don’t believe he received my letter, and I am _ going to tell him how grateful I am for saving my life at the _ Yisk of his own.” “Cousin Dora, you know what he is. Why should you wish _ to come in contact with such a man—or boy? They are all ~ ‘alike, too, all of the common rabble of the workshops.” * oe “If a dog, saved your life, would you not be grateful to him?” she asked. “A human being and a dog are very different.” 4 “Yes, and a human being devoid of gratitude lacks one : asaapet requisite of humanity.” Ee: That made him wince. Pr Sh: am not lacking in gratitude, but——” “Phen come with me and help me show my gratitude to one y who saved my life. I am going to send word to him that we are coming to the hall to-morrow evening.” “I would not advise you to do that. Better talk to father ; ut it am.” and Al seemed to be very much worried over “ahem he ve in a half whisper: You have no idea what a rough, uncouth youth he is.” “Yes, I have. I have seen him since the night of our nave? alg and he seemed very much aston- : res, danced with him.” = turned pale, as death and walked away, leaving her bagi difficult to describe the emotions oul of Al Morton when his beautiful cousin ‘only seen the young fireman who had but had danced with him. He could not have on himself, for he was in such a whirl that any-. dee ain ig oh sake, or’ for the sake’ of really enchoraged him, nor had she discouraged his attentions more as a homage to the family, than to a more tender loved her, but: she seemed to look not that of a lover, and 80 she | x an MAZEPPA No. 2. 17 z t seemed Impossible with him. | that he was willing to do any-| ‘ploits that evening. | Miss Morton, *1 must give the mayor a bri pecs going there, and that, too, without letting any of us know of it. I'll have to go with her and keep right by her side all the evening. I can’t see how he can have the cheek to face her while I am there. But Lord! That fellow’s cheek is so hard that even red hot fire has no effect on it. If he pre- sSumes too much I'll mention the ring matter right before his face and that'll knock him silly, I’m stire. His confusion will show that he is guilty. If she once gets it into her head that he is a thief she would never speak to him again. Yes, I’ll go with her and make sister go along, too.” The hall of the boy fire company was like a fairy bower that evening. Evergreems. and flowers of every description adorned the walls. It was brilliantly lighted, and every mem- ber wore his neat fireman’s uniform, and was eager to show his appreciation of the visit of the governor's daughter. Invitations had been sent out to a number of other ladies and gentlemen, so that a crowd of friends was on hand, when Miss Pelham, with Al Morton and his sister, arrived. Tom came forward to receive them. He ignored Al alto- gether and escorted the two ladies to seats prepared for them. “Why, I did not know you were going to have such a crowd here this evening,” Miss Pelham said to him as she sat down. “We decided to do what we could to make your visit pleas- ant,” he replied, “so we sent out for friends and music. May I have the first dance with you?” “Yes, of course; but really I dig not dream of dancing.” He laughed and said: “You see, with us the unexpected is always happening.” “Yes; you were not expecting that roof to fall in with you the other evening, were you?” “No, indeed, and if I had, you can rest assured I would not have been on it. “I have no desire to be roasted.” “It was perectly awful. The news came that you were killed, and you can’t imagine how grieved we all were when We heard it.” “Thank you. I am glad some people think enough of us to sympathize with us. I lost all hope that night myself, and but for this line I would not be here now,” and he laid his hand on a coil of lead-colored line the size of one’s little finger that encircled his waist. “Oh, that is the asbestos line I read about, is it? let me see it!” and she reached out and examined it sa How strange it is it won't burn; isn’t it?” “Yes, it will remain whole in the hottest fire ‘any. lenge of time.” “Tt must “as a boon to firemen.” “It is indeed.” Ht, “Mr. Hazen, I want you to bring Mr. Thorn and introduce him, He came very near losing his life that night. I want wo tell him how much I admire his courage and daring ex- Is he here?” “Yes, and he'll be too proud to walk when I tell him what you have just said.” She laughed and said: Swen: I mean every word of it.” then the mayor of the city, MESES GA by his wife and daughters, entered the hall, creating quite a commotion, for they were not expected. “Please excuse Me a few minutes,” Tom said to her. and Fee Tom said, di wabpeees

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= 18 We are proud of you.” That was too much for the boy firemen. They broke into cheers for the mayor, and the band struck up Hail Columbia, --as Tom escorted the party to seats near where the Morton ‘party were. The mayor’s wife and daughters were acquainted with the governor’s daughter, and so it soon became a most pleasant party in that end of the hall. Al began an animated conversation with the mayor’s eldest daughter, and asked her to dance with him when the music Tom led Miss Pelham out on the floor, and began the waltz with her. A dozen other couples followed. _ “You said the other evening you had not received any note | i“ hide me,” Miss Pelham said to Tom, as they circled around ‘ “Yes, and I repeat it,” he replied. rhe fh _ “I gave it to my “Cousin Al to hand to you in person, and — not finding you he sent it by mail.” “Ah! ’ That accounts for it!” _ “What does?” ; “He never mailed it.” - “But he says he did.” “All the same, I am quite sure that he did not.” “Why do you say that?” “Because he hates me ang didn’t want tebe web it" _. _*I know he does not like you; but why does he hate you?” i nee “Do you, not know?” ‘A * ie*: : a Sis “Has he never told you that he and I exchanged blows in front of the Carlton House just a few minutes before the fire bell sent me to his father’s burning house?” _ “Why, no! I never heard of that! What in the world was Me ahoets ‘I didn’t even know you two were acquainted.” “Really, I don’t think I ought to tell you. Dick Allgood and Randy Richardson were witnesses.” “But why should you not tell me?” she asked him. peepee 1 think-Sh-would ibe In better, sete, on aay vert t0 let others do so.” ‘ “Will you let me ask you some questions?” she asked, “Yes, as many as you please.” Cee ke 2 ian tren Mer bend o0 the nat of the fire?” A did not.” "you know yon have been charged with having done “How did you send OS erat Sriee “Two men, claiming to be detectives, ‘came to my _ Toom the the next morning after the fire and asked to let them look for a ring in my clothes. They claimed to have found there, ie a astonishment, I told the chief of the fire artme about it, and he and five others have sworn that ct “saw it on your hand while your cousin was bearing oe On ' in his-arms. As I never saw you again that night, I could not have taken it. It was agree Momic Heaxs else ee pal ¢ pee Sree roe “Have you an aarti Nos 2 to spend an hour with you just to show your brave boys that jady in the hall?” : ~ “But that’s ee what L don’t want any one to eon. ocala eee eg tere ve are ano enc hme see: eer ge When she had talked with him for a few minutes, she said: “Please let me see the others, one by one.” Tom brought up the others and she questioned them as to their having seen the ring on her finger after her cousin took her from Tom, “Will you swear to what you have told me?” she asked of each one. “Yes, indeed,” was the reply. “Then keep all this a secret until I ask you to repeat it, please.” They readily promised to do so, and then she said to Tom: “T am sorry you have had to submit to such an outrage, and I am at a loss to understand why it was committed. I be- lieve you are utterly innocent of any wrong doing, and shall give my cousin a punishment he will not soon forget. But promise me you will not take any action in the matter with- out first letting me know of it.” “Certainly. Your wishes shall be my law in the case.” “That’s good of you. May I present you a trumpet in the place of the one you lost the other night?” “I would prize it as I would my life, Miss Pelham.” “T am afraid you don’t prize your life high enough. That's why you get into such dangerons places,” and she smiled sweetly at him. Ere Tom could make any reply she added: “My cousin is coming for me. and she took his arm and went out on the floor with him, leaving her cousin grinding his teeth in jealous rage. : f CHAPTDR XII. THE DARING RIDE BEFORE THE ENGINE. As his eyes followed his fair cousin waltzing around the Let’s have another dance,” . room with the handsome young fireman, Al Morton derejonedan= into a human fiend. He loved her madly, and the crime he had already com- mitted to keep her from recognizing her rescuer in a social way was but the entering wedge to a more heinous one. “It will turn his head,” he muttered through clenched teeth. “She, the governor’s daughter, he, a poor mechanic. She is romantic and generous and thinks it her duty to notice him and call him a Hero and all that sort of thing. Oh, he ~~ : He won’t try to help it. As sure as the sun shinés and the stars twinkle, just so sure~ - can’t help falling in love with her. ly will IT kill him if he comes between us!” There was a savage gleam in hig eyes and his lips were drawn tightly over his teeth as he muttered this to him- *: self. _ He had never been bound by any good principles in his life. Now he was a savage fiend deep down in his soul, and ae? fiendishness was of a nature that would stop at nothing. — While they were dancing Dora Pelham said to Tom: -» “When we stop dancing, take me downstairs and show the engine. I sons intend to dance with a this os “Certainly, with 'pleasure.” _ “But tell me, have you engaged to dance with any “No, I have n ; s ; “Then stick to me till some ous ‘se takes me, oft hands.” Pret ‘make some of ‘the other ‘girls ink 80. Rihihchd eeangccs emen, tho

