Pluck And Luck (no. 500) (1908 01 01)
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Issued Weekly—By ) per year. Hy November 7, 1898, by Frank Tousey. No. 500. NEW YORK, JANUARY 1, 1908. Price 5 Cents. SERN A 5 ¥ uals ‘ . : y h Billy reached inside and caught hold of the girl. She had fainted. He was strone and i; minute he had her across his shoulder and was slowly descending with Hen wid hurrahs went up from the astonished people below.
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LUCK AND LUCK Stories of Adventure. boa me 1, 1298 Congress, Washington, D. U., by Frank Tousey, Publisher, No. 500. NEW YORK, JANUARY 1, 1908. Entered as Second-Class Matter at.the New York, N. Y., Post Office, pens acco? is to act of C ongress, in the year 1907, in the cfice*of the Librarian of 24 Union Square, New York. PRICE 5 CENTS. The Boy Volunteers oR, The Boss Fire Company of the Town 7 1 By EX=FIRE-CHIEF WARDEN. . CHAPTER I. THE YOUTH AND THE COLL OF ROPE. A ery of fire! Clang, clang, clang! : The great fire-bell sent the alarm all over the town. The volunteer members of four fire companies, brave, manly fellows, threw down tools, yard-sticks and other implements of their calling, and ran toward different engine-houses at full Speed, In an almost incredibly short space of time four fire engines were dashing down the streets of the town of Salem in the direction of the fire. The scene of conflagration was in the center of the town, in the heart of the business portion. aluits building was a tall, frame structure of four stories. The lower part’ was used as a store; the upper floors held three happy families, who had resided there some two or three years, The fire began in the store, and made such rapid headway that no member of the families above could escape by the stairs. i When the fire Mckee arrived the ladders were run up immediately, and the work of rescuing the inmates began. But a frame building that had stood the heat of five sum- mers was like a pile of tinder. It burned like pine shavings, and in a very few minutes huge volumes of smoke were pouring out of every. window. ' The street below was filled with eager, excited people, who yelled advice to those in peril with a freedom and earnestness that was appalling. - On the top floor lived a family of the name of maine con-~ sisting of a man, wife and daughter. The latter was a beau- Pitti girl of sixteen, with sparkling black eyes, raven tresses, a and a face of remarkable beauty. Mr. Banning was away at work, Mrs. Banning had gone out shopping, leaving her daughter, Myrtis, alone in the rooms. Myrtis was fast asleep: when ne fire broke out, and knew t be AT eueneled She sprang up and ran to the door, to find the stairs in a sheet of flame. Then she ran to the erage ek and ped out at the street full of people below. | A great shout came up from a thousand throats. She was appalled at the danger that threatened her, “Save me! Save me!” she cried, reaching out both hands toward the people below. : A cry of sympathy came up in response to her appeal, and the brave firemen redoubled their efforts to reach her. The discovery was suddenly made that the ladders were too short to reach the window. A brave fireman ran up to the top of the ladder, but only to find himself ten feet below the window. A ery of horror went up. h “Jump!” called the stalwart fireman, reaching up toward her. But the peril was too great. She would not jump to cer- tain death. The peril increased every moment, In a couple of minutes more the flames would take her in their fiery embrace, and that would be the last of her. Suddenly a youth of nineteen was seen climbing a telegraph pole in front of the” burning building. He had a coil of rope hanging on his shoulder. The rapidity with which he ascended the tall pole caused hundreds of people to look in that direction for a moment. — He was recognized as Jack Nelson, one of the pluckiest : young fellows in Salem—a clerk in Burdock’s store. He was on his way to deliver the coil of rope to a customer when he was stopped by the fire. _ Up, up he climbed till he struck the wires—about a dozen ti number. : ; Then he straddled the dozen wires and pulled himself along — some ten feet from the pole, which brought him directly ace posite the window of Myrtis Banning. Every eye in the crowd below was now centered on hit es; ' He uncoiled the rope he carried on his shoulder, Then tied a knot in one end. and hanes. out to meres ca
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' The girl had recognized him, and clutched at the rope with the frantic energy of the last hope. “Tie it round your waist!” cried Jack. She obeyed him promptlyy and in another minute the knot- ted end of the rope was tied securely around the slender, waist. “Now throw yourself out!” he cried. f - “Oh, Jack, I can’t!” “But you will have to,” -he said. all right.” » “But if I should fall!” “You won’t fall. I’ve got hold of this end. up.” , The girl looked down and shuddered. She dreaded to swing so high over the heads of the people, _taking the chances of escaping a fall. “Jump, or I’ll pull you out!” called Jack, pulling on the rope. , Of the thousands below not a voice was raised. A terrible suspense had settled upon the multitude. “Oh, Jack!” she cried, not daring to make the leap. But the flames drove her to climb out of the window, and the next moment Jack gave the rope a jerk. A piercing scream burst from her lips, and the next mo- ment she was swinging in the air thirty feet, above the heads Per Ob the firemen, and some ten feet below the telegraph wires. The combined weight of the two told heavily on, the wires Si but brave Jack straddled them tenaciously, and held on Ne the rope like grim death. Myrtis screamed with terror. The people shouted, and Jack Maen her steadily, though she was a heayy load for him to “You'll then swing down I'll hold you : Just then Mrs, Banning came upon the scene, and yaisea a ? tremendous excitement by trying to get into the burning ‘building. She did not recognize the girl in the air as her daughter, and as two stalwart firemen held her back she continually eried out: nine “My child! My child! Oh, let me save her!” “She is safe!” said one of the firemen. But she was too frantie to under stand what was said to her. By degrees Myrtis was lowered to the ground amid the wildest cheering ever heard, / ‘ The people went mad in their joyous enthusiasm over the ~ wonderful escape of. the beautiful young girl But when she reached the earth and was clasped in the arms}. of her parents, people cried and thanked God for the brave boy on the telegraph wires. , “God bless you, Jack!” came up to him from a thousand ', throats, and when he desecended the pole the crowd took him on their shoulders and carried him around the block in tri- umph, shouting and swinging their hats in the air. Jack was the hero of the hour, and he bore the honors like the brave, modest lad he was. But he did not like being carried around on nien’s shoulders that way, and so he asked them to let him down. Instead of doing so they carried him on their shoulders to the store where he was employed, and gave him an ovation such as _ would have warmed the heart of the Governor of the State. : “What's the meaning of this?” Mr. Burdock asked, running to the door of the store and staring at the crowd, He was soon. told\the story, and then he felt like hugging the brave boy, for he was a warm-hearted, generous man. Grasping Jack’s hand, he wrung it warmly, saying: “Jack, my boy, I am proud of you!” Fel lost the rope, sir,” sald Jack. “They grabhied me the sf arden I came down the pole, and eS. _ “Never mind ‘the rope, Jack, sf se the merchant. Weil THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. Jack’s friends, and Jack expr getting names. ce had pee to 1 send another one to Mr. Meadows. I am glad enough to give a rope to save a human life. Did the girl get hurt?” “No, sir,” replied a dozen at once. “Any lives lost?” “Not one.” “That’s good news. How did the fire begin?” he “Don’t know,” came from a score. “The whole ‘building is gone.” The brave firemen worked hard to save the other buildings in the block, and not till two other houses went down did they succeed in checking the conflagration. CHAPTER II. , A. GALLANT RESCUE. it The daring exploit of young Jack Nelson in rescuing Myrtis — Banning from certain death was the theme of conversation _ i in Salem for many days thereafter. He had been a silent admirer of Myrtis for months, but had not pressed his attentions upon her for the reason that he” be- lieved she had a liking for a young dude—the son. of ai rich merchant, 4 But his exploit had knocked out the dude coeninlaeee ‘She. ve would talk about nothing else but Jack, until the dude was — sick og the very name. NaS : fa oe She went to Burdock’s store two ;days after the fire to see” and thank him for saving her life.’ Two ladies seni her. \ “I want ‘to thank you for saying my life, Jack,” she said, ei tending her hand to him,. “I owe you my life—a debt of lifetime.” APD a area “Don’t mention, it, Myrtis,* “tip peblied, “T only did what others tried to do. I’am glad you escaped hates" but. ae you lost all your things.” Ne “Oh, we don’t mind that,” she said. “We are so glad thf I escaped that papa and mamma say they don’t mind anything > ee lost. .Papa secured a floor to-day, and mamma is buying the furniture and ister oa You will come and see us, will yo not?” th ,“Oh, yes, if you. wit like to have me doh 80; ” he ‘re pitted Ai ““Of course I would’ like to have you call. 1 always steed Si you, Jack,” ry Jack blushed like a girl, and said he would be sure to. sak. Strange to say, nearly every fireman in the four compantes took offense at the fulsome praise showered on. vOune eee who was not a fireman. : ee When the fire companies were organized no “one “unt twenty-one years of age was allowed tt join. Jack was by nineteen when he distinguished himself by Baad Ba ee as hence could not be a ue eman. ; At faa ‘some of the fireme companions could have an engine and company of - thelt hd clei a sib nae Jack,* said Myrtis, “ and vm gine for’ you. “i: - That started the young hero. tae He went round among the boys of evenings. with A paper At the end of a week he had ha years on his list, ‘They had all watched the
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I THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. \ 3 ‘True to her promise, Myrtis sought the prominent mer- chants and begged them to buy an engine for the boys. They took hold with & hearty good will, and in a month’s time the engine was bought and paid for, together with a hook and ladder truck—all complete. : Then the city council took action in the matter, and gave them an engine house, where the boys met and adopted a uni- form and a name for their company. Their uniform was to be black trousers and red shirt and fireman’s hat, with white leather belt, and for a name they agreed to call themselves The Salem Boys’ Fire Company. Jack Nelson was made foreman, and he lost no time in’ put- ting the boys through a drill that promised them a future they would have reason to be proud of. They met every evening at their engine house to make themselves perfect in everything pertaining to their duties, and were laughed at by the other firemen, who threatened to Squirt water on ’em if they got in their way at a fire. At last Jack notified the mayor that at the next alarm of fire the Salem Boys would be on hand to help in the work of ‘saving life and property. zs A week later the aldrm came, and every taade a dash for the engine houses. ij The fire was on one of the main business streets, in a large building four stories high, and to the surprise of all the other firemen, the Salem Boys were the first to reach it. They had, a ladder up and a stream of water going when the first of the dther companies came up. The chief of the fire department came up and gazed at the boys for a few, minutes, and then said: “They do as well as the others.” / “They are in our way,” said Foreman Hutehing, of Salem No. 8, to the chief. “Don’t you get in their way,” the chief replied. “They are the first on the ground,sand are doing good service. Look there! They are taking the girls out of the third-story.win- dows! Up with your ladders and help them!” No, 3 had to obey the chief, and in, another minute they were doing their best to save the girls. Suddenly a girl appeared at a window on the top floor and shrieked for help. There was no ladder on the ground that could reach above the third story. mie cry of horror burst from the erowd below, for the idea of a young girl burning to death in the sight of those who are ‘trying to save her, is absolutely revolting to men of even brutal instincts. _ “What shall we do?” the foreman of -No. 3 asked the fire chief. “Our ladders can’t reach her, and nobody can enter the building.” , ' Before the chief could make any reply, Jack Nelson seized a short ladder and ran up the long one with it. Everybody stared. at him in amazement. The young girl had fallen back from the senso haying been overcome by “terror and smoke. But the young hero never faltered for a apne: He reach- ed the top of the long ladder, braced himself firmly, and then balanced the shorter one on his shoulders, thus making it reach to within a couple of feet of the upper window. — ‘Then the crowd below saw his object, and the chief of the fire department was the first to applaud him. Billy Malone, a. small, wiry, little fellow, climbed upon eman in town - Jack's shouders and crept up the shorter ladder, amid the di breathless. suspense of the crowd Daley and aa roaring of the flames in the building, Reaching. the RGN, Billy, reached inside and caught ota He was strong, and in another minute he had her ACTOsS his shoulder and was slowly descending with her. Wild hurrahs went up from the astonished people below. ‘Their shouts fairly shook the buildings around But when he reached Jack Nelson’s shoulders, and handed the girl down to him, who could use but one hand to aid him, the cheers went up like the roar of the ocean in a storm. The terrible strain on Jack caused him to let the ladder fall ° when the daring young fireman climbed down off his shoul- ders, and it went crashing below, narrowly missing one of the firemen of No. 3, But Billy carried the young girl thie: down the long lad-— der, and Jack followed, ready to drop from sheer fatigue. The wild enthusiasm of the crowd broke out anew, and Jack . : ¢ and Billy were the ‘only names that could be heard. — Both boys were seized by the boisterous mob, and hoisted on stalwart shoulders. “Let us down, fellows!” cried Jack, yet! ” “You’vye done enough to-day, my boy,” cried a is re aes: man in the crowd,’ Jack raised his pb to his Hips and called out, boys: : “We aia work to do “Salem Boys, do ak duty, Keep up a steady Sisamt ig “All right, Jack!” they responded, “Now let me down, fellows,” he asked: againyturning to the men who had him and Billy Malone on Hey, alienlders. i But they would not. “Turn the water on) here,” he called eae the trumpet to the Salem Boys, and in another moment the stream of water was ecdchs on the crowd, wetting Jack and Billy with the rest. It caused a lively stampede, and the two young peste were dropped with haste, and allowed to go back to the post of duty. The fire was prevented from spreading, but the building was entirely destroyed where it started. Yet the water was kept going as long aS a spark of fire remained, and then, when G water controlled the premises, they took their ‘departure pa {returned to their quarters, CHAPTER Ii. OLD MAG MULLINS’ MUTTERINGS, | The next morning the papers were full of accounts of the fire. Everybody was eager to get all the news, and so ovaly. copy printed had a reader. One paper said the Salem Boys’ Fire Conipany was the first on the ground, threw the first stream of water, put up the first ladder, and rescued the first person saved. Then fol- lowed a graphic description of Jack and Billy’s daring rescue of the young work girl from the top Hoot, ending with the sentence: “The Salem’ Boys’ Company is the boss fire COMIDAnY. of the town.” = po Of course, that made our young heroes glad; and the older firemen mad, and a bad feeling at once arose between the boys _ and the other four companies. The chief of the fire department tried hard - ee the il, feeling, but could not do so. The entire force was voluntary ‘in. character and service, and hence the men exercised more or less independence in their individual capacities. = - Some threatened to resign if any more individual compart- ‘sons were made in the press. But many others said nothing, cS ‘though they! did not like the appearance of the nimble-footed tboys in the ee Raparisaent of the iis * 1533 pees