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MAGEE A No. 2. 19 face little while they left the floor and made their way “They are Tom Hazen and Jack Thorn, of Mazeppa-No. 2. y tairs to the engine room, where the flower-bedecked| She started as if stung and her face paled. ine stood. “Why don’t some of the men of the other companies go up “Oh, it’s a beauty!” she said, as she gazed at the engine,|and risk their lives, too?” ; “That is the driver’s seat up there, is it?” “They have. There are three others of the Vigilants up “Yes.” there. There’s one now—that man on the left!”” “Let me get up there,” and she climbed upon the seat,| She gazed up at them like one bewildered, and then sud- ng gaily as she did so. denly asked: . “Just then Al Morton was seen coming down the stairs. “Which one is Tom—Mr. Hazen?” “Give me a fireman’s hat, please,” she said to Tom, and “The one on the right with the trumpet in his hand.” hen he did so she placed it on her head, and, looking down} “But why don’t they come down? Why do they stay a ween called to him. | there?” r She was growing terribly excited. “They are trying to prevent the' spread of the flames,” the eS : : fire chief explained to her. e great fire bell struck! Al Morton dashed through the police line, seized her by om sprang forward to lift her from the. driver’s seat. the arm and said: At the same moment the well-trained horses dashed from “The vantage is here, cousin! Come away. This is no sir stalls and took their places on either side of the pole, 4 a2 fly ati: see : the sp dropped down upon them from above where bs can’t go yet,” she, replied, not even looking at him. home tre mip pe bpd ge saat 3 , urn on ~ “Come down! — Jump!” cried aan, extending his a ete the horses and| “Go back to the carriage and leave me alone, Al Morton!” ie a sir one of harness with} He quailed under the gaze of her eyes. He had never seen ght hand and sp ved herself. But the spirited animals her look that, way before. — od But he turned to the chief and said: away e signal. to throw himselt| “C@" You persuade her to come away, sir?” pana ot avery of barres, but seve a ibaa the| !£ you do not leave me I'll call the police to take you aly over the animal’s back, gra wae thi away!” she said in a very detemined tone of voice, and he “and seated her on the other pk: oe rae +. turned and made his way back to the carriage in which sat as a flash she caught hold of the saddle of the horse, his sister, leaving her there with the fire chief. ed out to Tom: “sa | “You are very much excited, Miss Pelham,” the chief said am all right now! I am a good ae bak nie q.to her. “You should return home with your——” tood on the pole by 2 Sage ret ded ee boas ‘the “How in the world are they ever going to get down from waist, ‘and in that way they went . eagartng Gown there?” she exclaimed, looking up at the men on the roof of through the heart of pil ah : the burning building. “Oh, the flames have. burst through! Big. Ptah ane ar see none knew the 8 girl on They must come down at once! Why don’t you call them : down?” “ indeed sess cgretrgaicin pity ska cchass “They will come soon—ag soon as necessity demands.” horse ! Sch ity = riasch losi cl sted. her 10” the was an explosion, and an immense oud of dust, oe: sya ead 1 cinders and smoke went up, cutting off all view of the five men on the roof, _A piercing scream went up from Dora Pelham, and the } f chief caught her around the waist to lead her away. bareheaded, for he had ‘placed ‘his helmet | “Come away,” he said, hurriedly. “The walls may fall and engine- louse. He le maa eben bricks fly in every direction when they strike stone pave- tin trumpet, when she rushed ments!” cgay falls, elie etal He actually ran with her right into the crowd of spectators in his eagerness to get her out of the way of danger. : ah _| Then she called to him: sensation to-night.” | “Stop, please! I won't leave till I know the worst!” and cap re - . a roe 3 aica? aes she turned and looked up at the roof of the burning building e made remar again. 5 . al. under risa foe: he nis’ tivo firemen were not there. t sd aa tae _ Not one was in sight. ease,” said she. “1 really . A ery of horror went up trom the crowd on the street, and ag ig Ai lene mnt Her s8ce: Abetiniod. almost en dehen hue, ; 4 3 “There they are!” cried some one if the crowd near where Bi ete ae sie : “Where?” she almost shrieked’ out, _ Dg dae yal eg wie Pail ool “SAP sei eh gil teeta Be :

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20° ' MAZEPPA No. 2. The suspense was terrible. “Oh, indeed! I find quite a number of gentlemen among “Oh, the wall shakes! It’s going to fall!” them, though.” f ; - “Look out!” “That’s more than I have been able to do.” “Perhaps you have never tried.” “I have no desire, I’m sure.” His coolness somewhat puzzled her. She was trying to punish him by pretending to be quite in love with all fire- men, hoping he would do or say something to give her a chanee to crush him with the iat a she had of the dia- mond ring business. But he seemed to be afraid to*say anything to irritate her, and in a few moments more they were at the hotel. He sprang out and assisted her and his sister out. The two girls ran in and up to their rooms. Dora feared the news of her wild ride had reached the hotel, but it had not. Up in her room she told her cousin how it had happened. “Then it was purely accidental?” her cousin said. “Yes, entirely so.” “What was the matter with you and Al?” “Oh, he is down on all firemen and I am down on him.” “What for?” “He makes himself so disagreeable.” “I didn’t know that.” “No, of course not. I had to tell him if he did not let me alone I’d call a policeman.” “Yes, he told me that, dnd he is just hoakturcicin over i? “Oh, I was so geditea I really didn’t know what I was say- ing or doing. He actually a hold of ;me and began pull- ing me away.” : “He was afraid you would be hurt in some way.” “Probably he was, but he should have let me alone when I asked him to.” “He thinks so much of you,” Miss Morton said, “end-that"~ should excuse him.” “I am sorry he thinks so much of me then.” The next day Al Morton, driven to desperation by the oc- currence of the evening before, made up his mind to find out how he stood with the fair Dora. He watched for the chance to speak to her alone, and said: “Cousin Dora, I am at a loss to know why you treated me — as you did last night. I love you more than my own soul, and want you to be my wife. Will you?” _ “No!” she said, very firmly. “You are not the sort of man I could love, even were you a king of a vast kingdom.” He turned pallid—ashen hued—and leaned against a chair for support. i “Your conduct since the fire has caused me to despire you,” and she almost hissed the words at him. 7 “What have I done to merit your displeasure, counint™ al “Stand back! Stand back!” “Oh, heaven save them!” cried a shrill, girlish voice, as the crowd surged back ont of harm’s way, “Look! Look! He hangs on the line, and the red flames play on him from that window!” Bill Saxton turned the stream on him. It was not known who he was in the Speen anne excite- ment of the moment. “See! His clothes are burning! Ah! He drops! Oh, oh!” People buried their faces in their hands to shut out the sight of a brave man dropping to his death. They looked ‘again and saw another. “tt's Tom Hazen!” cried some one. ‘ “Save him!” screamed Dora Pelham, and the next moment ~ $he broke away from the chief and ran full speed right up eo). tte the burning building. CHAPTER XIII. AL LEARNS HIS FATE AND DISAPPEARS. : j _ The sudden dash of the young lady completely dumfounded the fire chief for a few moments, and she had reached a spot directly under the line upon which Tom Hazen was hanging by both hands ere he bethought himself of rushing to her side. Se “My God!” he gasped. “The girl doesn’t know what she P is doing,” aad the next moment he was by her side. . At the same moment four other firemen darted forward and ‘held the blanket under him, calling out: “Let go, Tom!” - —- He let go and Seppved on the canvas blanket they held _ A-wild cheer went up from the firemen and spectators. But _ the fire chief did not wait a single moment where he was, tee et for the heat was enough to blister one’s face and hands. He _ seized Dora Pelham round the waist, lifted her clear off the "ground and ran back with all the speed he could command. . _ Nor did he stop where she had stood before, but pushed his way through the crowd to a carriage some little distance up deer the ‘street. ; : “Please put me down!” she called to him when near the carriage. zi “Yes, in a moment,” he said. On reaching the carriage he said to young "Horton? “uma waecpapeieatinet lee salto ap ting nase Please take er of her? oe “Certainly. I've been waiting here for her,” and Al opened goraaines of for her. — he asked, suddenly pulling himself together. hat a 2 it ne asked of the chief, with a er: “You really don’t know, do you?” : “I certainly do not.” : “You have not forgotten about this ring, have you?” and she held up her hand as she spoke, displaying the splendid cluster of diamonds. ate Pha, -“No, I have not,” he replied. Maw ing “Then I need say no more.” at “Did I do Wrens to have ad 2 ae hg brug back . | to you?” ru. “ee : _ “No; ‘you ald wrong to take it from me and try to. make st ne Sy i me an instrument for the ruin of another man,” “heer ee ‘wife I'd join the suena, ea him full in the face as she spoke. ‘a + 62%) i oa era fa cigs ence oes ocageada | igh plier a Seat ofl ger Roa = WI you be so kina ag tall him T very much?” the reply. a me ae Hee to

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“ “Did any one tell you such a story as that?” he asked, try- "ing a cool bluff on her. “Cousin Al,” she said, “I don’t wish to have a quarrel with you. I know the whole truth about the ring now, and in order to end the matter, I will tell you that Mr. Delmar, the chief of the fire department, and five other good men are ready to | swear that they saw this ring on my hand after I was placed » in your arms the night of the fire, hence Mr. Hazen could (7 “not have taken it before that time, and he never saw me again after that. The men who pretended to have found it in his. pocket took it there with them. If you will nen me why -you did such a thing I will try to forgive you.” ‘) “I never did such a thing. Those men swore to a lie.” She turned away and left the room, leaving him there as _ though rooted to the spot. ° _ _He was in the throes of a terrible desperation, and a gleam | of savage fiendishness was in his eyes. “tt is all over,” he hissed. “She shall have reason to _ hate as well as despise me,” and with that he turned and ant the room. : “What in the world is the matter with brother, Dora?” Al's inte asked a few minutes later. “He has been talking to you, and now he looks like death in the face. Did he pro- pose to you?” “Yes, and I said no, I am not in love with him, by any “Oh, he Jooks awful: I am afraid he'll do something _ awful.” ~ “IE don’t: think he'll do himself any redo whatever else exe n ieee ae erie Nac But as the fair Dora did not express any sympathy for him, sister suspected that there was a really serious quarrel ‘gu She went in search of him to get as much of the i ‘out of him as possible. a oe ls ge Bs for him, ca a1 tft fat De wes 20 hee, and no ‘ vy where he was. til 1 see tim,” she said to herself, “before say- g more about it to her.” to see him at noon, but he did not make an ‘the: inner table, and at once her imagination in some fine work. — “his: despair over the ‘rejection: of ‘its suit, he el The thought nearly crazed her. she said to her cousin. “What if he has killed E oigeal Gens S for love ot women, ag Rs, her pe was shocked at her dear,” replied. “I Jaugh he- othing | on earth could make him do eis es too much of his sacred person mente aed ee: an aban- ope 5 ’ * an coyted ahaa iS MAZEPPA No. -|veat fire bell rang out an mother en a her of | n too, and | | be 2. Tee We won’t worry about it until a reasonable time has passed without hearing from him.” *“How long would that be?” Mrs. Morton asked, “Several days at least. But it would take at least ten years to make me believe that he had made way with him-- self,” and he shook his head in a way that added a good deal of emphasis to his words.» Her fears were allayed for the time being, and the matter was dropped. But the young sister did not cease to let her imagination have full play, and so became a prey to all the tears that the feminine mind is heir to. CHAPTER XIV. SHOTS IN 4 FIRE—A MYSTERY. Several days passed and still young Morton had not been seen or heard from by any of his friends. As a matter of course the family kept their anxiety a secret from the public. Nobody seemed to miss him save a few youths of his par- ticular set, and none of them were in any way uneasy about him. In the meantime a magnificent solid silver trumpet came by express from Now York to Thomas Hazen. On it was engraved: “From Dora Pelham “To Thomas Hazen, “Foreman Mazeppa No. 2.” : “Say, boys,” Tom exclaimed, as he exhibited the beautiful work of art to the young firemen, “just look at this!” They crowded around him and examined the trumpet with the deepest interest. They felt that it was as complimentary to the entire company 4s it was to him. Not one envied him its possession. “Oh, but it’s a daisy!” exclaimed Jack Thorn. “So it is,” said Ben Stewart. “And so is she,” put in Dan Allen. “So say we all of us,” cried half the crowd present. “Oh, but didn’t she stick to us that night when she rode to the fire with us!” “Yes, she did.” “Let’s ask her to ride with us on our parade, boys,” sug- gested Dan. i “Yes, let’s do it. Lord, but if she does we'll just scoop all the honors,” and Jack Thorn became very enthusiastic over the matter. “Just hold up, boys,” cautioned Tom. “Miss Pelham is able to give us this thing because she is rich and the daughter | of the governor of the state. The others whose lives we have saved would do as much, too, were they able, but they are not. But we must not ask her to ride with us and not invite the others. That wouldn’t do.” “You are ‘right, Tom,” said Ben Stewart. she is too proud to go with the others.” “TI don’t, either,” Tom replied. “She is the bravest girl J ever met.” That evening the entire company met at the engine hall to prepare for the coming parade of all the firemen of the city. ' They were engaged in appointing committees, when the re | for the Fifth Ward. — Instantly every one was at his post and the engine and ladder truck ase a ates sm: the street like a ii. “I don’t think ‘ E

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ee “They are all out except an old man upon the third floor!” ealled out a workingman with a child in each arm. “Up with the laddef, Pa ings Tom sung out through his trumpet. * Then he turned to the workingman and asked: “Which window?” “Third one from the corner. There he is!” “They looked up and saw an old man with a long white beard appear at the window and wave his arms as though too - auch rattled to do anything else. ‘ up the ladder with a squirrel-like agility. _ Ere he reached the window. the white-haired old man had disappared in the smoke of the a Tom climbed in ‘through the window and called out: 2 “Here, old man! This way for safety—quick!” a Crack! ' A pistol shot rang out and struck the silver trumpet Tom held in his left hand. , “Here! This way!” ete, Crack! A bullet crushed through Tom’s leather hat. * Tom quickly suspected another crank, and fell heavily to ’ the floor as if shot. ‘ “That settled him!” he heard a voice say, and the next y moment retreating footsteps were also heard. is up 4nd rushing for the window. “I don’t want any more a time with cranks,” and he made his way down the ladder . fe, “Did you lose him?” Jack Thorn asked him. “No. He’s as crazy as a Joon, He shot at me twice.” ro. . “s by “The deuce! =k ola firé cranks are hanging around Carlton.” ; %, Others came up to him and asked about the fate of the old “man whom they had seen at the window. at -h be “Hello! Look at your trumpet, Tom!” cried Dan Allen. ch _ Tom held up his splendid new silver trumpet and found a ragged bullet hole on two sides of it, “That fellow aimed right at my head,” he remarked. “Did you see him?” . ; “Not. clearly.” , “We heard the shots and thought diay were some weapons _by the fire.” f AS the building was an old one and all the occupants were end a tas Bae Wace ki ets "Ped consumed in the fire spread all over the and the neo arabe: ge enact Savoie of men said: Fase seetset. We saw him get out by the rea do Caitep feng ay by a rope.” ‘~ hott w 2" ‘Tom’ Hazen asked them. Nd es, fc I know w him. He has been here but three ky a slid down by a rope?” mn ctoa by. and saw him come do Dia cole Soy apradgtarwinidt | this,” said head. bead J ts seamen vy he aonit sk en, remarked 8 a member 3 t bg = : MAZEPPA — No. With his usual impulsiveness Tom sprang forward and ran} “Well, you may roast for all I care!” said Tom, springing z “Why beg a8 the d: Tom was mad as a hornet over the spoiling of his beautiful trumpet by the bullet holes that had been made in it. Dora Pelham read an account of the shooting, and ex- pressed a desire to see the trumpet again. Tom called at the hotel with it and sent up his card. It came back with a verbal message that she did not wish to see him. He was astonished. “Did she tell you to say that to me?” he asked of the ser- vant to whom he had given his card. “Yes, sir.” : ; “Very well,” and he turned on his heel and left the hotel. ° At the engine hall he was in a very bad humor, for he was under the impression that somebody had lied to him. “What’s the matter, Tom?” Jack Thorn asked him. He told him. “She never sent you that message, Tom,” Jack said. “How do you know?” “Because she ain’t that kind of a girl. of you to give you a douche like that.” “Well, that’s the report the hallboy made, anyway.” “Something is wrong, Tom,” Jack remarked, shaking his — head. “I'd find out about it if I were you.” “How can 1?” ; “See Miss Pelham herself.” “But how can I? I tried to last night, you know.” “Get some one else to see her, or else write to her.” “Ah! I'll write her a note!” He procured pen and paper and soon had a note written, sealed and addressed to her. It was sent to the post office. “JT won’t hear from her till to-morrow morning, if I hear from her at all,” he said to himself. “I'll go and see Mrs. She thinks too much Let him burn. Somehow or other a lot of | Raines about herself and Dollie riding with us vps our parade. Mother and daughter would be a big card for us.” Po Early in the evening Tom started out to call on the “Widow Raines and her daughter. It was a long walk from his board- ing house, and he walked briskly in order to reagh there ata reasonable hour. He found them both at home and very glad to see him, and in a little while he had told how the boy firemen wanted them to ride on the ladder truck in the great parade. “Miss Pelham has been invited, too,” he said, “so you will be in good company.” “The members of Mazeppa Fire Geameath are good enough : company for us.” said the widow, 7 “Thank you,” Tom said. “Still, the governor's daughter is good company, too.” “Yes. But if she should be on the truck I’m afraid you boys could not see any one but her.” a “I don’t know about that,” Tom replied. “Miss Dollie here is the better looking of the two.” “Oh, my!” exclaimed Dollie. ~e Rig “Did you come all the way st ‘| over here to say that?” “No, I did not. I made the same remark up in the engine it hall yesterday, and didn’t dream I'd have a chance to say so_ before your face. Au ‘the en ae the — a7, the ri ie thing.” Dollie laughed, but felt proud and happy over the compits | ment, for she was but a girl, after all, and no ‘girl ever pote gets a thing like that. She 4 her mother sete bes ee the truck on the parade. “Can you ride a horse, Miss ‘otier” Tom acevo "Dont ia, 0%" she vented eoiete ask her and