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4 . THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. To add to the disgust of the older firemen, all the young ladies in the town began to extol the Salem Boys as young heroes, and wore their colors on all occasions. “T's aberaze,” said an old fireman, very philosophically, one day, “which nothing can stop till it has run its course. It’s the fashion just now, but it won’t last long,” and he knocked the ashes from his pipe and went about his business with an air of heroic resignation. But the younger firemen were not so philosophical in their view of the case. They believed that a conspiracy had been formed among the boys and their friends to monopolize the honors of the service, Said one in his anger: Al believe that they had notice of that fire at least five minutes before we did, which shows that there is some kind of conspiracy against us. The idea that a pack of boys can do better and quicker work than as many grown men can is ‘utterly absurd!” “Yes, that’s so,” said another. “I am going to watch ’em hereafter. Jack Nelson is a brave fellow, and I have always been his friend. But if he wants to find out what we really , Can do, he can be satisfied so quickly as to make his head swim.” “Tf people knew as much about Jack as I do,” remarked an- other fireman, shaking his head elgnibenatlys “they wouldn’t think him much of a hero.” “What do you know?” three or four asked at once. “T know enough, said the man, shaking his, head, “and if Jack doesn’t subside a little I'll give him dead away, and lay him out so completely that all the water his boys could throw on him couldn’t clean him,” That was meat to the envious ones of the older firemen, and in less than a week every member of the four: companies had heard that one of their number was in possession of facts that affected the character of Jack Nelson, the foreman of the Sa- lem Boys’ Fire Company. y “What the deuce is it you. know, Tom?” one of the etter firemen asked. “IT know enough and yet don’t know half,” and Tom Bussy shook his head significantly as he spoke. _ “Well, why in thunder don’t you tell us what you do know, and let us find out the rest?” queried Jim Hicks. Tom loaked at his brother fireman in silence for a minute or two, and then shook his head, saying: “One had better be careful how he talks nowadays. I don’t want to get ‘into any, trouble by talking avout other people. Tl tell you all about it some other time.” “When will that some other time be, Tom?” Jim shed! “Oh, to-night, maybe,” and he looked around at a young man who was standing not far off, of whom he appeared: to be suspicious, The young man Went away on finding himself regarded sus- piciously, and then Tom said: “Old Mag Mullins, down in Jackson’s Lane, can tell you all about it, She has known all about him ever since he was born.” : ° “Ah, she’ll tell us, will she?” ; _“Reekon she will. I’ve heard her say a good deal myself.” “She’s very old, isn’t she?” “Yes—seventy-five, at least.” _ “And she knows all about Jack?” “Lord, yes. She hints at mysterious murder and all that sort of thing.” : : “Good Heavens!” gasped Jim Hicks. “We must look intoj this thing, boys. We are all firemen, you know, and have a pride in keeping disreputable characters Tas of eg fire de- /partm: nt.” % They did it all in Mayfield, \have the property. Ob, “Yes, that’s so,” said Tom, nodding his head to the others, “and I'll see if we can’t have a talk with the old woman.” -“Let’s see her as soon as possible. The young villain is brave and reckless, and just the sort of fellow to captivate everybody with exploits that challenge admiration. But if he is a villain of a blackened reputation the people ought to know it, and the sooner they do the better.” The other three agreed with him, and so it was arranged that Tom and Jim were to call on old Mag Mullins that night, - at a little old frame house down in Jackson Lane, where she lived with a married grand-daughter. Tom was the only one who was acquainted with the old lady—and he made her acquaintance through her grand- daughter’s husband, Ed Slaughter, a shopmate of his. i That evening Slaughter was surprised at receiving a visit from Tom Bussy and Jim Hicks. He knew Hicks by ce but had never been introduced to him. Of course, Ed had to make it pleasant for his visitors, me the usual custom was resorted to. He sent for a pitcher of beer, and then they sat around a table and drank and talked, Mrs. Slaugh r was a lively, bustling young woman, who: liked fun as mich as anybody did, and so she and her hus- band succeeded in making it pleasant for ‘the two visitors. The old lady sat in a corner peering into the fire, as if long- forgotten memories flitted in and out among the glowing — coals, She seemed to take not the least interest in the con- versation going on round the table, Sp In her hands she held a half-knitted stocking, while a pall i of worsted rested in her lap. Suddenly she heard Hd say: “Yes, Jack Nelson ig.a brave fellow, and no mistake. He don’t seem to care any more for fire than a salamander does.” ~ “That's so,” said Hicks, “I never saw such a fellow for Robtlapanelia Why, I wouldn’t think of doing the things that he does for all the wealth of Salem.” | ptt “Ah, Jack is a wild boy!” said the old lady, “an’ when he © comes to have his accounts settled he’ll be in a bad way. ‘Yes,. rah in a bad way—a bad way,” and the old lady shook her head, and gazed into the fire as earnestly as if she had been speak-— : ing to the coals, instead of the people around the table. “Why, what has Jack done that is so bad, Aunt Mag?” Tom Bussy asked, turning to the old lady, ne “Oh, never mind grandma,” sald Mrs, Slaughter, In a qwhis- ss per. . “Bad enough,” said the old lady. “When the grave gives up. : its dead the whole truth will be known, and justice will be a done then if not before. Yes, it will be done then, Oh, the x blood! The sin—the crime of that awful night. Yes, and they 38 say Jack is now a bold fireman, Well—well—he’ll have fire enough after awhile, and he can’t put it out, either. a) sh s ha—he’ll be fooled, then! He can’t put it out!” Tom and Jim stared at each other in blank asleghaneeead “What does she mean, Hd?” Tom Bussy asked, turning to Slaughter. ; ls “Oh, she talks that way every time she hears Jack’s name mentioned, but won't tell us all she means. i : : “Does she know Jack?” Wisk _ *T guess she does. She came from whew Jack was er a nnd reared.” ’ “Where is that?” “Mayfield.” u Hh eae ed “Oh, he came from Mayfield?” SONAL, “Yes, ” : " J oot “Well, we didn’t know that, 4 “Yes, in Mayfield,” continued ne old woman.
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS.. | Bj wrongdoers in the next world when it fails in this one. Jack Nelson ought to be in the blackest dungeon in this world in- stead of running to fires, and——” Something struck the side of the house with the force of a cannon ball, shaking it from floor to roof. The women screamed, and the men ran out to see what caused it. CHAPTER IY. THE TONGUE OF SLANDER, Out on the street the three men ran up and down the block in quest of the one who had thrown the stone—for such it proved to be—against the side of the house. But they failed to find a single soul anywhere on the block. “It’s very strange,” said Ed. “I never knew that to hap- pen before. Just look at the size of that stone, will you?” and he pointed to a stone which the flickering light from the gas-lamp across the street revealed to him at his feet. Tom picked up the stone. “Why, it weighs at least ten pounds!” he exclaimed. ~ Jim took it in his hands and held it out as if to guess its weight. “Yes, all of that,” he said, “and it was thrown, by a mighty strong arm, too.” “ “Of course it was. No boy could hurl a stone of that sue A little more force would have sent it through the house. I ‘am a poor man, but I will give ten dollars to’ ‘know the man who threw it.” ; “T’d give five,” said Tom. “So would I,” added Jim. “I’d like to drop it on his head.” Ed took the stone and carried it in the house. Tom and Jim followed him, They sat down to the table. The rock was laid on the table by the pitcher of beer, in which there was one more round of drinks. The old woman sat looking in the fire, whiter than they had every seen her before, She did not seem even to hear what the others were saying, , 80 intent was she in watching the little coals in the grate. “Wor were saying something about Jack Nelson, Aunt Mag,” Said Tom, offering her a glass of beer from the pitcher. She never noticed the remark or the glass of beer, but gazed ' steadily at the fire. “What-about Jack, Aunt “Mag?” Tom Baud, nudging her with his elbow. — “Huh?” she answered, looking around at him, _ “Have a glass of beer?” | She took the glass. | ‘ But her hand trembled with the weakness of old age as she bore it to her lips. When she had swallowed the contents of oe glass, Tom reached over and took it from her hand. , “What were you saying about Jack, Aunt ie he asked, “ Huh?” 4, “What were you saying about Jack Aunt Mag?” “Huh?” “Tg she deaf?” Tom asked of Ed, "ah a whisper. “Not very much,” replied Ed. “I guess the shock of that - stone against the side of the house has rather upset. her. I _ Would not ask her any more about it to-night.” — “Jack is in‘everybody’s mouth just now,” put in Hicks, “and Ruse ehinees conttected with him is of interest, es pane is \ | looking sideways at her. n| calendar before he came to Salem, ve Tom made several efforts to make the old woman talk again, but all im vain. — She would not understand anything 6 said, seeming to be like one mesmerized, or under some kind of overpowering infiu- ence which rendered her incapable of comprehending anything said to her in reference to Jack Nelson, “T never saw her exactly in that mood before,” said Ed, “She seems to be laboring under some kind of a spell.” “Is she excited?” “She doesn’t seem to be.” “Grandma,” said Mrs. Slaughter, “it’s ten o'clock, “Huh?” “It’s. ten o’clock—your bedtime, you know.” The old woman arose, and, leaning heavily on a cane, fol- lowed her granddaughter out of the room, leaving the three men together at the table. “T’d liké to know who threw that stone,“ remarked Ed. * The others were far more interested in knowing what the old lady knew about Jack. But Ed did not suspect the motive of the visit, and so he continued to talk about everything else but Jack, to their — infinite disgust. / At last they came away, promising to come around some other evening and have a quiet, social game of ecards with Ed and his wife, They walked a couple of blocks after leaving the cottage ere they uttered a word about. the object of their visit. “Tom,” said Hicks, “that old woman holds a mysterious crime locked up in her memory as sure as fate.” “Just what I was thinking,” replied Tom, “and I think we would have gotten hold of some of it if that stone hadn’t struck @s it did.” “No doubt of it. I’d like to drop that stone on the fellow’s head who threw it.” “So would I. That old woman must give us that secret. If I could get her to drink about three or four glasses of beer I think her tongue would be loose enough to tell all she knows. There’s a murder somewhere in all that mystery. That’s something I didn’t think of Jack, though.” “I say, Tom, how old is Jack?” “About nineteen or twenty, I should say.” _ “Wow long has he been in Salem?” “Some two or three years.” “Where do his parents live?” ; ‘ “I don’t know whether they live anyWhere—think they are dead,” “Well, we know enough to set us on ihe track of Nelson. That there is something behind all this that will lay him out ‘as thin as boarding-house butter on bread I’d bet my last nickel.” “So' would I,” remarked the other, “but I would like to know just what it is.” “Yes, of course,” They were both at their ERT the next night, where the firemen had a thousand questions to ask them about what they had learned of Jack. It did not take them long to tell all they had heard.. But that was enough to make mischief sufficient for an i iene lifetime. i Every fireman who took an interest in the dirty work told what he had heaftd in his own way, each one adding a litile ‘embellishment of the warmth and color of his own fancy. The result was that it was whispered all over Salem in’ a few days that Jack Nelson was guilty of all the crimes in the _ Somebody: ‘i Myety ss thet Jack had been slags fl
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q.. up in a horrible murder two or three years ago in another town. It was a young man—a member of one of the old fire com- panies—who told her the story. “IT don’t believe it,” she said. “Nor do you believe it.” “I don’t know anything about it,” said the young man, shrugging his shoulders. “But you repeat it to his injury.” “People ought to know if it is true.” “But you repeat it without knowing whether it is true or not,” “Oh, if he is innocent it.can’t hurt him.” “Well, I shall tell him what you have said, and then tell you what he says. Then I shall watch to see if you will repeat his version or repeat the one you have just told me.” “Oh, I didn’t mean to do him any injury,” said the young man, “You didn’t?” ) ie 6 “No. ” “Well, that’s strange. You have not said a good word about him this evening, and yet. told a story which, if true, would ruin him forever.” The young man went-away very sorry that he had made the ‘mistake, of repeating the story to Myrtis. Two evenings later Jack called on Myrtis at her invitation, and heard the story for the first time. He was astounded, ' “That is going too far,” he said. it up to the fountain head.” “You won’t get into a fight about it, will you?” she set “J don’t know. That depends up6n how I am trgated when I ask about the story. Til tackle Henry Wildey, your inform- » ant, first, and make him tell me where he got the stogy.” He lost no time in hunting up Wildey. Both of them were clerks in the same block. But Wildey was of the dude order, being the son of a very - aristocratic widow of Salem. It was about noon the next day when Jack met Wildey in _the street in front of the store where he was employed. “I say, Wildey,” he said, “will you be kind enough io give me the name of the one who told you the story you repeated to Myrtis Banning the other night?” “No, I cannot.” “Why not?” 7 ; “Because it was told to me by a friend.” “But your friend injured me by telling the story.” “Not much. He only told me.” , “Oh, I suppose I could not be injured with you. But you will give me his name or take a thrashing right here. ” “T shall see if I cant trace “What! Do you dare to——” ' “Oh, yes. Will you give me the name?” “No,” “a The word had scarcely passed young Wildey’s lips when ' Jack knocked him down by a blow between the eyes, People at once ran forward to see a fight. Wildey scrambled to his feet and put: up his fists. one he went again. {ip he came and faced Jack once more. Jack gave him a couple of blows next ites that caused him to prefer to lie down than get up. By this time a “aprons officer came along and arrested both ‘of them. They were followed to the station house, where bail was promptly given for both of them, and then they went their respective ways. The news of the fight soon Biker: and that evening nothing -THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. “| through it, and disappeared from sight. else was talked of in the five fire engine houses of Salem. __ f CHAPTER YV., ANOTHER RESCUE. Henry Wildey was badly bruised about the face—so much so that he bore the marks of the sturdy blows of the young fireman for over a week. On the other hand, Jack had not received a blow. “ He was as chipper as a bird, and shook hands with all the young firemen who called to congratulate him. The magistrate, when he heard Jack’s side of the story, which, Wildey himself did not deny, dismissed the case with the remark that Wildey only got what he deserved. But the story went flying in every direction, and every time it was repeated it assumed worse forms than éyer. i Many people there were who believed pevnuse they heard 30° f much of it. “es “If there was no truth in it there would not be so much of © it,” said one man. “I never saw much smoke in the air with- out being able to find some fire if I looked for it.” One day Jack received a very clear cut from one with whom he had been quite friendly, and it cut him to the quick. A day or two later he saw that a couple of girls seemed like, : icebergs when he approached them. a “Good Lord!” he said to himself. “There is a conspiracy to ruin me at work among those firemen, and I can’t find out who ~ they are. I am going to put a card in the papers, asking that. a somebody make a charge against me in writing, so that I oan. A= meet the slander and put it to rest.” E., He did so, but nobody seemed to care to come forward as decuser, and so the work of mischief went on and on. | One afternoon the alarm bell rang out, calling the firemen to the rescue, and every man of them sprang forward in tens sponse to the ,call. It was a terrible race between No. 3 and the Salem Boys. as” to which company should.reach the fire first, The boys were more nimble-footed, and -Feached the fire © about one minute ahead of the others. rf They also put on the first stream of water and run up the MS first ladder. The building was soon wrapped in a sheet of flame, and. several persons narrowly escaped death by burning. Jack brought down a child that had been left asleey- im one a of the rooms. : “Uncle. John is in his room!” screamed a woman. “He is sick and can’t get out!” } = ee Jack waited to hear no more. 4 He sprang up the ladder, climbed through the window in the face of a dense black column of smoke that was pouring NG t + V4 An awful suspense followed, and the people held their | breath, as if to breathe would increase the terrible | danger ; that threatened the young fireman. The minutes seemed like hours to the Salem Boys, who. trembled for their young leader, Suddenly a yell of: “There he is!” burst from the crowd. The next moment he was seen at the window with the form of the sick man enveloped in a blanket so thoroughly ‘that nothing of him was seen. Jack came out of the window feet foremost, and caught th ladder with his left hand. ‘moment. eee Jack See to