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‘the widow, eager to give Dollie a chance to be seen side by - side with the governor’s daughter. protested Dollie. -not have you run such a risk,” and Tom’s explanation de- cided her. She agreed to ride one of the horses if Miss Pelham would ride the other. After a pleasant visit he prepared to return to his boarding house. : - heavy cane, saying: “This is for you. It is heavy, but you may have use for it some time.” ‘ jas “Thank you. I'll keep it because you gave it to me,” an he bade them good-night and left. “J CHAPTER XV. THE INCIDENTS OF A NIGHT, ‘i 2 Raines, Tom Hazen grasped the heavy walking stick 2 the middle, twirling it around till it looked like the spokes of revolving wheel. "He walked on till he came to a narrow street which ran that he was being followed by a man whom he re- Satta having pomet several blocks back. 4 “He is following me,” he muttered to himself, “and it may be that this club is worth more than I thought it was. I'll wait for him. Ae tne. Halen glared at him. 5 “Do you, want to see me?” he asked, going up and facing - “ie fe part of or. He replied: “No. I don’t know you.” ‘Yes, you do. You ener pon lowing me.” have not.” — ” aga oa ihe fan tobe two or three steps back- rd, making a motion as if to : aera ana dealt hima « blow on the, head with eavy stick he carried, sending him to earth with a “stars dancing before his eyes. — saaate at off a@ 8 bushy Jooking,win-was dts et” 7 gasped, as he gazed at the prostrate eke I'll see if he’s got a eee ee “This ‘lround, *~ MAGEE E Ne. 2. Just as he was about to leave Mrs, Raines showed him a ‘he man saw the club ready for use, and deemed discretion ! him “Yes, of course I will. The officer picked up the wig and put it in his pocket. Tom “But they might run away with me as they did with her,” | took up the hat. “He has a false beard, too,” the officer said, as the man “No, a man will hold each horses’s bit all the way. We would | began to pull himself together. “The deuce he has!” “Yes,” and the policeman pulled the false beard off the un- known’s face. “Good heavens!” exclaimed Tom in utter amazement. Al Morton, or else I’m bewitched!” “What! Do you know him?” the officer asked. “Yes, I know him.” The officer grabbed the young man by the collar and pulled him upon his feet and shook him vigorously. Al straightened himself up to his full height, glared at the officer and then’ at Tom Hazen. The situation dawned upon him like a flash of lightning. “What have I done to be arrested for?” he asked. “That fellow came up and knocked me down without provoca- “It's _ When some blocks away from the humble home of the| tion.” “But you tried to draw a gun on me, and here are the wig and beard you wore. Going about armed and disguised is enough to arrest any man for. I'll find out what your game is, even if IT am locked up myself,” and Tom turned and went “through a hard part of the town. There he made the dis- 2long with them toward the station-house. They went two full blocks in silence, when Al said to the officer: “He knocked /1 me down.” “Yes, he says he did.” “Well, why don’t you arrest him?” . “T have. He’s going with us.” “But you haven’t got hold of him?” —te: I’ve got my = and yours, so if he runs I can down They hurried on toward the station. * Suddenly Al said: “That blow has done for me. ‘You have killed me, Tom Hazen,” and with that his legs gave way under him, and he sank down in a heap like one in a sudden ¢ollapse. “Hello!” exclaimed the officer. “He’s worse hurt than I thrust his hand into his pocket. | thought.” Tom looked at him in silence, and finally suggested that an ambulance be sent for. : “The signal box is on the next corner,” and ring for one.” Tom hurried forward. When halfway there he was startled by pistol shots. Bang! Bang! * Looking back, he saw Al running and the policeman firing at him. & the officer said. “Go , . CHAPTER XVI. - TOM LEARNS OF SOMETHING IMPORTANT, It took but a single moment for Tom to understand that Al had outwitted both him and -the policeman. The Officer, believing his prisoner unconscious from the blow he had received on the head, did not keep as strict watch over him as he otherwise would have done. AD Ded, vigred-she fainting business with that very object in view. The first thing he knew his prisoner was up and away like a deer. covery chamber Aa iied daisbines tor Sic, Tom was a fleet-footed fireman, so it was fast running all hl tN gghacdegs es ae emer itr On next street

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23 He spoke hastily to them and one drew a revolver as Tom | — got nearer to them. Crack! A bullet whistled by Tom’s head, and he came to a halt. “Stop that fellow!” he cried. “He is the one to stop!” “Kill him!” cried Al. me! Give me that pistol!” He snatched the weapon from the hand of the man ere the latter really knew what he was doing, and began blazing away at Tom, advancing at the same time. Tom retreated, for he did not care to stop any bullets. But the policeman came running up and gave Tom the re- volyer he had taken away from Al when he first arrested him, saying: “Now let him have it!” Tom turned and began firing. ‘The policeman opened fire, too. _ ‘The two citizens who had armed Al took to their heels when _they saw that an officer was in it. That demoralized Al and he ran, too, going down another street, Tom and the officer both followed, blazing away at him. It was amazing how the bullets could fly without hitting _ him! He seemed to bear a charmed life, and he was fast get- _ting away from them again when another policeman in front of him sung out: “Halt, or I'll shoot!” ; “Don’t’ shoot!” Al cried, coming to a full halt, - *Hold up your hands!” me Al held them up, and Tom and the two officers soon joined him. / He held a choke reyolver in One hand, and it was prompt- ly taken away from him. The next moment a pair of stee] nippers were on his wrists. - “Come along, sir,” ‘the first officer said, taking the prisoner by the arm and leading the way toward the station house. _ Not a word was uttered on the way, and they soon reached _ the station house, ‘The captain was at the desk, He knew Tom as the intrepid “young foreman of Mazeppa No. 2, and greeted him with: b! _ “Hello, Hazen! What is it?” = “Don’t yeu know this chap, panned Tom asked, pointing By vere Al. (Pie eaphedn ‘poked iat him) stiook Ris pewd, and said: is “No. What's he been doing?” SPI tell you my story, and the officer here can back it up LN with what he knows about it,” and then he told all about it in as few words as possible. ‘Interrupting him. “I was in disguise because I was hunting for one who had robbed me some time ago. He knew me, so I "had to get up @ disguise.” , “Well, I shall have to hold you, and tet the eourt decide as to your guilt.” Tye adhe ha phen heed a tema omer . bicgnsaihs cf sate: hl t by the wen 5 a aaa oe a a3 j! : - i “yes: mnt * MAZEPPA No. “It’s all a lie—I didn’t attack him, or even try to,” Al said, | _ | court at nine o’clock the next morning. 2. “Yes, sir; but I did not intend to make it public. Someone overheard me telling my friends about it.” “That’s all right. Which station is he in?” “The James Street.” The banker called a carriage and accompanied by a friend “He is a murderer and tried to kill| hurried away to the station. A crowd gathered to discuss the news, and Tom flatly re- fused to say anything more about it. Just as he was going to leave the hotel a young man came to him and said: “A young lady in the ladies’ parlor wishes to see you before you go.” Tom half suspected who she was, and very promptly made his way to the ladies’ parlor. - As he expected, it was Miss Pelham. She greeted him with: “I sent for you, for I wanted to ask if you received a mes- sage to the effect that I wished to see you.” “Yes,” he replied, “and I called that evening, sent up my card, and was told you could not see me.” “Why, I never saw your card, and did not send down any such message,” and she seemed very much surprised. Ere he was aware of it he had spent two hours with her in the parlor of the hotel, and when he arose to leave she gave him her hand, saying: “T shall expect you to bring that trumpet to-morrow even- ing.” “I shall do so with pleasure,” and then he left and ie. his way downstairs, Just as he and Jack and Ben were leaving the hotel they met Al Morton and his father coming in. CHAPTER XVII. THE BANKER AND HIS HOPEFUL SON, On reaching the station house the banker gave his name to the captain and asked to be permitted to see his son. He was shown into the captain’s private office, and Al was sent for. He had a frown on his face, for he was annoyed at the situation. Al did not know who he was to meet when he was ushered into the room. The pain of the blow he had received on the head still hurt him, and a lump half as big as an egg had risen there. “What in the world have you been up to, Atost exclaimed his father the moment he entered the room. “TI have been doing some detective work in disguise, and got into trouble about it, that’s all.” “But you are charged with shooting at the police, and——* “No, I did not shoot at the police, [ shot at Tom Heseny so self-defence.” x, Rs “What's the trouble between you and Hazen? We all fee: very grateful to him!” “We had a fight a little while before the fire at our home, and he has been doing all he could to ruin me ever since.” _ By reason of his wealth and influence the banker was per- mitted to take Al home with him, promising to wri tie no —— ae On the way home Al told his father his side of the « and in doing so did not Ss ef gained the favor of the old man more