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. up to his assistance. But he never let go of his burden till he reached the ground, when another roar like the ocean burst from the multitude. Oid John Harper was a very rich and very eccentric old bachelor, who lived with a married niece in the house that was consumed, He had been a confirmed invalid for many months, but like all very rich men hung on to life longer than his heirs liked to see, When he was delivered to,friends at the foot of the ladder he was unharmed, save being nearly frightened to death. He was carried to the hotel, and eared for just as any other rich Man would be under such circumstances, while the _ crowd gathered the young hero up on their shoulders and car- | chief. : “stories in circulation, f ried him in triumph up and down the street. ' The rescue of old John Harper had the effect that was but natural under the circumstances. : The people were unsparing in their praise of the heroic young fireman. All the papers gave him. the same praise that had been ‘given on former occasions., The other firemen did their whole duty at this fire, but it seemed as if young Nelson selected the most daring and: dan- gerous feats to perform himself. Tom Bussy met the chief of the fire department, and said: “Jack carried off the honors again to-day.” “Yes. He is a little too quick for you fellows,” replied the “T don’t understand it.” “Well, I do.” MET OW. ASAT Rs 5 ; . ’ “Very easy.” “How?” - “While you fellows are thinking about doing a thing he goes to work to do it. That’s the whole thing in a nutshell.” “He seems to have been born lucky,” remarked Tom. “Lucky! It’s pluck and energy,” said the chief, “I’m not sure of that. I say, have you heard the stories they tell about him?” “Oh, yes, everybody has heard them.” “What do you think?” “Oh, JT don’t believe them—that’s all.” “ow did such things get started?” “Some liar may have said something in a joke, and all the fools and gossips in town repeated it.”’ Tom winced, but said: “He ought to set himself right before the public.” “Hasn't he denied every one of the BLOEL en 4 “ Yes. w “Well, what more can he do?” Tom didn’t, know.” Half way down he was met by two of his boys, who Camel When they called they found Ed and his wife waiting £ for them, ready to have a jolly time of it. They played cards, drank beer, and laughed and chatted with the utmost good humor, Every time they drank as they asked old Aunt Mag to have some. The old lady was not averse to having a glass or-two, and ins the course of an hour or so Tom Bussy had succeeded in oe suading her to drink three or four glasses. - Then they began talking about Jack’s rescue of old John Harper, from the burning pbuilding only a day or two previous. | At the first mention of, the name the old hag ia cate up her’ ears and listened. : “So he has been at another fire, has he?” “Yes, grandma,” said Ed, “and ‘he came near being ‘burned up, too.” “Well—well, he’ll burn after awhile. Jack iaisda can’t es- cape the last fire that never goes out. When the dead shall | arise to tell their story, then he’ll go into everlasting fire! Fire is too good for such as he.” “What did he do, Aunt Mag?” Tom asked. ; “Do! What did Jack do? Let the dead speak and you would know all.” nf “But the dead can’t speak.” nih “No, more’s the pity,” and she looked at the glowing em- bers again as if to refresh her memory of the past. “What did he do?” “What did he do? Why, the deepest, blackest crime that ever mortal man heard of. BE Bang! The house shot and the old lady ‘leaidel back in her chair almost paralyzed with terror, while the four men sprang up and ran into the street. As they reached the street another stone came, which struck ! | Tom Bussy on the head and sent him rolling in the dust. CHAPTER ‘VI. A FIREMAN WITH A BROKEN HEAD, The stone struck Bussy with such force that not only the other three heard, but Mrs. Slaughter also, in the house, She gave a shudder, believing that someone had been killed. . The other three saw him fall, and looked wildly around for a glimpse of his assailant. But, as in the first case, no One was seen on either side of the street. Two stones which had been thrown lay on the ground. The one which struck down Tom Bussy was scarcely half. the size of the one that had bombarded the side of the house. Yet it was as large as an ordinary cocoanut, and Hannes sev- ; “T think we ought to get a permit to kill a few who keep the] eyay pounds. That would put a stop to it.” “Tom is hurt!” exclaimed pe as Tom fell ‘gayi to the. es don’ t know that it would,” and Tom laughed as he turned | sound, away, | Tn ten minutes he met Henry Wildey, and whispered: Wildey turned also, but Ed Slaughter drew a revolver, which he had carried ever since the night the first stone was thrown, “Henry, you have money enough to spend for revenge; I| and ram up the street in quest of the unknown assailant. ~ , have not. Come with me and I'll put you in the way of get- ting satisfaction for your defeat.” \ Wildey went with him in quest of Jim Hicks, and in half an hour the three young firemen were in Tom’s bachelor apart- ments talking over the random mutterings of old Mag Mullins. ick want. to hear her,” said Henry, “and see what she says.” ; “Let's go down there. to-night, then?” suggested Hicks. She? Mrs. Slaughter rushed out of the’ HOWE and ‘asked: ’ “Who is hurt?” |) - ae “Bussy,” replied Hicks. _ “Where’s Ed?”) ; ix “He ran off up the street.” 7 “Goodness! He'll be killed!” . ire “There’s nobody there,” said Hicks, and ibn: he knelt by oh It was agreed 40, and Tom sent word to Ed Slaughter’s wife | the Poe of Tom and trfea to” arouse ae
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. Wildey assisted him, and in a couple of minutes more Tom was lying on a lounge in the house, still unconscious from the blow on the head. “Where’s Ed?” Mrs. Slaughter asked again, an uneasy feei- ing tugging at her heart, “He ran off up the street when Tom was hit, to see if he could find out the one who threw the iene replied Wildey, who was as uneasy as she was, A moment later Hd came back, saying, as he entered the ‘door: “J couldn’t find a living soul anywhere about the corner. How is Tom?—is he much hurt?” “JT am afraid he is,” answered Jim. “He was hit on the head, Just see how he bleeds, and he is still unconscious.” “T guess I better go for the doctor,” said Hd, turning to- ward the door again. “No, no,” said his wife, bounding toward him. not go alone.” “T’ll_ go with him,” said Wildey. “Yes, go with him, Wildey,” urged Hicks, “for then his wife will not be uneasy while he is away.” The two men passed out together, and Tom, Bussy was left in charge of his friend and fellow-fireman, still in an uncon- scious condition. The doctor came back with them; and in a moment saw what the trouble was. It was a severe case. A portion of the skull had been broken, and pressed down on the brain. He went back to his office for hig surgical instruments, and when he returned he was accompanied by another. physician. Together they trepannedghim—lifting the pressure from the brain—and instantly Tom became conscious. “Where is the rascal! ” he called out, in clear, determined ‘tones. “He got away, Tom,” said Hicks, “What's the matter with my head?” “Keep. quiet,” said the doctor, holding a hand firmly on his shoulder. “You have been very badly hurt.” Tom looked up at him as if not fully Sarg sn him, and asked: “Who are you?” “T am Dr. Kingsley.” “Ah! Yes. What hit me?” “You must keep quiet, sir,” said the doctor again, and then, _ turning to Ed, asked: “Where does he live?” “Up on Gould street. meals out.” “Then he ought to go to a hospital where he can receive proper attention, unless you can give it to him here.” - After some consultation over the matter it was decided to leave it to Tom to say-which he preferred. “T’ll go to the hospital,” he said. “Hd can’t afford to have anyone sick in his house.” “You are welcome for all that, Tom,” said ia, “Yes, but I won’t impose on you that way.” ‘So an ambulance was sent for, and Tom was carried away to the hospital. ' When the ambulance was driven off Bd ‘Slaughter said to Jim Hicks: csi ; } “Wait a moment. I want to see you about this thing.” “Shall Wildey wait, too?” Hicks asked, seeing that the other was about to leave, f ' “Yes, of course.” ty “They went into the As inser wit by themselves, where Ed ‘turned to Hicks and remarked: “There’s a tee about this thing which. I want diaaned te up. bas mn Hicks was. astonistied._ Che “You must He has a room there, and takes his 5 Z “T don’t understand it myself, and I'd like to see it cleared up,” he replied, “IT think you know something about it, and I want an ex- planation,” “What in blazes do you mean?” “I mean just what I say.” “Tf you will tell me why you think I know something about it I may be able to catch on to what you mean.” “Now, look here, Hicks. You and Bussy came here the oth- er night, and we talked about many things thal none of us knew nothing about. But as soon as ‘you or Tom, began ‘to quiz the old woman about Jack Nelson a big stone struck the house. To-night the same thing happened while’ you were quizzing her. Now, what I want to know is this: Does this thing have any connection with the story you fellows are try- ing to get from the old woman?” “T’m blest if I know,” replied Jim. “All I nae about it is this—that Tom said she knew something bad about Jack which we wanted to get hold of. As to who threw the stones I know no more than you do.” “Then you fellows are trying to worm a secret out of the. old woman, are you?” “We were trying to get her to tell us,” answered Hicks, in a confessional sort of way. “Why didn’t you tell me what you wanted to do?” ey “Oh, we thought she would tell the whole of it if she hai's a chance to do so,” ee “Well, I don’t think you have acted like gentlemen in the : matter at all, and I am only sorry all three of you did not fare alike. If you had told me what you wanted to find out I might have been able to persuade the old woman to tell all she knew.” bs 29 “JT didn’t know but what you understood. the whole thing,” aA said Wildey, “or I would not have called, being an ee stranger to you.” “Yes, yes, it’s all right as far as you are concerned, is said Hd. "F “IT thought that you and Tom had talked the matier over. before we came,” remarked Hicks, as Hd looked inquiringly at him, “So the blame rests upon Tom, then,” said Ea, after’ a pause. “Well, he is punished enough for doing as he did, and I shall not say any more about it. But I want this thing to stOperight. sy here.. My wife’s grandmother is very old and childish, and talks a great.deal in her way. I shall tell her to keep her. mouth shut about Jack Nelson, or she’ll get us all into Diba ble.” HS Hicks and Wildey could not say anything to that, as Ree would not go so far as to tell him that they were trying. to. destroy the good name of Jack Nelson. f They finally took leave of Slaughter and his wife, and went — back to their quarters, thinking all the way that their errand | had resulted in a miserable failure, , “But the old woman knows of a black crime in which Neteda! was engaged, that’s certain,” remarked Hicks. Gee “No doubt of that,” assented Wildey. “But how do you ac ms count for those stones pay etirogn just in time to break off” her story?” : “Oh, I don’t try to account for it, I just atmaply can’t do ft. I am all broke up over it.” Ar “Well, I am going to get that story oat of her if it costs: m one thousand dollars.” J “The deuce you say!” - “Yes, I don’t intend to let ity, dios: ihisies “She tell it to somebody, and T fact going to hire pomee Jit out of her.” : : Fier eat it be done * Merri aS pet
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¢ THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. 9° “TI think so. Some old woman can get it out of her. I know one who can work it.” “Better get one of her neighbors, for then nothing will be suspected.” 1 “Do you know one?” “Yes,” “Go and see her, and give her one hundred dollars to get the secret out of her,” “Will you pay’ that much?” “Yes—cheerfully.” “Then I will see her to-morrow night.” “Don’t let the Slaughters know—they may suspect some- thing wrong.” “All right—I’ll keep dark.” CHAPTER VII. THE FEMALE SPY. The fact that Tom Bussy was in the hospital with a broken head was soon known to every fireman in Salem. He be- longed to No, 8, and a score of the members of that company called on him during the day. In the evening nearly the entire company visited him. The } surgeons in charge were forced to refuse admittance to all ' save one or two friends whom he had asked to see. The police investigated the matter, and utterly failed to find any clew to who threw the stones, : Slaughter said that he had no cause to suspect anyone, and, therefore, had no idea,as to who the guilty parties were, But Hicks had told a half dozen of his comrades about the old woman and her mysterious secret. “The stone-throwing has stopped it twice, you say?” one asked, VOR, ” “Well, who but Jack or some of his friends have any interest -in suppressing this thing?” “That's what I would like to know.” | “The way to find out is to have a watch on the outside on the next visit. That’s as easy as catching a flea.” “PY “Siaughter forbids any more visits, and has told the old worn not to open her mouth again except to eat or sing. i “The deuce he has!” “Yes, so you see it is easier to catch the flea.” “We can set a watch on Jack to see if he gor down that way. ” “Yes, and a watch on the house.” Hicks hired two detectives—one to watch Hd Slaughter’s | house, and the other to keep on the trail of Jack Nelson, They went. to work at once, and lost no time. Hicks paid a stealthy visit in the evening to a neighbor of the Slaughters, one with whom they were on intimate terms. He told her a plausible story about the object of the visit, and then said: ; “She will not give the whole story to us. We are very anx- ious to get hold of the real truth of the matter, and if you can and will worm the secret out of her we will pay you one hundred dollars in gold.” : ' That settled it. ; The woman loved money above everything else in this world, and would do anything not aGrualy: bance to set it. “ri do it, g| she said. u| The flattery had found lodgment in her breast cand s a warm ; ; a I think | day or two, and if I get anything out of her will meet you somewhere else.” © “Send me.a note where to meet you,” said Jim, “and I'll be on hand. Here is my address,” and he handed her his card and left the house. “If Mrs. Dell can’t get the secret out of her nobody can,” commented Jim, as he made his way uptown toward his bachelor quarters. ‘ Mrs. Dell was the name of the lady who was t@ find out the secret about Jack Nelson for those firemen who were anxious to ruin the daring young hero’s reputation in order to force : him out of the fire department. fi She was a very avaricious woman, but yet with a good repu- tation among her neighbors. The Slaughters had known her a long time—before their marriage—and liked her very much as a neighbor’ She had often dropped in and spent an hour é ‘with them. ‘The next day, in the afternoon, she dropped in, and faite the old lady quite ill in bed. The excitement of the last visit of Tom Bussy and his com- panions had been too much for her. Mrs. Saughter told her all about what had happened, but did not say a word about Jack Nelson. Ed had warned both - her and the old woman about doing so, : “Who do you think threw the stones?” she asked. “Oh, we have no idea,” replied Mrs. Slaughter. “Oh, I don’t believe Jack would do such a thing, though I’ have never even seen him,” said Mrs. Slaughter, interrupt- ing her. ; “T was surprised myself when I heard of it. They say that he has been mixed up in some bad work over in Mayfield.” ~- “Yes, I heard so, too, but that is none of our business.” “No. Strange that people will talk so aROUE one who has so often risked his life to save others.” “Yes,” and Mrs, Slaughter looked as if she would prefer to | drop the subject. Mrs. Dell returned to her home fully convinced that if she . succeeded in worming the secret ‘out of the old lady she would have to use considerable diplomacy in doing so. But she went bravely to work. She was not the woman to. give anything up when once she started in pursuit of it. The second time she called she found the old lady seated in her old armchair before the fire, with her knitting in her hand. “You are up, are you, Aunt Mag?” she exclaimed on enter- ing the room. “Yes, I’m up,” to be in bed.” “Why, Aunt Mag, you look as well as at any time in ten years.” " The old. lady looked up at her in a sob psiaaa’ sort of way, as she said. “I am peor though. I sigue if the remark Was something she had not heard for years. — ‘She was one of those kind of old people who delighted in imagining. themselves as being afflicted with not less than four-and-twenty different kinds of ailments at the same time _ Yet she was as susceptible of flattery at seventy-five as she fe had been at twenty years of age. " Mrs, Dell knew that peculiarity of female weakness, and said: “a “It is astonishing how some people can keep up an their old © | age. ;Some people grow old before their time, and look ‘to bes! With all your ill- one hundred when they are but sixty. health, Aunt Mag, you look ten or fifteen, years younger than — you really are. If my old age would serve me fo WTAE» A ‘ would not fear it in the least.” 3 * The old lady ‘smiled. at once | sprang 5 UD 4 Rape, Fy Royse ae tay
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a 10 ~THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. Her knitting dropped in her lap, and she gazed at the glow- ee anyone who was -realiy able to throw such: a heavy ee 3 ing coals in the grate as if memory was wandering back to | sile. the long, long ago, when flattery from beaux and lovers, had seemed so sweet to her. Mrs, Slaughter was busy with her household work in anoth~- er part of the house, and so the yisitor and the old lady were left to entertain each other. ‘That was just what Mrs. Dell desired. In fact, she asked, as she not®ed the old lady gazing at the glowing coals. “IT am thinking of the time when I was young like you and Hisie,” she said. “Oh, I am not young any more,” said Mrs. Dell. ° my forties now, you know.” “Forty is young—the very prime of life,” returned the old lady. “I was as young at forty or fifty as I was at twenty or thirty. I was sixty ere I began to feel old.” “And yet you do not look a whit over sixty now. But it . Must be very pleasant to sit and dream ever the past. You have seen sO much in your day, both good and bad, that you have plenty to think about. Which leaves the most lasting -- impression on your mind, Aunt Mag Has good or evil you have seen?” ST am in The old lady thought over nee” answer nearly a minute ere ‘she spoke: , “The evil—I think—if it carries crime with it. I don’t think TI shall ever forget the Nelson affair. It seems to prey upon my mind because it has gone on unpunished ever so long—be- ' cause the world does not know of it.” “Why, what was that, Aunt Mag? I never heard anything of that. Why don’t you tell the officers of the law if you know of a wrong' that has been done?” “Yes, yes! I ought to do that—I ought to do that!” and she ‘rocked herself to and fro several times, as if in some sort of mental distress or emotion. Mrs. Dell actually suffered in her suspense, so eager was she to hear the few words of a secret that would drop one hundred. ‘dollaxs into her lap. “You knew the Nelsons and all that was ‘done, did you not?” she asked. ; “Yes, | know all,” she arswered. *“li’s a black crime—a shame that one child should be robbed.of his inheritance at the same time that a cruel murder robbed another of his life. AL shall never forse the night when they——” F Bang! ‘The house shook, and Mrs. Dell and Mrs, Slaughter scream- ed at the top of their voices, and ran out into the street; while the old lady sank back in her capacious armehait ae a} ghastly look on her wrinkled old face. , P U ; yr" 4 ’ % ’ CHAPTER VIII. = A / HE THIRD FAILURE AND ANOTHER FIRE. To say that the women were frightened would be but a mild _ expression. They were panicstricken. It was in the middle of the day, when the sun was shining brightly, and men, women, and children were passing to and tro along the street. + ihe stone was as large as a ‘boy’ 8 ery and had struck the = house with such force as to jar it to its foundation. Lbout it. re gs boys were Bisset in the hay The neighbors heard it ‘in their houses, ‘and ran out to see _ | blame cng for ae a . “Yes, Of A crowd soon collected, and a boy ran across town to the © ship where Ed Slaughter was employed to tell him. about it. He came home immediately and asked his wife who had been — there. ie ee “No one but Mrs. Dell,” she said. “She was talking to — grandma in the front room while I was working in the dining- room, and the first thing I knew the shock came as. “if the house was coming down about our heads.” . “The old woman was talking about Jack Nelson,” he anid. a “T told her to keep her mouth shut.about-that. If this thin: happens again I’ll bundle her off to the poorhouse. I’m not going to have my house battered down just because a garrul- ous old woman can’t keep her mouth shut.” ; jalg He spoke harshly, angrily, and Elsie burst into tents Ed went into the old lady’s room, and found her in bed, completely prostrated. “You are bound to tell your secret or have the house knocked ' down about our heads, are you?” he said, ep warned you the other day. Now, if this thing occurs again you'll go° to ue the poorhouse. I don’t care to have my home knocked over “just because you can’t hold your tongue.” The old lady was too much prostrated to really undoes what he said. She was quite superstitious, and now a terrible fear had suddenly come upon her. After awhile Ed went to his wife, whom ‘ne dearly 1 loved, and putting an arm around her neck in his old loving. w said: i “I did not mean to speak ‘harshly to you, Elsie. ae wa angry, but not with you. Hereafter we must not let Ol visitors see grandma. She will get us into trouble with her talking if we don’t guard her that way.” i “T never thought she would say a word more after. what you said to her the other day, and I never dreamed that anybody. would dare stone the house in broad daylight. tah “Of course not. But look out hereafter, and don’t let an one have a chance to talk to her. She is frightened nea’ ly to death now.” “Poor old soul! harm, ¥ ‘*No, but a loose tongue can make as much mischiet in neighborhood as any mad dgg can.” He went back to his work, and the news went all. ‘ovtigtine part of the town that the Slaughter cottage had again , bee stoned in mid-day, and no’ one could find out the perpetrators of the outrage. A dozen neighbors visited Mrs. Dell 6 hear Pwned sis had to F say about it. She held regular levees every day for a week, G but was shrewd enough not to say a word about Jack, Ne son Hicks and Wildey had warned her not to mention the name to anyone. They were the worst puzzled men. in the t e ‘That the ponderous stones should strike the house jus old woman was on the eve of revealing the terrible secret th were in search of staggered them. i ; “I don’t understand: ‘it at all,” said Hicks, shaking his head. “Nor do I,” returned Wildey, “but I am sure that 7 at the bottom of it after awhile. There’s somebody ar there all the time to watch the old woman and thro Ss Tam sorry for her. ‘ste didn’t mean an tion. A ‘good detective will unearth all that.” ~ - “Yes, I hope so. I say, Wildey, I’ve just heard that Harper gave Jack a gold medal to-day and a agian in gold for saving ‘his Bie aT roe so this. afternoon,” retu red ‘
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. et | . “No doubt of it, but he gets the credit, and we honest fire- | men have to suffer in comparison with him.” A day or two later Hicks met Mrs, Dell by appointment, to hear her report of her two attempts to get at the old lady’s secret. \ “She had begun to tell me,” she said, “when a stone came against the house with such force as to nearly frighten my life out of me. I ran home and have not been back there since.” “You need not go back, Mrs. Dell. Here’s ten dollars for your trouble. We have given up the. idea of trying to get the | secret out of her.” Mrs. Dell took the ten dollars, and mentally resolved to get that secret out of old Mag Mullins, if it sent a whole rock | quarry flying through the air. . A few nights later the slumbers of the good people of Salem were broken by the ringing of the great: fire-bell. ,.. iremen sprang out of their beds and dressed faster than they did before in their lives, and hastened to their respective ~ company quarters. The whole south end of Salem was lit up by the conflagra- tion, and as the fire companies went flying along the streets ~.windows were raised, and night-capped heads peered out at the _ red glare. Away they went, the Salem Boys at the top of their speed, cheered on by such of the young people who had come from _ their beds to witness the fire. As they turned into another street they came abreast of No. » 8, and the race became fast and furious. The latter company’s quarters were at least a half-mile nearer the fire than the Salem Boys, yet the boys were now abreast of them in the race, “Fly, boys, fly!” called Jack through his trumpet. “Shove ahead, men!” sung out the foreman of No, 3. But it was impossible to “shove ahead” .of. those nimble- footed boys, and so they reached the fire at the same instant. Jack secured the best position, and the others rushed for- - ward to oust him, and in a moment a terrible hand-to-hand struggle was going on. ios CRAP THER EX. HOW THE BOY VOLUNTEERS WHIPPED THE FIGHT. It required but a small spark to start the explosion. _ Being on the inside nearest the burning building, Jack had the. quick perception to see which was the most advantageous - position, and he promptly halted his engine on the spot. “On with the water, quick!” he yelled through his trumpet. “Out of the way there!” yelled Foreman Wright, of No. 3. a - But the Salem Boys were not getting in or out of anybody’s i Way just then, and went on with their work. In another moment No. 3 ran against their engine with a Savage force that knocked it out of position. While the Salem Boys’ engine was not injured in the least, « the other one was badly damaged, the fore axle snapping in _ twain at the hub of the wheels. | The engine dropped; and came néar capsizing. Foreman Wright turned angrily on Jack, and yelled at him: “Why didn’t you get out of the way when you were told to?” “Because nobody told me to.” “I told you to!” — ay “But you are nobody!” - Wright. struck him with his trumpet, knocking him down. - But he was on his feet in a moment, and the next moment ‘ ight went down with a broken head, Jack was a hard hitter, and the next fine men who came a were downed in quick succession, Then the Salem Boys sprang forward to the assistance of their leader, and in a few minutes a hand-to-hand pene was going: on. Of course, it was expected that the staaward members of a 3 would clean out the boys in a few minutes. * But they did not. On the contrary the boys downed them as fast as they came to them, to the amazement of both firemen and spectators. The secret was soon out, They had been expecting a fight for a month past; and so every boy carried a neat little slung-shot, in ‘his pocket - be handy when wanted. No. 3 retired from the field with broken heads, and the Salem Boys turned their attention to the fire. . The flames had gained stich headway during the fight that it was a waste of water and time to play on them. _ Nobody lived in the building, hence no lives were at stake. But other buildings were in danger. The boys deluged the houses on either side, and managed to prevent the spread of the flames. But it was faaions work, and when daylight karat they were still at work on the glowing coals. They never left the spot till the last spark was AS a ed, and then they marched back io their headquarters, only to find themselves arrested by officers: of the law for using areas shots on the heads of No, 3. The wildest excitement ensued immediately after the ar- rests. Everybody in the town was up in arms, so to speak, in - defense of the boys. They were carried into court at ten o’clock. Foreman Wright was in the hospital with a cracked skull and could not appear. nesses. that owe had struck the first si i mocking aa down. “Then I got up-and knocked him down,” said Jack, Wand then the whole gang came at me. It was lively, but we clean- ed ’em out.” “But how about those slung-shots?” the justice pee “Oh, we had ’em for a month. We knew we’d have use for 7em some day, and so we did.” “But don’t you know it is unlawful for anyone to carry a slung-shot concealed about his person?” “Yes, your honor, and we also knew that No. 3 intended to give us an unlawful thrashing some time or other, and we knew that the law could not prevent ’em from doing so.” “But. the law would punish them if they did,” said the jus- tice. “True, your iibiore but we would have had the thrashing all the same. We prefer to pay for thrashing them than have ’em pay for thrashing us.” ' The judge smiled.and said: “That is good common sense, Mr. Nelson, but very poor law. You have violated the law knowingly, for which each one of - you is fined one dollar, and your slung-shots, now in the. hands of the clerk of the court, are forfeited.” But Jack proved by a score ‘of wit- “Will your honor allow me to pay the fine for all of them?” d an old man asked. % The judge looked up, and saw an old man leaning on a dane, his thin, pale face and white hair in strange contrast with the ruddy-faced, red-shirted boys in the courtroom. “Certainly, Mr. Harper,” replied the judge. “Step up to the Boy’s Fire Company.” _ The boys broke into a wild cheer as the white-hatkee ‘lhe man who had been rescued from certain Gent by ie, young ch leader. stepped forward and paid the fines. | : “Silence in court! ? Seabenct a Pitti wa ince | clerk’s desk, and pay one dollar for each anentber of the Salem