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_ of her presence. _ In the meantime Mr. Morton had sent for his lawyer to go _ with Al to the police court and then to push the law on Tom _ Hazen. : _ The lawyer shook his head when he heard Al’s story, and _ turning to his father, said: “My advice is that you get out of this case as easily as pos- and then drop the matter.” / “And not arrest Hazen?” — 4 “No; if you do you'll get the worst of it. But let’s go to the police court and see what the situation is.” ‘Tom was there when the three alighted from a carriage. _ Mr. Morton, who had once pledged hint a lifelong friend- The policeman who had arrested Al Cre ected Tom’s tory, and so the prisoner had no witness but himself. Cross- ; examination ruined him, and the case went against him. He ‘was held in bail for a higher court. His father promptly gave bail for him, and they returned to the hotel together. That evening the Morton family were denouncing Tom Ha- m in the severest terms before Dora Pelham. “What do you think of him, dear?” Mrs. Morton asked her 4y think him entirely innocent,” was the reply. “Indeed! And what do you think of Albert?” ‘think he is wrong —aullty of crime.” aunt, and.I have the proot of it. ie eaiele -aiak to taae :. Hazen your son will go to prison.” Morton came near fainting on hearing that, and then at flood of wrath on her niece for daring to speak ther Gira him instead of me, aunt,” Dora said. enn bs Sagat eee ne mother od ee carne “and cited the ce | was | dumtounded. ; \ sagan entirely devoid of sentiment. ," he said to his wife, “a million dollars e prison. The boy is : fool and “word of it!” gasped ‘the mother. ‘Dora said. “I give you the names ses, The chief of the fire depart- Me and see him! ” yself the banker, “so don’t say ‘il vg nr d with him.” nis evenin ai age “He is coming |" ' forward right in front of the ie fon bullet holes in it.” ri oe 4 MAZEPPA No.. 2. lips. Dora waited for the expected visit of Tom Hazen, and when she received his card she quickly repaired to the ladies’ parlor to receive him. “Oh, you have brought ifie® trumpet!” she said, as she took it from his hands and examined the bullet holes in it. Mr. Morton came in ere he could say anything to her, and said: “Pardon me for intruding, but my niece said I could see you, too. May I ask you a few questions?” “As many as you please, sir,” Tom replied. In ten minutes the rich banker had the whole story, and was mad enough to horsewhip his hopeful son. CHAPTER XVIII. TOM IS HURT AGAIN, BUT DOES NOT REGRET IT, Ten minutes were enough for him to learn all the facts, ene the crestfallen banker asked: “If he will apologize will you let the matter stop at that?” “Yes, if he will make a written one, stating what he apolo- gizes for.” The banker was astonished at the firmness as well as the coolness of the young fireman. “lll have my lawyer talk the matter over with you,” he finally said, as he rose to leave the room. “If his time is worth anything to him,” Tom replied, “tell him to have the apology written out and duly signed in the presence Of a notary public. He will never move me from that point. I’ve got Al where he must behave himself or go to State prison, and am not going to let go of him.” Morton bowed and left the room. ; “Oh, but Iam-glad you did not yield to him,” Dora said, as soon as her uncle left the room, “IT am glad you are not offended with me,” Tom replied. “On the contrary, I am more than pleased, “she returned. “If Al is not promptly held in check he will come to some bad end.” . He told her that the boys wanted her and Mise Dollie Raines to ride on the engine horses in the big parade, and she agreed. Suddenly the great firebell struck, and Tom bounded to his feet. She sprang up, too, and threw the loop of the silk cord of the trumpet over his head, saying: “Be prudent for—my sake.” Tom grasped her right hand in his and pressed it to his Then with a bound he was away. He knew that Mazeppa No. 2 would come that way. In less than two minutes the roar of the fire engine was heard coming down the street. Tom waited in front of the | hotel to join the boys as they came by.. _ An old beggar woman, evidently very deaf, came toward him from the opposite side of the street. “Go back! Go back!” Tom yelled at her, but she slouched “The old fool!” hissed Tom, and at the some moment the driver of the engine as well as the spectators cried out for her | to go back. Suddenly Tom Nacihach Sertiae th piers ber: He caught her round the waist and fell to the stone pave- “He meee, Hs + gala sal Rie PUTT that moment Xe had | ment w with her, and the engine barely missed them as it thun- ark | dered by. ; ae of course, “But 11 tel) A few seconds Iater the hook and ladder truck dashed by _ ) ied Jee eae ai fo ah ‘ vii ta spectator “He bey a

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96 It was Miss Pelham, and she ordered him carried into the house, and the regular physician was summoned. Tt proved to be a bad case of concussion of the brain, and _ 10. until the next morning did he come to in a way to know Brae a sything.~- The first one he saw was Dora Pelham, who sat by his bed- ‘side. : » Where am I?” he asked. % “In the Cariton House,” she replied. “You were hurt last night, and they brought you in here.” “Ah, I remember! » The old woman—was she hurt?” “No; she got up and walked away.” “Why didn’t they take me to the hospital?” ; _ “I would not let them. I wanted to nurse you myself,” and though she was pale from loss of sleep, she blushed red. “And you have been here all night. have you not?” “The doctor says you must not talk too much. A man with a broken head must keep quiet.” ~ \ “Is my head broken?” — ts “TI guess it must be cracked a little as you won’t keep quiet.” ____ He smiled and gazed at her in silence for some minutes, and then asked: _ *Will you let me say three words?” . ty “Yes, if you will keep quiet then.” tkt."s> EY Jove you.” - ‘Those were the three words, and when she heard them she ; "leaned over and kissed him, and said: -_ *T love you.” : _ . His hand sought hers, and a profound silence reigned in the sr room.till the doctor came. A few minutes later a servant came in and whispered to : fears “Your father has come, and wishes to see you.” es ites? for the governor, who had gone downstairs to aa es from the politicians. : . He sent word back that he would be ip’ =— as soon. | possibte. ‘ a In the meantime Dora paid a visit to Tom oie the ot . ,* + 2 She found Jack ‘Thorn and Ben Stewart there. 2 eae *Oh, 1 am 20 glad you bows ave come,” he, mild as dhe ~ Pe aie ee indeed. I really think you deserve se to sco! ~ “Do

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_ “On, Lord! ™ gasped Jack. “Will. you marry our Tom?” to give it and myself to the man who saved my life at the risk of his own,” and she turned and Jaid her hand in Tom’s, a: “Oh, Dora!” Tom murmured. “This is more than I could “sever hope for. I am not dreaming, am I?” “No, dear. You are wide awake,” she replied. ;, Jack soon came back to report that a minister would soon ‘be there. a Half an hour later the minister came uence and many guests rushed forward to ask how the young fireman was. “I think he is doing very well,” he replied. Nats he near death?” “No, I think not. On the contrary, he is the happiest man in the state just now. I married him to Miss Pelham a few . minutes ago.” That was a bombshell in the big hotel. _The news flew like flashes of lightning, and the minister “disappeared. The governor was. shocked, but kept perfect J *, 1 told the messenger to show him up. A few moments he can ir and she sprang kadai threw her arms y. So you young rogue, eh?” and he extended nd to Tom spoke Séee"then introduced him to Jack and Ben, a wide awake fire company of any in the state. “you “are the L as he and he shook of Mazeppa No. 2, had been married to the vernor of the state. Everybodys was prais- life to save an old beggar woman. fire ica /whooped like so many heard i sa aati in his room at the 4 racended ( in having his appearance at doing Beith his power entirely, «= she heard of the mar- itically were I to do so, for ‘know. She has mone MAZEPPA “brothers to us. “Yes; say nothing, though. My father has come to take’ : Me away. I have a fortune in my own right, and I am going ; ‘gent in to know if he could see Hazen, | one but her husband and the gov g any fuss over it," the governor ‘Where is Dollie?” : * “What eee a. ie eae mose turned up toward pve: 2. I am ineapable of ingratitude—whatever otier faults I may have.” “Boys, she hasn’t any faults,” Tom said. “She is true blue, and is going to ride with us on our parade.” Clang! The great fire bell had called the firemen of the city to their post of duty, and every member'of Mazeppa went bound- ing down the stairs of the hotel to join their engine in the street. In the rush several guests were rudely jostled and one was upset and went rolling on the floor. Even Tom, forgetting himsel?, sprang out of bed and would have gone with them had not Dora caught and pulled him back. “T shall have to keep you tied, Tom,” she said to him, “! believe you'd rather run to a fire than stay with me.” “I beg your pardon. I have been in the habit of jumping when that bell struck.” “Yes, but you’ye got to mind another sort of belle now.” “Oh, I’m willing to mind,” and he laughed sottly as he re-- turned to the bed. The fire was at the house of Mrs, Raines, in the floor below her. Being a frame building, it burned like a pile of pine shavings, and a half dozen people had to be taken from the windows. Among them was the widow and her daughter— saved twice by the same fire company. Jack Thorn saved her this time, and Dan Allen got the widow out. Members of the Vigilant company’ sayed three others, This time Dollie kept her head. She didn't faint at all, and out on the street she asked one of the young firemen where Tom was. “At the Carlton House with his wife,” “With his wife!” she almost shrieked. “Yes; he and Dora Pelham were married this morning. Was the reply. saying that Mazeppa No. 2 had the best! You knew he was hurt last night, didn’t you?” “Yes,” and she seemed to almost turn to stone, so white soon spread through the city that Tom Hazen, and rigid did she become. _ She and her mother ‘went to the home of a friend near by, and the firemen continued to fight the flames as long as there Was a spark to be seen. Then they went on home to their quarters. The next day Jack went to make inquiries for the widow, and soon found where she was stopping. “I want to know something about your losses,” he said to her. “You know Mazeppa No. 2 say your Dollie belongs to them.” “Our-losses are nothing at all,” she replied, “for we in- sured all our furniture as soon as we got it.” “Well, you’re a wise woman,” Jack remarked. “IT am glad I had sense enough to do that, anyway.” “Yes, so am I; but if you need any help, let us know. “She is in our rsom. Do you wish to see her?” “Yes, if you please.” He waited till the young girl came in, and greeted her with a hearty handshake. “How about the ride on the parade?” he asked her. “Oh, I can’t do it,” she replied. “Why not?” “Why, who would look at me with a bride on the next is: horse?” Jack laughed heartily. ““Do you want the people to stare at you?” he asked,