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‘he THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. But the boys yelled again and again, and not until the judge had repeatedly rapped for order did they cease, Then the justice proceeded to give the members of No. 3 a lecture on their conduct, saying they had received the pun- ishment that they deserved, and that they ought to be asham- ed of themselves for being jealous of a company of boys. Though the boys were fined and reprimanded, they felt that they had won the fight, and hundreds of their friends shook shook hands with them when they came out of the court-room, The members of No. 8 were mad beyond control. Some of them talked ugly, and swore that hereafter they would go to fires with revolvers in their pockets. “But where will you be if the boys do the same thing?” a gentleman asked. “We'll be right there. Where would they have been had we been supplied with slung-shots?” “You had better shake hands and be frtentia,* suggested a gentleman standing by. “You have no just quarrel with them.” “What! shot?” : “Oh, you forget that the court has decided that you de- served that,” and the citizen laughed as he made the remark, whereat the fireman was very wroth. That night the Salem Boys held a reception at their engine hall, where hundreds of their friends “cprine to congratulate them on their victory over No. 38. The fight only intensified the ill-feeling that existed between the Saleh Boys and the older firemen, and had anyone asked either side as to the origin of the trouble no one could have answered the query. In the hospital Foreman Wright talked about prosecuting Jack for breaking his head. “Don’t mention it,” said his lawyer. considerable trouble and expense if he decides to push the law on you for striking him over the head with your trumpet— which started the row. My advice to you is to drop it and say no more about it.” Wot when our\ heads have been’ broken with slung- CHAPTER X, THE CONSPIRATORS AT WORK, The evening following the incidents related in the previous chapter found Henry Wildey and Jim Hicks with two. detec- tives, closeted in a room. They were engaged in earnest con- yersation over the young hero of the fire department) of the town. Jim Hicks was fond of turmoil and intrigue. He had ho per- sonal quarrel with Jack Nelson. His own company hated the young hero, and that was enough for him to know. " But the case was different with Wildey. His was a personal quarrel. Jack’ Nelson had thrashed him on the public street, and he had sworn to ruin him at any cost, He had hired two detectives to trail him—one to relieve the other—and, if possible, to get at the secret which old _ Mag Mullins held, They were working for pay at so much a week, with the promise of a big bonus if they ae ome in bringing down the game. “T don’t know how we are going to get mA ‘that old woman’s ~ secret,” said Nick Bell, one of the detectives. “She is too ‘old to go out on the street alone, and [ understand that Hd’s wife has positive orders from him not to let any visitors get at her.” “Yes—I heard as | much myself,” He said Hicks. “Jack can put you to}, ranything to avenge him.” | berless little ways to, save money en “So you see,” continued Nick, against?” “T hired you to ONG over or around all such obstacles,” said — Wildey, “and it’s in your line, you know.” “Yes—and we'll do our best. But look here, Wildey. you have any idea where those big stones. came from?” “No, not the least idea.” “Well, there’s more of a mystery about that than you think, I don’t believe any man threw them.” 4 “The deuce you don’t!” “No, I don’t!” | | “Tt was a woman, then, eh?” . “T didn’t say so.” The other three stared at Bell in apinEoIeRts ; “Was it a horse, mule or dog?” Wildey asked. ' : “what we have to contend — Do “Oh, maybe the stones just jumped up against the eo are by themselves.” The others burst into a loud laugh. “I say, Bell,” said Hicks, “you are away off. What have you been drinking to-day?” “Water, straight,” replied Bell. “You fellows have such thick skulls that it takes an idea a week to get’ through tol? your brain. In about a year you will begin to develop justa little sense and see things differently.” : “What in thunder are you driving. at, anyhow?” Hicks asked. $ “T am trying to aie you fellows understand that no ae man agency threw those stones against-—” Again a roar of laughter came from the other three, But Bell remained as quiet as an undertaker. “Have you fellows got through with your laugh?” he asked. They laughed again, and Hicks said, wiping his eyes: “Don’t make me laugh any more.” \ “Poor fellow,” remarked Bell, sarcastically. brain can’t stand too much at once.” “Do you want to butt heads with me?” Hicks asked. ? “No. I don’t care to beat my brains out Pee an empty A bone box.” iS; “Bone box is good,” said Hicks, laughing good-naturedly. 2 “Go on with your theory, and tell us what it is?” i .“T won’t do it, but I’ll take you down there some night, and © let you see for yourself what it is. Just give me authority to pay for that secret, and I'll see if we can’t get at it.” Sr AOS “T am willing to pay for it, but I want to kno},, how the, money goes,” said Wildey. . “Of course. I/think that either Ed Slaughter or his wife, “ if approached in the right way, would get the secret for us.” Wildey scratched his head reflectively, for a: moment or t Wor x and remarked: ; “Yes. I never thought of that. Has Mrs. Dell given it Unt _ “I think she has. She received such a fright the other» day — that I don’t believe any amourit of money could get her to a aie tempt it again.” — i “Well, you’ll have to. be very careful how you ‘approach Slaughter, I think that if he thought a man was trying to — bribe him he’d knock him ae without a Daas hesi- 5 tation.” 4 “TI am not so sure of “that,” said Hicks. “He 2 a Re friend of Tom Bussy’s, and if he could be made to believe that oe Jack Nelson.was at the bottom of Tom’s broken head, he’d do “Your little ae Veo. “Yet he'd break the head of the man HG offered him money to do so.” “J am not so sure of that, sitet S| living, and doesn’t make a very good living, either. is fond of dress and company, and has to economize Hd aia hard for his His Tas she has.” Maa edy
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. “You seem to know a great deal about them,” remarked Wildey. “VYes—Mrs. Dell posted me about them.” “Couldn’t Mrs. Dell work the racket with Mrs. Slaughter?” “Yes, I think so.” “Then see her again,” The conference broke up at a late hour, and the men went in the direction of their homes. * on his way up the street Hicks met Jack Nelson, who was escorting Myrtis Banning home from a party, They both recognized him and spoke to him, and then passed on, “The young rascal!” hissed Hicks, as he stopped and looked pack at him. “He has the favor of all the pretty girls in town because of his daring and good looks. that set him on Wildey. Hanged if I don’t follow them just to see if they do go straight to her home,” and he turned and shadowed them through a dozen blocks till they reached the home of the young girl.» ' He saw them part at the door, and aeudanty heard the sweet voice of Myrtis say: “Good-night, Jack. the pleasures of this evening.” “Do you know, Myrtis,” said. Jack, better with you than with any other girl in town?” “Tg that so? Well, Iam so glad to hear it! try to make me enjoy yourself whenever -you call.” Thus. they parted, and Jack turned to leave. As he walked away he caught sight of the shadow ang made direct for him. . Not wishing to be discovered, Hicks took to his heels. Jack bounded after him like a deer, and the race up the “that I enjoy myself I shall always street at a late hour attracted the attention of the policeman on that beat. a CHAPTER XI. THE SHADOW. CAUGHT. When Jack saw the policeman, he called out i tua ' “Stop that man! He That was enough. The officer, thinking him a burglar or pickpocket, or some- - thing equally bad, bounded after him at the top of his ai - That made Hick’s hair stand on end! | ; He didn’t want to be caught and exposed, and an unless he outran the officer, he would have to surrender and face the music, - Half a dozen blocks away another policeman joined in the _ chase—a hot-headed, burly fellow, who called out: _ “Stop now, or I'll fire!” “Good Lord!” Hicks fairly flew along the street, : Crack went a revolver, and a bullet whistled 1 uncomfort- ably close. to ee head. tr That’s the girl I am ever so much obliged to you for | 13 “Don’t shoot!” cried Hicks, seeing that his life would prob- bly pay the penalty if he did not stop. The two officers came up to him, almost out of breath, and seized him. “Who are you?” one of them asked. “My name is Hicks..” “What have you been doing?” “Nothing.” “Oh, yes—that’s what they all say.” Just then Jack came up. “There’s a man who knows me,” said Hicks, turning to Jack. “Do you know this man?” the officer asked. “Why, hello, Hicks!” exclaimed Jack, on recognizing the man. “Yes, I know him. He belongs to No. 3 fire company, and is a good fireman.” “What's he been up to?” “Hanged if 1 know,” replied Jack. “I thought I saw some- body shadowing me as I was escorting a young lady home from a party. When I left her at her door I made for the shadow, and he took to his heels.” : “Is this the man?” “Yes, And now, Hicks, what’s your little racket?” “Blow my buttons off if I/haven’t a great mind to club his head off for making me run half a mile to catch him!” growl- ed one of the officers. “Yes,” said the other. “Club him anyway; for spite!” “JT am not to blame for your running after me,” ‘said Hicks. “Jack Nelson told you to stop me, and by that you took me for a thief or something else bad, and gave chase.” “So you are Jack Nelson, are you?”-one asked, turning to Jack.- : “Yes, that’s my name.” “Well, what are you going to do about this?” “T am going to apologize to you for the trouble I gave you, and then ask him to explain why he was shadowing me.” “T wasn’t shadowing you,” said Hicks, “But you were,” replied Jack, firmly, “I met you half a mile away from the spot where [ saw you the second time. You followed us. If you don’t explain that to my satisfaction ll thrash you right here, or else you'll give mea good drub- bing.” . ni 2 sles Pll give you the drubbing,” said Hicks, whe was confident that the officers would not permit a fight.” “Oh, you will, eh? Officers, please go back to your ‘posts and leave us alone just five minutes!” “Oh, we can’t permit a fight,;you know,” said the officers. “But you want to have him thrashed, and so do I, and if you will just give me ‘a chance Ll raise him out of his ‘boots. x _ “No serub like you can do that,” remarked Hicks. No sooner had the words escaped his lips than down he went, \ Jack had dealt him one between the eyes. He saw more stars than ever before in all his life. “You should not have done that,” remarked the officer ‘near- - i est him, , i Par useiae ~ “Don't ia a word, said Jack, softly, sand: we'll have sortie
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__ the block and we'll meet on the corner. there. 14 THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. ? Hicks arose and glared at the young ‘hero. “Did you hit me?” be asked. “No,” said Jack. “It was the ‘cat.” The officers chuckled, Hicks aimed a blow at Jack in which he threw all his strength. He Was much heavier and stronger than Jack, but the ‘young hero was well up in the science of sparring. Nimbly parrying the blow, he planted another on Hick’s eye and laid him out again at full length on his back. “Now you didn’t see that, you know,” said Jack, chuckling, “and you have your satisfaction. He won’t dare say a word, for fear of giving himself dead away.” The officers chuckled, and understood the situation at a glance. They had no objections to having the other man pun- ished for the race he had given them. Hicks came up the third time and reached for hif revolver. Then the officers grabbed him. “No shooting,” said one. “VU kill im!” hissed Hicks. “Maybe V’l kill you!” said Jack. Officer, and get out of the way.” “Send him away if you don’t want to see murder right here.” Jadk chuckled. “Send us both away—in the same direction,” he said. “You go on up the street, Nelson,” said the officer, turning to Jack. ~ “All right. “Stand him off there, Send him down the street. He’ll come round Tll wait for you there, Jim Hicks.” é Jack turned away and walked briskly toward the corner, and in a few moments had disappeared round the corner. “Now you be off!” the officer said to Hicks, and he went away in the opposite direction. Jack stopped on the corner to see if Hicks would meet him In a few minutes he was surprised to see a dark form creeping toward him under the shadow of the houses. He was unable to make out whether it was Hicks or not. But he had asked the latter to meet him there, and he was not the man to retreat from his own challenge. } Instead of standing there, where he would be a fair target for his enemy, he resolved to meet him in the shadows on an equality. The next moment he was creeping forward to meet the dark form of the creeping foe. es CHAPTER XII. THE BATTLE IN THE DARK. | over the drug store, and after the drug clerk 46 been “— op As the two | men crept forward under the- dark shadows of the buildings, they could hear their own hearts beat. But the bitter hate that moved them-made them reckless of the danger that menaced them. ag pe fucose td poder the ‘stinging blows Ly had 1 recelve, was utterly reckless, and was not in a frame of mind to be cool and cautious. On the contrary, Jaci was naturally cool in the presence of danger. On, on they crept in the dark shadows, and in a little while they were within ten feet of each other. Jack then squeezed himself behind a column to wait for his. enemy. Hicks had lost sight of him, and stopped to look for him. Jack understood the delay, and waited in patience for him. By and by, as if half suspicious that Jack had given him The slip and left the locality, Hicks moved forward right up to the column, which he passed without seeing Jack. Jack stepped out, leveled his revolver at him, and called out to him, sternly: “Drop it!” Hicks was almost paralyzed. A “4 He wheeled round, to find the muzzle of Jack’s revolver within two feet of his breast. th “Drop it!” igi Say ace Down went the revolver on the stone pavement, : “Back off a few paces. “Now I'll give you the thrashing ‘you deserve,” said Jack, making a dash for the fireman. Being the ‘stronger of the two, Hicks strove to get him in- his grasp. Jack saw his game, and rained blow after blow on his face, as he leaped nimbly about to avoid being caught. In a few minutes he found that Hicks was groping. about like a blind man. S Both eyes were closed. | } ae “Enough!” called the villain at last, in tones that lett, no doubt on our hero’s mind that death was almost. preferable Le gurrender. “All right,” foutler: Jack. Can I do anything for you?” ’ Hicks wa’ amazed. ~ He stood like one too confused to do anything, ' “Your eyes are closed,” said Jack. “You can’t find oie oe way home. l'll lead you wherever you wish to go, and say nothing about what has occurred.” “Take me to Mackin’s drug store. But give me my weapon nS first,” said Hicks. oe - “Oh, no! ‘I'll send you your gun by messénger toutiorrow, You know very well that you would think me the ‘greatest: foo that ever lived were I to give you your gun now. ib don’t want to kill you, nor do I care to be wiped out myself.” — aa Jack took the weapon and put it in his pocket. ) Then he locked arms with him and led him two blocks ks 8 e Mackin’s drug store, ’ “T have no grudge against you. 4 : —— : A young doctor, who was a friend of Hicks’, lived upstairs — up, the doctor was called down. “Great Scott!” exclaimed the doctor, “what's the with you, Hicks?” my eyes 5 just as paieke ‘ss Sees os =)
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doctor. Jack carried, or rather led him up the stairs, where he said: “Tl leaye you with the doctor now.” 2 “Yes—thank you, Jack. Leave my gun with him, too.” “All right; here it is, doctor. If it hadn’t been for me he’d have killed a man to-night. He is a bad citizen when he gets mad.” The doctor took the weapon and laid it away, and then set himself to work to apply leeches to the swollen eyelids of the fireman. In a couple of hours Hicks could see a little out of both ‘eyes. “How did this happen, Jim?” the doctor asked. “A fight,” was the reply. “With whom?” oe “That’s a seeret. Only four of us know it. We are pledged tO secrecy.” “That’s queer.” . “Not at all. We don’t want the papers to get hold of it.” ; “Nor the police?” ‘ “No.” “Was the other fellow hurt?” “I’m afraid he’s killed.” “Good Lord, is that 80?" 4 “Yes,” “Then it may all come out at last?” “Yes, if he comes to before he dies.” ‘The, dbctor did not ask any more. He knew it would be of no use. “You had better come upstairs to my rooms, then,” said the THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. ““Was anyone killed?” “No, but there will be when we meet again.” Wildey paced the room and looked at the bruised nd bat- tered face of the young man, as if he would fain draw the in- formation from him by main force. He was unused to suca ‘| suspense, and could ill put up with it. “Just look here now, Jim,” he cried, “you have no att 10 | keep this thing a secret from me. We are he together for a common. object, and “But this is a private, personal matter with which you have nothing to do,” said Hicks. : Wildey took up his hat and left. the ‘room, too much exqted to stay any longer. He made direst for the engine house of ‘| No. 3, where he found a score of firemen congregated. There he told them of the condition in which he had left Hicks, and made the matter worse by’saying, boldly: “And he is so much intimidated that he mes not reveal the names of his assailants.” The firemen were greatly excited, and in less than a Natt hour over a score of them were on their way in a body to visit Jim Hicks. ‘ CHAPTER XIII. ' THE PUZZLE OF THE FIREMEN. Jim was surprised when he saw so many of his brother firemen come into his room. i Foreman Wright, who had. been out of the hospital only - ° Hicks remained in the doctor’s rooms all the next day, and| two days, was the first to speak to him. _ On the following evening repaired to his own quarters. 2 - He had not been ten minutes in his room when Henry Wildey called, 3 “Saints and sinners!” eeialiaed Wildey, on seeing the ter- ‘ ribly bruised face of the fireman, “what have you been up to, Hicks?” “T’ve been to the front,” was the reply. “Yes, and was knocked to the rear in about one minute, were you not?” “Hardly. It took ’em about ten minutes, I think,” was the quiet reply. _ “Who were, they?” _ “We have agreed to keep everything quiet ‘im we can have another battle.” \ “Ah, you haven’t decided it yet?” “No, We want a supply of coffins for the next meeting.” - Wildey was perfectly wild with suppressed excitement. _ “Were the Salem Boys engaged in it?” he asked. “TJ won’t break the pledge of perfect silence “on the sub- ject,” he said. es: 2 em saa “Well, hang me if this isn’t the strangest thing I ever heard of in all my life! - tell anything about bis assailants.” “on, you will know all yeti is. when the ang eee son sla : : | See Jack, and ask him about the eee “How did this happen, Jim?” he asked. ’ “I had a fight.” ; “With whom?” ; : “Phat’s ny pusiness.” “Have we no interest in it?” “Not in the least.” ‘“Won’t you tell us who it was you fought with?” “No.” , . ‘ “Why not?” : “Because I am pledged not to do so. The battle is still on.” The firemen were as much excited over it as Wildey had been, and fired questions at him by the score. : But he would not answer any of them, nor would he admit that any of the Salem Boys had anything to do with it. They went away at a late hour, more puzzled than ever they had. been before in their lives. ; Of course, no secret éould be kept under such circumstances, and the next day the report was all over the town that Jim tas one of the members of No, 8, had a attacked and Here’s a man nearly murdered who won't j | firemen were the ‘BRRADNRES, brutally beaten. ‘ : a Every one of the old firemen who repeated the story did so ‘ in such a way as to leave the impression that the Salem: Boys Before night came half a hundred ‘in had aropped in to”