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23 MAZEPPA No. 2. — = She looked hard at him for a minute or so, and he said: a. “We can attend to the fires. You’ve won the right to “I mean it, Dollie. I love you, but was afraid to say so,/ rest.” because I thought you liked Tom better.” “That's the best advice that’s been given him yet,” said “Are your wages enough for two?” she asked. Dora. “Yes,” “I am not going to stir out until the doctor tells me I am “Can my mother live with us?” all right,” Tom replied. “iis says I'll be all right in time “Yes.” : for the parade.” “Then I'll have you.” They went downstairs to leave the hotel and were met . Jack was beside himself with joy, and he hastened for a}in the main office by some young dudes who had been drink- - minister to perform the ceremony. ing. “Oh, here’s some of those young fire dogs!” sung out one CH APTER XXI. of them, and he whistled at them as if calling a dog. Dan Allen was mad as a hornet in an instant. He walked up to the offending young man and dealt him a Tom read in the papers the next morning how Jack Thorn| blow on the nose that laid him flat on his back on the floor. had saved Dollie Raines and her mother from a fiery grave. In another instant two of the others pitched into’ Dan, and “It's the second time Mazeppa No. 2 has saved them,” he} then Ben went to his assistance. « s#id to Dora, by his bedside. In just half a minute four other young firemen got mixed E*Y¥er, they seem to be unfortunate about fires,” Dora re-| up in it, and a regular rough-and-tumble riot was on hand. tiarked. “I am very sorry for them and must go and see} The police came in and made arrests right and left, but Dan AL MORTON A MANIAC, ~~ (hem as soon as I know where they live.” and Ben got away, and hurried back to the engine-house =f “Some of the boys will be in this evening,” said Tom, “and } without having received but a few scratches. +. way of them can tell you, I guess.” Tom laughed when he heard of it. PBS “Its hard for them to lose everything again. Of course] “jhe boys of Mazeppa No. 2 can take care of themselves Dollie won’t ride in the parade now.” every time,” he said to Dora. “They are bad boys to have “I don’t know. She has a sunny disposition and would] against you, and the best friends in the world when you need ‘be willing to do anything to please the boys.” friends. They are not afraid of fire nor of men.” ~ They were thus talking when a ecard was handed in on| «go jt seems. Those young men got what they ioghieek: » Which was written: and I am glad of it.” “Jack and Dollie.” “Have you seén your Cousin Al since our marriage?” Tom “Show them up,” Dora said. asked of Dora. } Jack and Dollie came up, hand in hand. “No. The servants say he stays in his room and has his > Dora greeted Dollie with a kiss, and Jack and Tom shook] meals sent up to him.” 3 _ hands like the bosom friends they were, “What has been done about his case?” is eet _, “Oh, I’m so glad to see you,” Dora said to Dollie. “Tom{/ «7 haven’t heard a word about it. I haven’t spoken to any | and I were just talking about you and feeling so sorry you} of the family since father left.” _ had lost everything again.” “Indeed!” “We had everything insured,” Dollie replied, and the two “Vaal ‘aha ‘ap’ woe cube ti either.” _ Sat_and talked in whispers for some minutes. “I am sorry you and your aunt do not speak.” _ Helio! Doras” "fom: snddenly aang Got. ’ |. “Well, Iam not. She tried to have me sent away, and I ae Bo ros asked: told her I'd never speak to her again as long as J lived, and Pee wheel be ‘TI don’t think I will.” "Jack and Dollie are married! Just then the door flew open, and Al Morton stood on the bt “Oh, my!” and in another moment the two brides were threshold, his eyes blood-shotten, hair unkempt, and a re , gam a, wal * exclalihed ‘Tom, * of wi an ie dete asta: volver in his hand, é ‘You are making good wages and can take care of her.” Dll deccnr Shy sprang to the side of Tom's rocking. Bo Rom, and she’s going to ride on the engine horse, too,” “Ha, ha, ha!” came from Al. “By George,” whispered Tom, “he is off his base—clean gone! Get away, Dora!” ae Be happy couple left the hotel Dora had given Dollie Pre thousand dollars with sae Gee to th os a sister to her ae ng § “No, no,” she said. “He'll kill you.” at the engine-house, when they heard of Jack’s “Get away, I tell you!” and he pushed her roughly aside. re ‘marriage to the beautiful shop girl, they made up their minds “Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the maniac. “It’s another fire now F § {to have 8 grand jubilee and a committee was appointed to get with bullets in it. You would be happy and leave me to misery and despair, cousin. He never loved you as I do. Ha, — , boys, Bill Saxton, “Our parade and ha, ha! You can have each other in death. I am going to” ; ees ‘With the two brides rid- have my revenge. They told me what to do, and how to to do ur it. Ha, ha, ha! You'll Mies He, wetias teal Yes,» res! oy Sag hagaeytgcke = Ati athena ‘Die, both of your" ‘i TO) SR 4 ‘ La is 54 ie : nite ere oh Tom sprang from his chair and Dora screamed. The next moment Tom and the maniac were rolling We'll take — by and t ‘7 7 : J ¥ : | in- se Sree oh. as Aegis corridor.

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CHAPTER XXIL. THE RUIN OF AL MORTON, _ The sound of the pistol shot rang through the big hotel with a startling distinctness. _ Then a scream and a rush followed. _ The scream came from Dora Hazen. supra Tom sprang forward and grappled with Al Morton she ever moved or uttered a word. She stood like one dazed, gaz- at them in a death struggle on the floor. _ Suddenly she saw Al press the muzzle of a revolver against Tom's side. Then she screamed, darted forward, and seized the weapon, wrenching it from his hand. it was at that moment that help came. _ Tom had the upper hand of him, but he was still struggling fiercely and yelling: kill him! I'l) kill ’em both!” he guests separated them. om went back to look for Dora, but the wild shrieks that e from Aj Morton told that he had lost his reason and had : denly become insane. _ He found her standing near the mantel with’ the revolver 3 8 a 1 in her, hand. - # did not seem to be aware that she still had it. , you saved my life,” he said. 8, vaste. and now you are mine more than ever,” and that e idea uppermost in her mind in the moment of greatest remained in their apartment till friends came to in- if either had been hurt, and then were told that Al was mtally, and rus mother almost in a state of col- ‘sorry for them,” Tom said to the physician, who told news. “I am not hurt in the least, but it was a close ¢ bullet went into the wall there, and another brought | of Pld plastering from the iting overhead,” and he o the places as he spoke. — mn the news reached the engine | house of Mazeppa No. greatly excited. They seemed to think that nity was feigned for the purpose, and at last i to see Tom about La eey, Bill Saxton seated in their little etude with a couple a when a, ie and Bill were Ba ta. , * said Tom, as Bill Beg aloe bk he Dorn so Vue : ue MAZEPPA No. SS a EE RSS SES 2 AE oe a ee a ee Hi em story when ‘the — “The woman uttered a wild . and fn ten ‘sec- * then al all three went Sele lad Sere aA 2. 29 It was a big fire, and two lives were lost. The firemen of the three companies worked like heroes, and saved -several. But no daring deeds were done save by Dan Allen, who came near losing his life in trying to get an old man out of the burning building. He succeeded, however, and the: firemen and ‘spectators cheered him as he came down to the ground. The next morning, when Tom read the account of the fire in the papers, he said to Dora that he was sorry he was not there with the boys. “Well, I am glad you were not,” she replied. “You are not ; Strong enough yet for such hard work,” and she sat down by him and told him of many things she wished him to do now that he was her husband. The next day his physician told him he could go out, and would run no risk whatever, so far as his hurt was concerned, “Then I am going to see the boys to-night,” he said to Dora. “But you must not run to any fires,” she quickly inter- posed, “Well, I won't if no fire breaks out,” he returned smiling- ly. He went to the company’s hall, and the boys received him with a hurrah, crowding about him to shake his hand. “You have everything in shape for the parade, I see,” remarked to Saxton. “Yes, and you ought to see the wreaths we have for the two brides who are to ride in front of the engine,” Saxton replied. “We are going to take the prize all along the line, and don’t you forget it.” Clang—clang—clang! The great fire-bell once more called them to duty, and Tom Hazen was one of the first to bound downstairs, don his fire- man’s hat, seize his trumpet, and dash out with the engine for the scene of conflagration. The fire was in a tenement house down in the lower end of he the city. The building was of frame, four stories high, and burned like tinder. ‘It was crowded with poor families, some of whom had retired to rest after a daily struggle for bread. Mazeppa No. 2 was the second company to reach the fire, the Vigilant being much nearer to it than the others, But the difference was only a few brief moments, and in an incredibly short space of time two streams were pouring upon the burning building. ‘ “Up with the ladders!” cried Tom, and the boys, cheered by the sound of his voice, rushed the ladders up to a third story window where two women were screaming for help. Tom s forward and went up the ladder with the agil- a bd of a squirrel. - “Come out on the ladder!” he called to both of the women, and one came out to him. The other one was in the act of climbing out whens a loud explosion in the room behind her sent her headlong down upon Tom and the other who had preceded her. % CHAPTER arth CONCLUSION, fa ort t vane 4 ., i shriek and fell pane on the one was assisting down the ladder, The other screamed, and —