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16 “Does Jim say that any of our boys attacked him?” he asked. “No, but it’s the general impression that they did.” “Well, I'll parade our boys to-night and call the roll, and put the question to them.” “There’s no use in doing that,” said his employer. “If Jim will not say who they are, why should you bother about it?” “T give myself very little bother about it,” replied Jack, “But if anybody wants to seé whether any of our boys have been in a fight, he can find out by seeing them at our engine- house to-night.” Such conflicting rumors flew about town that the two po- licemen who had met the two firemen on the night of the fight were amazed at what they heard. They knew that Jack had knocked Hicks down twice, but did not dream that they had met again. , “Tf they had,” whispered one to. the other, “there would have been more trouble.” “But I understand that Jack actually led him to the drug store, and gave him in charge of the physician,” said the other. “Oh, that can’t be.” “But it’s what I hear.” “ll ask Mackin about it. I know him.” The officer called on Mackin, who told him that Jack did bring him there, but that neither one would tell anything about what had happened. “Then Jack fixed him up that way,” observed, the officer, as he walked away. : That evening he called on. Jack, and asked him about it. “Are you. going to arrest us?” Nelson asked. “Oh, no, but having knowledge of the first meeting, I am naturally anxious to know all about the second.” “You won't give it away?” # “No. ” “Well, he came round that corner. I made him drop his gun, and then we-had it out right there. I am the chicken that did the mischief, When he cried enough, I led him, blind as a bat, to the drug store, and left him there. We agreed to say nothing about it.” “Well, I’m blest!” exclaimed the officer, in amazement, after he had heard the whole story. “It’s funny, isn’t it?” “I should say so.” ; The officer went back and told his comrade what he had learned of the affair. In the meantime, Nick Bell, the detective, had been to see ‘Mrs, Dell to make her an offer to try to bribe Mrs. Slaughter to get the secret out of her grandmother, Mrs. Dell listened to all he said, and then remarked: “I think that.if I had the money to show her she would jump at it like a cat pouncing on a mouse.” “Til bring you the money this evening—one hundred dol- lars,” said Bell. sf “Very well; and I'll see her decoy: morning. “caer git take it ru return it to you. é e If she THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. A Sete esteem rence cea ntRtT RAR RE [ »think about. it.” inside.” 4 “Yes, and if she gets the secret you can have the like | amount for yourself.” : “Of course—that’s understood.” That evening the money was put into her hands by the de- | ' tective. 4 The next day she sent over’ for Mrs. Slaughter, who came in a few minutes later. poe “Look here, Hlsie,” said Mrs. Dell, “you know that cer- tain men are quite anxious to get hold of that secret your grandmother holds.” “Yes, I do.” j “Well, do you know what it is?” “No, I don’t. Why do you ask?” “Because, if you do, you can get one hundred dollars of gone { money for it.” { ; “What?” 1 “You can get one hundred.dollars for that little bit of | gossip, and if I were you I'd get it or die. I wouldn’t let | that much money slip through my hands for all the old women + that ever lived.” Mrs. Slaughter looked upon one hundred dollars as a for- i tune. : 1 She had probably never seen that much money in all her” fi life at one time. “Who'll give me that much for the secret?” she asked. é Ky “The money has been placed in my hands for you,” said el Mrs. Dell, and she showed her the roll of bills. Ben Sais. | Elsie’s eyes opened wide as she gazed at the money. 4 “Oh, I'll get it out of her if I die for it,” she exclaimed, © | springing up and starting to leave the house. ; “You must be careful and not let her or a suspect what — you are up to,” said Mrs. Dell. “Oh, I'll be cautious enough.” “When will you get it?” “Some time to-morrow when Ed is away at work.” — % That evening Bell was told the result of the negotiation with — Ed Slaughter’s wife, and he immediately informed Wildey and d the other detective. } “Let the women work it,” said Wildey, “and then es en 4 Mrs. Dell for the story.” ioe Two days later Bell called and found the fair widow so ner: | yous she could scarcely speak. : ae tes “Oh, sir, such dreadful things have happened since you were a here,” she said, wringing her hands. “I don’t know what to <j er “Well, tell me all about it,” said Bell, “and then I may perhaps be able to tell you what to think about it.” ‘ “Blsie said she would get the secret from her grandmoth- — er,” she continued, “and went to work at it to-day. ‘She led the old lady on to talking about the case. Just as she w about to tell of some terrible crime that had been committe by Jack Nelson in Mayfield, a stone as large as your head | erashed against the house with such force as to break the o side boards, and knock ei: plastering. from. the mall. on - “Good Sane * incutated the detective, “4g that tou
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. were so prostrated with fear that neither one comd be induced to talk about Jack Nelson again.” The detective was too much surprised to make any reply to Bell carried it to Ed Slaughter that evening and showed it to him. “The Home will send a carriage for her at two p.m. to- what had been said for some minutes after Mrs. Dell had fin- | morrow.” ished her story. “What do you think about it?” she asked. “Why, that somebody threw the ‘stone, of course.” “But there was no one in the street at the time, for I was at my window when the stone struck the house. I saw it roli on the ground, but there was nobody on the block at that mo- ment. Of that I am quite positive.” “It’s very strange.” “Yes, indeed.” “Do you give it up?” “T don’t know.” “Well, I'll see you again in a day or two.” And Bell left’ the house, That evening Ed Slaughter vowed he would send the old ‘woman to the poorhouse. Elsie told Mrs. Dell about it, She sent word to Bell. Bell told Wildey and the others. “Let him do so. We must contrive to abduct her and keep her in! our power till we get the secret out of her.” -, “Yes, that’s so, I’ll see Ed, ascertain if he is really going to send her away, and suggest the Old Woman’s Home.” “Do so.” 4 That evening he called on Ed. “Yes, I am going to send her away as soon as I can get time to attend to it.” : “Why not send her to the Old Woman’ s Home? It wouldn’t look quite so bad for you there.” “But can she get in there?” _“T think I can get a permit for her to enter there, as I have a brother who is one of the physicians of the Home.” : “Get one, then. I am bound to get her out of my house.” “Well, I’ll see my brother to-morrow@and tell him about the case. I am quite sure that he can get me a permit for her to enter.” _ “If you get it you will place me under great obligations,” said Slaughter, “as I would not like to send her to the poor- house if it can be avoided. But rather than keep her here I would do so. If she causes the poorhouse to be knocked down, all right. The county is better able to stand sais than | I am.” é “That’s so.” . “Yes; of course.” _ “TIL call to-morrow.” “Do so.” They parted. ee aS a, 4 Bell reported to his mates, and the matter was arranged. A carriage was to be provided and everything in‘ readiness _ for the abduction. (‘The next day a bogus permit was made out to admit Mag-| Bie: bean aged seventy-five, years, to the Old Woman’s| he ames of the proper ones. % ei9 “She'll be ready at that time.” When the carriage came, Bell was inside, aieuinct as an elderly female, and in a few minutes the old lady was driven off with him. CHAPTER XIV. THE ABDUCTORS FOILED. Elsie Slaughter was loth to part with her grandmother. She loved the dear old lady very much, but the wishes of her husband were law in all things. She wept like a child as she kissed the dear old lady, and . avowed that she would call at the Old Woman’s Home every week to see her. The old woman Was dazed at thus being turned over to a charitable institution in her old age, and that, too, by her own kith and kin. ” On the way from the home of the Slaughter cottage she was silent for awhile, thinking about going among strangers to live, and wondering if she was to remain there to the end. The sedate looking woman by her side did not attempt to disturb her thoughts until the carriage had been going nearly a half hour. Old Mag Mullins did not dream that her coments was a man in disguise. On the contrary, she believed that he was one of the matrons of the home to which she was going. “You are sad at parting with your grand-daughter?” re-_ marked Bell, the bogus female. “Yes, I have been with her a long time,” was*the reply. “You will like the Home much™better than you imagine, as you will have comfortable quarters, plenty to eat and drink, and all the day long to read and talk, When one has been there a month she could not be persuaded to leave, on account of the strong friendships formed there—the peace and quiet: ude of the place and interest each takes in the ofher.” “I am glad to hear that,” said the old lady. “Yes, one can sit all day long and talk of the past without — anybody interfering to make mischief.’ Mr. Slaughter seemed — to want to get rid of you on aecount of you talking $0 much, Now, I think it a shame that an old lady can’t be allowed to. talk as much as she pleases, and in her home, too, without Pi somebody making mischief out of it.” a “Yes—yes!” and old Mag at onee became interested, for she had a very bitter feeling in her heart against Ed Slaughter for sending her away. “Just because I answered questions: by that were asked me somebody would throw stones. against the house and raise a big fuss about nothing.” = ma “We neers imei ish that, i could never get the
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18 about? We heard that it was something about Jack Nel- son.” “Yes—about a great wrong he had committed, and I am the only one now living who knows all about it, save the guilty ones.” “Why have not the guilty ones been punished?” “Because they have too much money., They paid those who knew about it to keep their mouths shut.” “But they-have not paid you, have they?” “No, indeed. They don’t know how much I know, nor how I got hold of it.” “How did you get hold of the secret, Mrs, Mullins?” “One who died in my arms told me about it on her death- bed.” “Ah! It must be true, then!” “Yes, every word of it.” “Did she leave any proof of the truth of the story?” “Oh, the truth can be easily found if they only look in the “right place for it.” ; “Well, it’s a strange, strange thing,” said the bogus female. “T’ve often, read of such things. Sometime, when you have the chance, I want you to tell me the whole story, as I am very much inter-——” Here a stone crashéd through the pee of both windows of the carriage, and fell in the bushes on the left-hand side of the road, - “Whoa! . Whoa!” yelled the driver, tugging at the reins with all his might. The animals reared and plunged as if oe would run away "and smash things generally. But he managed to hold them in hand, and just as he suc- ceeded in bringing them to a standstill, Bell, though dressed as a female, sprang out of the carriage, revolver in hand, and looked ‘wildly around for the ‘thrower of the stone. “It came out of that clump of bushes back there!” cried the driver, who was the other detective employed in the case. Bell dashed toward the clump of bushes, and in a minute or so was lost to sight. The moment he entered the bushes, however, he heard someone running toward the woods beyond. ‘ * Y He gave chase with grim determination, and soon caught sight of two men’running at the top of their speed. He raised his revolver and took deliberate aim at one. of them and fired, eli The man gaye a howl and stopped. The other kept on. “Stop or you die!” cried Bell. “Don’t shoot!” called out the other man. “Stop, then—hold up your hands!” The man held up both hands above his head until Bell came up to him, “0 I have you at last!” exclaimed Bell. The wounded man groaned: “You have done for me!” ’ “Oh, I guess not,” said Bell. “Where are you hit?” “Tm the back,” and the man laid down on the half-covered ground, and groaned as if in the greatest pain. Pe » pd Pe * 4 ; ; THE BOY, VOLUNTEERS. “Well, I am sorry, yet, glad that we have dropped on you You have puzzled us for a good while. How did you manage to work it so long without being caught?” “We are private détéctives and know how to work on the quiet,” replied the man, who was, still holding up his hands above his head, “What's it all about, anyhow?” “Well, we ain’t giving the thing away.” “You ain’t, eh?” “No,” “Well, I'll give you two over to the sheriff. ‘Maybe that will | be giving some things away.” “Drop. it where it is, and we'll give you the snap cx go away,” said the man with his hands up, “Out with it, then!” said Bell. “You'll let us go?” “Yes, of course.” . two. “Well, a short time ago aman came to us in New ‘York ants daughter—Mrs. Elsie Slaughter—had been hinting about a ‘secret lately which very much disturbed a friend of his.” “Hold on! “Who was that man?” 6] don’t know. a sum of money and a lot of instructions for us to follow. He engaged us to see that the old woman did not tell the : secret to anybody, and if she could not be prevented from doing so to abduct her, and take her to some place of con- cealment, and keep her till we heard from him again. We. He wouldn’t give any name, but laid down — ry came to Salem, found her,’and soon got the lay of the whole — thing——” “xcept the secret?” ; LA i “Yes, éxcept the secret. We found that she was very su-" perstitious, believing in spirits and all that sort of thing. One or both of us kept up such a’ watch on the house that. ts nothing was said or done there which we did not either hear or see. Just at the time she was about to give the story away { we had to throw’a big stone against the house to give her a : scare. She was too superstitious to try to tell it again til - she got over the scape. We dropped on you fellows aint found _ out your game, and——” “Well, I must say you are good detectives,” said Bell, “for you have puzzled us more than ever we were before, and you — is have,so far succeeded in keeping us from getting at the old. 5 woman’s secret. You may go, but if you get in our/way again: af 4 you are goners. Is your friend much hurt?” said that an old woman in Salem, living with: her grand pa “T don’t know; we'll see.”> The other man simply had a bullet in his shoulder, tact bate i of his back, which made an exceedingly. painful’ though not dangerous wound. +4 4 “You can walk back to town and take the train for New York,” said Bell, “ and that’s the best thing for you t~o do.” , When Bell went back to the carriage he found the driver a | waiting patiently for him, and the old lady in a dead rear: * from which they could not recall her. “This is a deuce of a muss,” he said. “Yes, so it is. Did you see anybody?”