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30 ties he tried to break the force of their fall by anions on to the rungs with his legs. Suddenly, when some six feet above eroand, both his legs went between the rungs. Instantly he crooked them, and thus hung narperes: head downward, still holding on to the two women. Sees The dress of one tore loose, and she fell to the oom. But _ the force of her fall was so broken she was not hurt. The other one he held to and she hung just a few feet above .the ground. Two firemen quickly rescued her, and then Tom followed, completely exhausted by the tremendous, strain to which he had been subjected, ‘ ' But the wild cheering that went up from every eye-witness (of his gallant act was heard half-way across the city. The news of his narrow escape from death by a fall from ‘the ladder flew like wildfire, and soon reached the Carlton House, Dora heard of it, of course, for there are always people who make it a business to do things they eyent not to do, and she immediately called a carriage. By the time it was ready she had asked a gentleman to go with her. They were driven rapidly toward the scene of conflagration. When they came in sight of the burning buildings which had now become a great bed of coals on which the firemen were still pouring streams of water, it was all her escort could do to keep her from rushing right into the very hottest place to ask for Tom. “Tom has been sent home,” Bill Saxton said. Dora sprang forward and asked: “Is he hurt?” “No, but he had a narrow escape, and the chief sent him home.” would not have been sent away unless he was hurt,” she replied, turning to her escort. “Take me home, please,” and she looked faint and weak. - Just then Jack Thorn saw her, and ran up to ask if she had seen Tom. “No. I came after him.” “The rogue is all right. The chief sent him home because | two lives are enough for one man to save. Lord, but you should have seen him. I thought he was a goner at one time, but don’t think he is hurt the least bit.” ‘His cheerful ineaiaer and jolly way of expressing himself satisfied her that Tom was not much hurt, if hurt at all. “Come, we'll go home,” she said, and they turned away from the scene of the fire and hurried up the street. When they reached the hotel Dora found bise very uneasy about her. She ran to him, threw her arms about his soe and burst T thought you were h i!” she sobbed. ‘Cora, you see how groundless your fears were, do you not?” he said. | _ Though he said he was not hurt, Tom felt sore in, every . ie tee ing out that day.» “press praised his gailant deed in slowing terms, and t prouder than ever of her choice. : arisesiiel te No. ‘|zeppa No, 2, and Jack Thorn was promoted to succeed him. | fiber and musele the next morning, It had been the worst ; CZAR,” A Thrilling Story of Russia, by Allan Arnold, strain to which he had ever been subjected, and he felt little | Will be the next aa (#04). of. Bhi on bauiisic: 3 are always: in prifft. [aewodealer, send alienate money ae s -PUBLISR — Every member was in a new uniform, and felt sure of taking jthe prize as they marched through the streets of the city. When they passed out of the engine house the engine was a marvel of beauty. It was covered with huge bridal wreaths. | So were the horses, and on the big black horse on the right sat Dora, clad in bridal robes. On the other sat Dollie, similarly dressed. They were both beauties, and the happiness that shone in their faces rendered them more beautiful still. It was a sight never to be forgotten, for ever since the world began a bride has always been interesting to men and women. As Mazeppa No, 2 moved along the line, women waved hand- kerchiefs and fans, and men hats and canes, while shouting themselves hoarse. The fact that the bride on the right was the daughter of the Governor of the State, rendered her all the more interesting. Tom and Jack, the two happy husbands of the brides, marched on foot in front of the engine. Both had performed marvelous deeds, and their fame was known to all the vast multitude who cheered the procession. As they passed the Carlton House, Dora looked up and saw_ her father and mother on the balcony. They had just arrived. The surprise was mutual. They did not know that she was going to ride in the parade,’ and she did not dream of their presence in the city. All Dora could do was to throw kisses at them as she rode slowly by. The parents were so proud of her beauty and devo- tion that they did not hesitate to wave hands and handker- chiefs at her. \ : As the parade moved along, Dora heard many expressions that caused her to look in the direction they came from. ) When the parade was over she hastened in a carriage to join her parents at the hotel. Tom was with her. ' “Here’s my Tom, mother!” she aeiaimed, as she and Tom entered the room where they were. 3 The mother greeted Tom with a motherly Sadiellin can call- ed him her son. That completed the happiness of both. After the parade Tom resigned his place as foreman of Ma-— Al Morton was sent to an asylum, where he remained for | two years, and was then pronounced cured. His mother wena took him to Europe, The Bryans soon left the city to avoid the consequences eS, their attempt to ruin the good name of Tom Hazen. They. had failed in their efforts, and thought it safer to leave Carlton forever. a Tom and Dora moved to the home of the governor, and A; year later a child was born to them—a boy, Tom studied law in the office of the governor, and in te course of time represented the district in Congress. But hi never forgot the boy firemen of Carlton, for he paid them visit once a year, and had them ‘to dine with him at the ton, where they ate and sang songs, and talked of old | and their plucky work on Ladder and Line. ~ fay) P,P Read “THE BLUE MASK; OR, FIGHTING AGAT NST ee SPECIAL norion: An back numbers of f “If you camnot-obtain them

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"These Books Tell You Everything! 3 4 COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! Bach book consists of sixty-four ages, 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 y understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects ~ S ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR, WILL PE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRES OM THIS OFrich ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY.MIVE (CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAMP AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Snune We a . M. t No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—En- "No. 81. HOW TO a ert ae A the most ap-| bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with il- fi kinds of lustrations, By A. Anderson. ; methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds o No Tr HOW Td ho WORN? TRICKS. WITH ANS by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo a 2 Containing deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors ae Bobi A. ©. S., Me CAeeT AY: Hypnotize," ete. and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated. * s No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- MAGIC. methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with| No, 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and : tion of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, | card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks the key for tel character by the bumps on the head. By | of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by ‘och, A. C. S. Fully illustrated. our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, ~ HYPNOTISM as it will both amuse and instruct. No. 83. Xf No, 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Helier’s second sight HOW TO HYPNOTIZH.—Containing valuable and in- explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how itructive information peserene Pe, lgscroed pod Ls jaar gigs ee sage eaplcrucs pore sorried a steer i pasicten pag the lain e@ most a : 2 on the stage; also giving all the es and signals, he oj i hypnotiste of the world, By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. authentic explanation of excoutt sight. = SPORTING. No. Tos Ow TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the vat grant assortment of magical illusions ever plac ore the How TO BUNT AND tenet tg EO i aM Da public, Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete, fishing * eu dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over ates ae guns, ter ae, nid sk one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. the h See OW. SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT—Fully | By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. ) —¥ Ww nd: heal: know. how to tow and sail a boat. No, 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over trate I ys in this little together with in- fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain- nstructions are aa: riding. Ee cod Sp Tag Be pag he encret of second sight, Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. tions on eS RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE—| _, No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full sel alin the horse. Describing the most useful horses rire uphins Mocic i and devices of many kinds. By ; E : . erson. ully illustrated. ness, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for) “0 "73""How ‘té DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Show. peculiar to the horse. 3 many curious tricks with fi s and th ic of bers. B ane AIL CANOES.—A handy fe cee ee ¥ SF Be ton icing: fal directions efor constructing cances| “'No. 15. HOW TO BECOME. A_CONJUROR. — Containing most popular manner of sailing them. tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Embracing FORTUNE TELLING. thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. SUAS raed ae > Rove tia ao BR iat THE Se SS a com- M AND’ D -—— | piete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand, 1. NAPOLEON'S por seen iny; also the true mean-| together with many wonderful experiments. By Anderson. of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, | Illustrated. A complete book, MECHANICAL. ‘ SNPLAIN DREAMS,—Eve ody dream& | No. 29, HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTSR.—Every bo: Id to the aged Ban bee Wotan. 'Phie Title book should know how inventions originated. This book e inne then Cinpoteants Oraculum,” the book of fate. rh ath byron in Goce, Lg nagen thong sa sm, Reve sky dat . , mechanics, ete, e most instructive i “ a I, FORTUNES.— Everyone is desirous of | "No, 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER — Conte ai + his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or | 5) ae Te No. 21. ing and wit! oye. j : - * begs be ae e ~ Bae re I hp Me ee ge eee en eles Lo tee