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. 19 ness. I gave one a bullet, and then got the. story from ’em.” “Good! What's to be done now?” “Nothing. The old woman is in a dead faint. We'll have to carry her back to Slaughter’s house, and tell him the Home wouldn't receive her after they had heard of the stone-throw- ing business.” , “Yes, that’s’ so,” and they proceeded to return to the Slaughter cottage. When the carriage drove up to her door again, Mrs. Slaugh- ter was most agreeably surprised. “Why, what's the matter?” she exclaimed. you have come home again!” The old woman had partially recovered, but wasijn such a terrified condition that she scarcely knew what was said to her. She was hurried into the house, where it was pee to Elsie that the Home, at the last moment, had refused to receive her on account of the stone-throwing business. “You see that a stone struck the carriage and almost de- stroyed it.” wy Elsie looked at the carriage in pet need amazement, and then said: “I know that my husband will be very much disappointed, “Oh, grandma, but I think I can prevent ‘any recurrence of that business.” “Well, I don’t think you can get the Home or any other institution to take her. She’s too dangerous,” and Bell left as quickly as he could, to avoid running any risk of discovery as to his personality. But the neighbors had seen the old lady leave, and also the return, as well as noticed the wrecked condition of the car- riage. They came flocking in to hear the news. In a few moments it was known that a flying stone had nearly destroyed the carriage, and that the Old Woman’s Home had refused to receive the old lady in consequence. Many of them crossed themselves and expressed the opinion that the Evil One had something to do with the thing, and mde Haste to get away from the’ house, That evening, when Hd Slaughter returned home, he was surprised at finding the old-lady still there. “The Home will not receive her,” said his wife, “What! After granting a permit to her?” : “No. They heard about the stone-throwing business, and backed out.” “The deuce! That leaves her on our hands, then.” “Yes, but don’t worry, dear. I'll see that no one gets a _ chance to talk to her hereafter.” “Well, we'll see,” and he sat down to think about sup mys- tery of the old woman’s secret. CHAPTER XV. nite OUR HERO DEFIES HIS ENEMIES, z ' Let us now return to our hero, whom we left following the even tenor of his way as a wlerk, in the storé of Burdock Jack knew that somebody had started some ugly stories about him, and that some people believed them. But he had not been able to get at the authors of them. He had punished Henry Wildey for what he had said to Myrtis Banning, and had thus incurred the undying hate of that young man and his friends. Yet he did not suspect that there was a systematic attempt being made to ruin his character, and thus cause his expul- sion from the volunteer fire department. ; ; But trouble was thickening around him in spite of his quie* attention to his duties. Under such a state of feeling it was impossible to keep anything secret very long. The truth about the fight with Hicks came by degrees, until everybody in the town knew it. The two officers who had 6 been witnesses to the first encounter, after incautiously dropping a few hints, were induced iad to tell all they knew about it. Of course, it spread like a wildfire, and all sorts of versions were given, The policemen told about the challenge when they parted, but said that they had no idea that they would meet again that night, But that they did meet was proved by Jack’s presence at Mackin’s drug store with him. “T have nothing to say,” said Jack, when questioned about - it. i : “T have nothing to relate,” replied Jim, to all See put to him. “But did you fight?” one ‘asked. Jim looked at the man and smiled. The excitement ran up to fever heat, and the firemen were so much wrought up by the situation that the chief of the fire department seriously considered the idea of giving each company certain territory to look after, to avoid a collision at some fire, ° The Salem Boys were jubilant when they heard that their young leader was the one who had given Hicks the beautiful pair of black eyes he had received so mysteriously. They wanted to congratulate him, but he would not allow it. “Drop it, boys,” he said. “The less we say about such things the better.” “But they are trying to ruin you, Jack,” said Billy Malone. “Yes, I know they are; but they will get sick of that after awhile. I have never done anything that I.am ashamed of. We can always take care of ourselves if we do right.” “But what did you and Jim——” : “Drop that, please,” he-answered very promptly. They did drop, and during the evening sigs more was said about it by the boys. But at another engine room the matter was discussed in | another spirit altogether. t t Wildey, Nick Bell, Tom Bussy, whose broken head had so far recovered as to allow him to come out of the hospital, ‘|and Wright, who had also left the hospital the day before, Bi in a corner and talked the matter over, . “I think it is time Jack was treated a a broken head, too,” said Henry Wildey. : fae “Yes, and I’d like to be the one to do Ms » replied =
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20 THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. “You can have the chance any time you want it,” remarked Wright. “How?” “By just going up to him and saying something to him that will make him strike you.” “Yes, but I will make myself liable to a fine if I did-that.” “Oh, Ull pay the fine,” said Wildey. “Well, I may give you a chance to pay one for me.” “Yd be glad to do so if you will only give him a good drubbing. By the way, have you sent a man to Mayfield to look up his record there?” “ves,” replied Bell. “He left cacerdae te “Did you give him all the points about him?” “Ves, as far as in my power.” Then they had Bell to tell all he had learned about the stone being thrown through a carriage in which old Mag Mul- lins was riding. He did not let anyone but Wildey know that he was the one in the carriage with old Mag. + “But I caught the stone throwers,” he whispered to Wildey, and then he told him the story, adding: “Keep dark. They won’t throw any more, and the next time we'll get the whole story.” -» That story of the wrecked carriage was in everybody's mouth, and finally somebody went to the managers of the Old Woman’s Home to make inquiry about it., The managers denied all knowledge of the case, and said that no permit had been granted to Mag Mullins, Then someone told Ed- ‘Slaughter that no permit had been granted at all, and that there was something wrong about it. Hd hunted) up Nick Bell to demand/an explanation. Bell told an ingenious story that quieted his anger, and | the Slaughter family once more settled down to its old routine of life. pee : Tt was just at this time that'the mayor’s residence took fire —late in the night—when every member of the ingresicpa ik ‘was wrapt in slumber, . The Salem Boys were again the first at the Aye! by reason -of the fact that a majority of them were at the engine house at the time the alarm came. : “The fire had started in the lower part of the house, and had cut off all retreat from ithe bedrooms when it ‘was discovered. The mayor had tried to let down members of his family by means of sheets made into a rope, when the ladder of the . Salem Boys was raised to the window. Jack was the first one up.. He seized two little children and quickly passed them out to Billy Malone, who passed sen down the Jadder in double- quick time. : i Then he rushed into another room, and: found a little his suffocating in the dense smoke. Just then the window was raised by members of No. 3. “Here—take him out!” cried Jack, oe the boy to a - fireman. sis The fireman took him and carried him down the ladder, whilst Jack seized another daughter of the family and. climbed ut P ae Pans: on to. the ladder a No. Bi {thousand people saw him descend your ladder into the very — midst of your crowd. The next moment he is beaten down — He was not recognized by the multitude till he was nearly down to the bottom of the ladder, é Then the crowd yelled, and the members of No. 3 rushed forward in a body as if to relieve him of the burden. But the moment the half-unconscious girl was taken from’ him, he was struck down as if by a thunderbolt. A score of firemen’ rushed over him, as if in the eager excitement of rescuing somebody from the flames. The Salem Boys saw what had happened, and made pe toward the foot,of the other ladder? f In a moment they had the unconscious form of their young leader in their arms. But few of them really understood what had happened, and so he was borne away without much notice te being taken as to the cause of his condition. ) The firemen of both companies worked hard, and succeeded in saving all the household and one half of the building. r i) But at the hospital, where he was carried, Jack Nelson re- mained unconscicus till morning, and then he told the story of the attack made on him by the members of the other com= pany, whose ladder he had used in rescuing the mayor’s ~ daughter from the flames, \ us CHAPTER XVI. sa JACK FACS OLD MAG MULLINS,’ The news of Jack’s version of the SHAKE on him spread. like wildfire over the town, People became very much excited over it. A _ The mayor and chief of the fire deviartment went to the ae 8 \ pital to see him, a He repeated his story. “T came down their ladder,” he said, “with the girl: in- my arms, feeling as well as I ever did in my life, and wba 5 reached bottom somebody took her from me. The next moe : ment I received a blow on my head from behind that laid me senseless at the foot of the ladder. Then T felt ’ em. Hence: all over me, as if a whole troop of cavalry was passing. Stee 2 “Who struck you?” /the mayor asked. : “T don’t know. I was struck from behind. But I do now that I was completely surrounded by No. 3 men.” ; The mayor and chief of the fire department sent for ae % foreman of the other company to show cause why his com- . {pany should not be suspended from further duty tin ak ‘guilty ones were caught and punished, Te Wright came, and swore that he knew nothing aneai ‘th Pay, matter; that he did not believe, that Jaék had received any ‘ injury from the members of No. 3. Be “That won't do,” said the mayor, shaking his heads “A. and trampled under foot. It is the most disgraceful: and cow: aay: act I ever heard = No, 3 ue ; suspended from du
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. It was a terrible blow to No, 3. The disgrace they had sought to put upon Jack had fallen upon their own heads, They made all sorts of protests, but in vain. The mayor and fire chief were inexorable, and the public suspension of the entire company was announced. Jack was laid up for four days in the hospital, during which time Myrtis Banning came there to see him. “Jack,” ‘she said, “I am going away for a few days, and bring you these flowers to remember me to you while I am away.” “Thanks, Myrtis,” he said. forget you.” “Oh, I don’t know, Jack,” she replied. not let you forget me, though.” She went away, and that evening took the train for May- field. Myrtis went on a secret mission with the bemisenie of her parents, who had relatives in Mayfield with whom she could stop while there, : When Jack came out of the hospital the boys gave him a reception, at which hundreds of the best ladies and gentlemen of Salem danced. a The members of No, 3, however, were more bitter than ever, and vowed that they would show him up in colors that would make the people of Salem sick of him,’ A week later another alarm of fire was given, and Jack and his boys sped away like young heroes for the post of danger. This time the fire was in the Slaughter cottage. Mr, and Mrs. Slaughter had managed to save themselves with nothing but their night-clothes on, Old Mag Mullins had'fallen to the floor, overcome by the smoke, Jack found her lying on the floor, and soon had her in his arms and descending the ladder with her. She was taken into a neighbor’s house in an unconscious condition, and the family physician was summoned, He administered to her several hours without restoring consciousness, ; “She may have received some internal injury which con- sciousness only can reveal,” he said. ‘ Jack and his brave boys worked hard to save the cottage. But the most of it was destroyed, together with nearly all the contents. “T hope you don’t think I could “The flowers will It was a hard blow to Bd Slaughter, who was 4 hard-work- |. ing mecthanic.. The very next day the Salem Boys chipped in and subscribed one dollar each to a fund for his benefit, That started a subscription that swelled to over a thousand ‘dollars in two days—twice the worth of the furniture that had been destroyed. They at once sought another house, and in a week’s time were settled down as comfortably as they had ever been. The old lady was not able to talk any for nearly two hele when one day she asked Elsie about the fire. - Bilsie told er all she knew about it, how brave Jack Nel- “son had saved her life at the risk of his own. id Jack Save me?” she asked. 21 “Yes—it was Jack.” The old woman buried her thin old face in her hands for a minute or two, and then said: “Send for him—tell him I must see him at once.” Elsie sent off for Jack posthaste, : He came with Billy Malone. : Elsie led him into the room, and said: “Grandma, here is Jack Nelson, who saved your life.” She turned and gazed at him. “No, no, no!” she cried. “He is not Jack! Jack!” He is not CHAPTER XVII. OLD MAG SENDS FOR JACK. The sudden exclamation of the old lady that the gallant young fireman was not Jack Nelson caused a decided sensation among those around her bed. : She glanced at Jack, and Jack gazed at her like one in a dream, i “Did you ever see her before?” one asked of Jack. “Yes,” he replied. “I remember having seen her several years ago in the town of Mayfield, but she has changed a great | deal since then,” and he looked at the old woman with intense interest. » “You say he is not Jack Nelson?” ‘she was asked. “Yes, I do say that. The Jack Nelson I have been speaking of is old enough to be this young man’s father,” and ‘the old lady gazed at, him with a nervous interest that puzzled both him and the others present. “Qh,” said Jack, “you speak. of John Nelson, the rich prop- erty owner of Mayfield, do you not?” : “Yes—but I always called him Jack.” “J am not even a relative of his.” “No—you—are—not—even—Jack Nelson,” said the old lady, in jerky sentences that indicated great nervous alarm. “What! I am not Jack Nelson?” “No—you are not.” iy. “Who am I, then?” : The old woman looked terribly frightened, and seemed afraid to answer the question. | “Who am I, then?” Jack repeated. “Oh, my God, the stones will fly again if I answer you.” “By the great stone mountain!” eried Jack. “I want to understand this thing, even though all the stones in Salem take wings and fly. I am the son of Sarah Nelson, HOW; dead, or lam not. Which is the truth?” “You are not her son!” said the old lady, seis as a aheee: =4 “Who am I, then?” : ; She hesitated. . ys A look of terror came into her eyes, “Send for Ed, Elsie,” she finally said, turning to her grand: : daughter. Blsie sent a little tei the son of a neighbor, to ‘tell sued i bar coy at to come, sees { Amanodtately. Giro