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THe STAGE. No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing four No. il. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK N’ teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the rainy Renneke 7 Phage a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from ost famous end men. N : A A all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most ~ se ate aig o amateur minstrels is complete without simple and concise manner possible. book. = - at) No 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.— No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting de- Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, fone eee bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the and Irish, Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- sources for procuring information on the questions given. meno ang ae BOTS OF NEW YORK MINST SOCIETY 0. 45. s N 4 M REL GUIDE . . ‘. aametns AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Every | ¢ No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are § boy shonld obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- ully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- A Ne G5. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is joke books ever pabliehed, a it is brief of wit and-humor. It a e2 sping everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy, contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of , “ . Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of | j; No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome the day. Every. boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should ittie book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instruc: obtain a-copy immediately. tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, FA OT ay BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- | bow to dress, and fall directions for calling off in all popular square plete instructions how to make u for various characters on the 2 4 : stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and gtiquette No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK—Containing the lat- pe 4 rnacehiy, with many curious and interesting things not gen- est jokes, anecdot ; and funny stories of this world-renowned and | “ 4 es 2 - ever popular. Jerman comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome Se ee DEN on at home i prt pie o colored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. No. 16. HOW TO KEEP *. WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing, brightest, and mort. valuable little books yea given to the world full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town os Theo es to know how to become Deaw both aol aee or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful female. e secret is simple, and almost costless. flowers at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- and be convinced how to become beautiful. ished. No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books f BIRDS AND ANIMALS. on cooking ever published, It contains recipes for cooking meats, o, 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of uet, parrot, etc. containing full instructions for the management and training of pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular aCe GOW To waise Docs, POULEE we GEONS AND SRG: ot, How 70 KERP HOUSE snes trmaon | ae Dy TR cm axp sr TRAPS icing Mat ; prt inns? Tathing around the toate, such as ariec cacienents. No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.— Including hints : T A c on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. brackets, cemenis, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. | Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington ELECTRICAL. Keene. z No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A No, 46. HOW TO MAKB AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de- valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, moun scription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; | and preserving birds, animals and insects together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MAN ‘AGE PETS.—Givi 3 ete. By George Trebel, A. M. M. D. Containing over fifty il-] plete information as to the manner and method of raixing, keeping lustrations. ; : : : : eer Na 6. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES. ca taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving ful: ’ d : instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight taining full directions for making electrical machines, induction | ; : maki e ost. co the ki coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. igstrationsy ing it the m mplete book of d ever blished. B ‘A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. mm No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a MISCELLANEOUS. large collection of instructive and highly amusing clectrical tricks,|. No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and in- together with illustrations. By A. Anderson. structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and _di- _ ENTERTAINMENT. rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. y Assay book eannot be equaled. No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry HO We waled. cm CANDY—A complete hand-book fot! intelligent bo: adi pigeon tine Boxy te making sll kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrup.. essences, etc. ete. he No N Fennel fi Serie Mas Spenctical f delight It book of instructio’ y a pra professor (delighting mae Hinds oF Ean a COME AN AUTHOR. eee eee all tudes every night with his wonderful imitations), can master 1 S art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and thggs greatest book ever ublished, and there’s millions (of fun) in it. |manner of reparing and submitting egg ch A Also containi HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A | valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general ¢o little book just published. A complete compendium | position of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Pie very valuable of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc. suitable }. dijgnd for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the 0. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A derful book, containing useful and practical information in they money than any book published. a a z, rd treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little CO oe erat’ useful and effective recipes for gen < book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, saints P'No. ¢ TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Go backgammon, croquet, dominoes, etc. A pa RL. Seuy a CONUNDET DIS Containns he - gees es te tebreon regard ng tle collecting and es con ms of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches ‘1 in Te ee tinateat a. witty sayin: No. 52. How TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little| | No. 58. Ht ECTIVE.— book, giving the rules and full directions for playing Euchre, Crib- the world-known detective. page, Casine, Party Five, ounce, Jie popes games of cards A eens vences of well enown detectives. ch, ny othe ular : Anion HOW-TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun-| No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER —Contain - deed interesting Pity ihwatrateds By Av Anderson. A ing useful information regarding {i Se Lagtern, Slides and otheie™ isighacae f : ‘ Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. Sy TO eres, gti OF ETIQUETTR.—It ANS 62. HOW = Pe eae 5 <a — 0. ARYS . e: = ee we be 5 i pat to know | CADET.—Containi n ; and etiquette ved methods of ap- theatre, church, and + ee «| itis, LAMATION. the course of instruction, 4 istorical sketch, AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS. torte Waite atatea Na Senarens, author of “How to “at as ons | FOR 5 CE New)

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Phu OC ex A IN DPD iaU0C kK CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. EVERY STORY COMPLETE BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS. 32 PAGES. LATEST ISSUES: Ned North, The Young Arctie Explorer; of the North eo By Berton Bertrew. i gas ,or, The Phantom Valley 2389 From Cabin to Cabinet; or, The Pluck of a Plowboy. By H. K. Shackleford. 340 Kit Carso Boys: or, With the Great Scout on His Last Trail. By An Ol@ Scout. 841 Driven to Sea; or, The Sailor's Secret. A Story of the Algerine Aorsairs. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 342 Twenty Loy Spies; or, The Secret Band of Dismal Hollow. A Story of the American Revolution. By Gen'l. Jas. A. Gordon. ess Dashing Hal, the Hero of the Ring. A Story of the Circus. By ¥ Berton Bertrew. ra 844 The Haunted Hut; or, The Ghosts of Rocky Gulch. By Allyn . Draper. 845 Dick Dashaway's School Days; or, The Boy Rebels of Kingan Col- lege. By Howard Austin. 846 Jack Lever, the Young Engineer of “Old Forty’; or, On Time with the Night Express. By Jas. C. Merritt. 847 Out With Peary; or, In Search of the North Pole. By Ber- ton Bertrew. 848 The Boy Prairie Courier; or, General Custer's Youngest Aide. A True Story of the Battle at Little Big Horn. By An Old Scout. y 849 Led Astray in New York; or, A Country Boy's Career in a Great City. A True ‘Temperance Story. By Jno. B. Dowd. 850 Sharpshooter Sam, the Yankee Boy Spy; or, Winning His Shoul- der Straps. Gen'l. Jas. A. Gordon. 851 Tom Train, the Boy Engineer of the Fast Express; or, Always at His Post. By Jas. C. Merritt. 352 be e4 Shese): or, The White Boy Slaves of the Soudan. By Allan rno. 853 Jack Izzard, the Yankee Middy. A Story of the War With Tri- poli. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 354 The Senator's Boy; or, The Early Struggles of a Great States- man. By H. K. Shackleford. 855 mee Gerson on a Mysterious Trail ; By Old Scout. 856 The atiee Eight Social Club; Me From Cider to Rum. A True ‘Temperance Se . Jno. Dowd. 357 be Bemis of the School ; or, The Boys of Bay Cliff. By Howard Austin 858 Out in the Streets; A Story of High and Low Life in New York. By N. Wood (The Young American Actor.) 359 Captain Rap The ous Leader of the Forlorn Ho tory of the Mexican War By Gen’l. Jas. A. Gor 360 "8"; or, The Ten Treasure Houses of the Tartar Kee “By Rich- ard R. Montgome =e. 361 Railroad Rob; or, e Train Wreckers of the West. By Jas. C. 362 A Milionatre at 18; or, The American Boy Croesus. By HW. K. Merritt 363 The je Seven White Bears; or, coma ag of Fate. A Story of Rus- } sia. Richard R. Monigome ~ 864 Shamus panne nomiegeens a Bega «= sae tage ie} en cv <n Birae and No.. Medes ces ee fy Towns Neath oj « el aje Re an ta per " ‘ wh ‘ ; <. f +