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“pe THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. An hour later he arrived. -“What’s the trouble here?” he asked of Elsie, aiter seeing so many-éthers in the house, “When grandma was told that Jack Nelson had saved her life,” Elsie said, “she asked me to send for him right away, and I did so, Jack came, and the moment she laid eyes on him she Beclahied: “Why, you are not Jack Nelson! % “The deuce she did!” ejaculated Hd. “Yes, and then she told him that his name was something else, but is afraid to say more for fear the stones will fly again, and asked me to send for you, which I did.” “Well, what does she want with me?”. “1 don’t’ know.” He went in and saw the old lady, and asked: “What is it now, grandma?” The old lady turned to him and said: _ “J have sent for the man who saved my life, expecting to sée the Jack Nelson I knew in Mayfield. When he came I found him to be a mere boy—not Jack Nelson at all.” “Well, what of that? You have simply been making a mis- take all along.” “Yes, but I owe this young man a debt of gratitude which I can only repay with your consent.” Ed was puzzled. He did not know what to make of her words. “You have my consent to show your gratitude in any way you please,” he said. “T only want to tell him who he is cake who has wronged ‘him, but I am afraid the stones will fly if I do.” Ed was surprised. He looked around at the eager faces of the others, and hen said: “Let ’em fly, grandma.” _ The old woman was relieved, and said to him: “T am glad, for it has been a burden on my mind. I didn’t want to say anything more about it till you said so, I would not have thought much about it but for hearing the name of Jack Nelson so often spoken of as having.saved the lives of people at fires. I asked somebody if Jack came from Mayfield, and I was told that he did. Then I began talking about what “a bad man he was, and when I started to tell of the crimes he had committed the stones struck the house. I have lived in ‘aq state of terror ever since. When they told me that Jack _ Nelson had saved my life I thought I would send for him and ' let him know that I knew his secret, and out of consideration ’ for the saving of my life give him a chance to undo the wrong]. he had done without the world finding him out. When he came I was amazed at finding him another man altogether. . But he is the ote above all others most concerned in what I have to say. This young man here is not the real Jack Nel- son. His real name isnot Nelson at all, but Alphonse-——” At that moment the sound of a small pitcher of water fall- ‘ing io the fioor in a corner of the room startled her. Elsie herself had brushed it off the table accidentally. But so nervous was the old woman that she gave a scream “of terror and went off into a deathlike ‘swoon. (“There she goes again!” cried Ed. “Throw water in her face and send for the doctor.” Hlsie picked up the broken pitcher and ran into the kit- chen, whence she soon returned with another one half full of water. She dashed water in the old lady’s face, and someone ran in haste for the family physician. ; The doctor soon came, and, after hearing what had oc- | curred, said she had swooned through nervousness, and that she would soon recover. They worked patiently to restore her, and some of the neighbors came in to render such assistance as they could. In a little while quite a party were seule’ in the little poise of the Slaughters, CHAPTER XVIII. MYRTIS BANNING GOES ON A SECRET: MISSION, - \ Let us now go back a week to the little town of Mayfield, of which freaquent mention has been made in this story. Mayfield was some sixty miles distant drom Salem, and quite ar a flourishing little town. On the south side of the town liyed a family of the name of Welsh, in a beautiful white cottage. : It consisted of husband and wife and a ee daughter. Mrs. Welsh was the sister of Mrs. Banning, of Salem, the mother of Myrtis, who had come to Mayfield without giving her any notice of her intention to do so. She folded her niece in her arms and kissed her, for she loved her sister’s pet even as her own child, Ms! The two cousins loved each other as two sisters, and had no secrets from each other whenever they were together. . “Oh, Myrtis!” cried Fannie, “I am so-glad you have come. ta es am going to a surprise party to-morrow night, and you must go with us. We'll have so much fun.” aca “But I can’t go, Fannie,” replied Myrtis. “I came only for ; a few days, and did not bring even a change of clothes with me.” t “Youu know that all my clothes fit you,” said Fannie, “and you shall wear the best of them.” Se ; “I can’t do that, for I don’t, want the boys and girls to ! now that I am here. * “Why not, pray?” “Because I came here for a purpose, and when I have done — i what I came for I must Hasten back home.” i “Why, what in the world are ‘you up to, Myrtis Banning?” i exclaimed F Fannie's mother, looking at her niece in an alarmed — sort of way. “Nothing wrong, aunt,” replied “Myrtis, very promptly. i “Just write to mother, and ask her if she knows where I sig 3" ss and what I am here for.” “
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. “That I will tell you before I go home, but not now. ‘You use. If it’s something for the stomach you want, I have it have confidence in me, aunt?” “Why, yes, child! But whatever in the world does all this mean?” “Just wait, aunt, and you shall know all,” “Ts there a young man in it?” “Don’t ask any questions now, please, nor say a word to anybody about my being here.” Mrs, Welsh and her daughter were in a fever of curiosity about Myrtis’ visit, but would not say any more about it till such time as she was. ready to talk to them about it. In the evening, when John: Welsh, her aunt’s husband, came home, Myrtis took him into the parlor and had a long secret talk with him. When they had talked together for a half hour, Mrs. Welsh - was called in and consulted. The result of the consultation was that a disguise was got- ten up for Myrtis that night, which she assumed the next morning. It was the disguise of an old woman of a sort of poverty- stricken appearance—a faded dress, shawl, bonnet, shoes that had evidently been discarded b¥ somebody else, and face and hands which seemed to have been long pledged against the use of water. In this*disguise she left the Welsh cottage the -next morn- ing, followed by her uncle at a safe distance, who was not to lose sight of her or her locality. She wended her way down ‘across the railroad track over among the poverty-stricken’ people in that region. The residents down there were not only very poor, but some of them very low and vicious in their habits and way of liv- ing. d In front of one of the old, tumbling shanties she saw a ragged child standing, looking lazily about. “Can you tell me where Mrs. Branch lives?” she asked of tho, child. * “Yessum,” said the child. “That’s her ercomin’ down ther street,” and he pointed in the direction of a fat, ugly old woman, who was waddling along toward her. Myrtis looked at the old hag and shuddered for a moment. Then she went resolutely forward to meet her. “Are you Mrs. Branch?” she asked, when she met the old woman, “Yes, that’s my name,” answered the old dame, eyeing our “heroine suspiciously. 4 d 7 A % “T was told that you could help me find a house in this neighborhood which I could rent, live in, and let rooms to “lodgers, and I was on my way ‘to see you.” Mrs. Branch was on her way to the corner grocery to get a nip of gin, and the thought immediately occurred to her that _ She could get a drink or two for nothing out of the stranger. ‘ «Yes, mum,” she said. every. house, too. Would yer mind goin’ ter ther grocery with se) know everybody in Mayfield, an’ now, an’ then T can‘tell yer all you want ter know.” There's no need to go to the grocery, Mrs. Branch, e am here in my pocket—some of the best,gin you ever tasted.” “La, now! How did you know that, mum? I[ always keep some of the stuff in the house myself, an’,I was just goin’ ter tell Moloney ter send me over a gallon of his best gin. Come ter my house, mum, an’ welcome to yer, an’ then I'll see if I can’t find yer the house yer want.” Mrs. Branch turned and led the way back to the tumbie- down shanty which she called “my house,” and Myrtis follow- . ed her. : The shanty was an exemplification of poverty and wretched- ness. The woman was strong and hearty, and could well have supported herself decently, not to say respectably, had She not been addicted to drinking intoxicants, The furniture in the shanty was of the simplest kind, and as old as the mistress herself. Everything not of absolute necessity had been pawned for drink, and the cupboard was as bare of food as the floor was of carpet. : . “Take a seat, mum,” said Mrs. Branch. “Take a seat an’ make yerself ier home. I'm sorry, but I had a party of friends ter see me last night who ate up all the roast I had yesterday, so I can’t offer yer nothin’ till I go ter ther but- cher,” ; “Don’t worry about that, Mrs, Branch,” said our pee “T am not hungry, and when I am I can pay for a meal for both of us.” ; “Ah, yer talk like ther true woman yer is, mum,” said Mrs. Branch, as she saw her visitor draw a black flask from the _ capacious pocket of her faded old dress, “Taste of that, Mrs. Branch,” said the visitor, as she handed her the bottle, “and tell me if you ever tasted better stuff in all your life.” Mrs. Branch turned up the bottle and took a long, strong pull with closed eyes and great suction power. “Ah! such gin!” she ejaculated, as she lowered the bottle and smacked her lips. “It’s ther best I ever tasted in my life, an’ I have had ther best in my day, mum.” “Yes, it’s the very best,” said our heroine, “I have a broth- er in the liquor business in New York, and he sends me a ten- gallon keg of gin every month.” “Ten gallons every month?” “Yes, ten gallons. Of course, I don’t drink a gallon a month myself, but one must always have a little for friends when they drop in, you know.” “Of course—yes—excuse me, m ’ mum—but I must taste it Be ae —just a taste, yer know,” and she turned up the flask and tock — another strong pull at the contents. _ Then she handed it back to Myrtis, who held itt to her lips : as if she, too, was taking a good drink, But she never even let a drop enter her mouth. “There, you may keep the bottle for your own use, Mrs, Branch, and she pushed the flask toward the old woman. 4 : “May yer never want a drop an’ can’t, get it, mum!” ex- — ; claimed the’ woman, as she took the bottle and anes vi in, ‘the pocket of hey | dress. Re ¥ Then wee: sat iy) talked till e old
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24 THE drunk. Myrtis drew her out in a certain direction, and ob- tained information she was eager to get. Leaving the old woman lyihg across the table at which she sat, she hastened away from the shanty to join her uncie, who was Waiting for her out on the street. CHAPTER XIX. JACK AND TOM BUSSY ONCE MORE. While the women were working with Elsie Slaughter te restore old Mrs. Mullins to consciousness, the men went back to the sitting-room to wait and talk over the new turn things had suddenly taken. She had said enough before going off into the swoon to set them all thinking. And none of them thought harder than Jack Nelson did. She had upset him completely. He was not even Jack Nelson. He didn’t know who he was. / He wanted to know as much a8 anyone ever wanted to know a thing. y “Well, what do you think of it, Jack?” Ed Slaughter asked. “I don’t know. I’m like one in a dream,” he replied. “I wish she had finished before she went off in that faint.” “She is nervous,” said Hd, “and when she heard that pit- cher fall she thought another stone had struck the house.” “Yes—yes—I know. I am sorry for her, She must suffer very much in being so very nervous.” None of the party present had heard that the stone throwers had been caught and sent away. Bell, Hicks, and Wildey had decided to keep that fact concealed. “Here comes the doctor,” said Hd. “He may tell us some- thing. How is she, doctor?” “She is doing very well,” replied the doctor, “and will get on all right now.” “Tas she come to?” Ed asked. . "Yes, but is very weak from fright.” ° “Brace her up and let’s see if we can’t get her to resume the story where she left off. I want to have this thing panne It worries my wife almost to death,” “Better not worry the old lady any more to-day. Wait till to-morrow, and I’ll be present to hear her.” The-physician left the house to attend to other lehende but Jack and two or three friends remained with Ed to see the “end of the thing. In the evening Tom Bussy, ie had been nearly killed by a flying stone near the cottage which had been burned down, called to see Ed. rh He was surprised to find Jack and two of the Salem Boys firemen there. “You know Jack Nelson?” said Ed, introducing them to each other. ; 3 sass “Yes,” said Tom, “we all know him, of course,” but he did not shake hands with the young hero, nor even recognize the introduction. Hanae iad action of te old | trend and was indignant. Tone Boh u x OU a fe srastitnadindiena Ue «or: “Nelson is a friend of mine,” he said, loud enough to be heard by all in the room, “and we owe him a debt of grati- tude which can never be paid, I fear.” “Yes, I suppose so,” remarked Tom, very carelessly. “There are others who feel as I do,” added Ed. “There are a good many who don’t, too,” said Tom, looking Ed in the face, “Possibly, but they are not men,” retorted Ed. That was a challenge, and Tom was about to strike, when Jack sprang forward and planted himself between them, say- ing: “This is foolish! ” “Yes, when a fool ac iattore? sneered Tom, putting on his hat and starting toward the door. Jack sprang forward and planted himself before the fire- man, ' ee “Tom Bussy,” he said, “I won’t resent your remark, ! know a you are my bitter enemy. But I have never done you any wrong, I demand of you here and now to say whether [ be: ever done aught to give you just cauge for being’ my enemy.” Tom glared at him as a tiger would glare at its enemy erik to face. “T am your enemy because ‘you are a disgrace to the fire Ay department of Salem,” was the stinging reply to his demand. te Quick as a flash Jack landed a blow between his eyes that M laid him out at full length on the floor. of! cs “T beg your pardon, Ed Slaughter,” he said, “but M can’t stand everything. us } ; ne “No, You served him right,” and Hd shail the young hero’s hand and shook it warmly. ] i Tom slowly pulled himself together and looked around a Bie in a dazed sort of way. sl Pe Then he suddenly realized what had happened, and seram- pled to his feet, pistol in hand, pe y But Jack was too quick for him. He grasped his wrist, wrenched the weapon from his hend, and held his head, hissing: spas “If you don’t want to be made worm’s meat of take Back ie your words. if ' it its Tom was not quite masons to die just to prove that he was game. ay i He spoke promptly. So “T take it all back, ” he gaid. “i “All right. Others have got to do the same thing, and that” very soon, I’ve stood as much slander as I care to, and here. 3 after somebody must suffer for what is said to my injury.” — er Just then the door was thrown open, and Myrtis Banning rushed in. : “Jack! Jack!” she cried, “I know all! I have been 6 Mayfield. John Nelson is déad, and the wealth that shod” have been yours always will come to you now!” eo a ae yy A ia “i ee CHAPTER XX, THE YOUNG GIRL’s sory, Na The words and excited manner: of the am i “a Gina meat 5 4,
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. Jack himself was as much ‘astonished as anyone else. He sprang forward and caught her hand in his, saying: “IT don’t know what you mean, Myrtis: Can you explain?” “Yes. I heard enough the other day to convince me that - somebody was trying to work up a mystery of some kind, ; and make it affect your ruin. We have relatives in Mayfield, and so I paid them a visit for the purpose of seeing what I - eould find out about it. That is where I was going when I : told you I was going away.” “Yes,” and Jack nodded his head toward her, - wondering where you were going.” é “Well, I went to my aunt’s house in South Mayfield—she is the wife of John Welsh there—and proceeded at once to hunt up a certain old woman whom you know well.” “Who was she?” _ “A certain old lady who lived down across the railroad in one of the little old shanties there. Don’t call her name now, for it would do no good, as you know how hard she drinks.” “Yes, yes. I know whom you mean but what has she to do with me or mine?” and he looked more and more surprised than ever. “She has nothing to do with you or yours, only I sus- pected that she knew enough to clear up the mystery that surrounded you.” “A mystery surrounding me?” “Yes, of which you have not even suspected,” she returned. “One day a Jady friend told me that she had heard old lady Mullins say that all those who knew the secret were dead : Save herself, and that the guilty ones believed the knowledge of the crime she had hinted at had died with Sarah Nelson, whom you had always known as your mother.” — “Was she not my mother?” ao No,” “This is indeed a mystery?” “Yes, and I think I have succeeded in unraveling it for you. Where I have failed I am sure Mrs. Mullins can do it.” “Yes—yes—go on.” “Well, # soon learned that the old lady who was drinking so hard was an intimate friend of your reputed mother— Sarah Nelson—and that she was with her when she died.” “Yes—so she was. I recollect her very well as being with her most of the time,” said Jack. 4 “Tt disguised myself as an old lady and went to see her on _ the pretense that I wanted to hire a shanty in her vicinity, ~commodious enough to allow me to let furnished rooms and Weeds make my rent and food. She took a fancy to me at once "more perhaps because I was liberal in my orders to the cor- Mer grocery, and she agreed to help me find such a place as I wanted. We were together several days, but did not waste much time in house-hunting. I encouraged her to talk ania tell me all about her'neighbors, and she proved to be the worst Old gossip I ever saw. She drank gin and talked all day long, ir “ea bits of history concerning every family in that part of 4D recollect se eee died af but he had no right. to all ee Dien ete v Sache the town. At last she spoke of Jack Nelson, the richest man Po Mayfield, who has been dead these two months, and said: 25, “te took that which belonged to a child of a friend who died, and left an only son and a big fortune in his care. He gave the heir, then a mere child, to an old woman named Sarah Nelson,.and put his own son in his place, and gave him the name of the heir,’ ” “Good Lord!” gasped Jack, leaning heavily against the door of the middle room, “You are not Jack Nelson, but Cecil Graham.” Jack gave her a look of dumfounded amazement. almost paralyzed with astonishment, “Cecil Graham,” continued Myrtis, “had three Seba: marks on his left arm, which both nurse and physician knew well. The nurse went away, and was gone some ten years or more. Then she came back to see the child, and in a little while discovered that the particular marks were missing. She raised a row, and that night she was mysteriously murdered, and the murderer was never found out.” © “My God!” groaned Jack. “I have the marks on my, left arm!” “Yes, you once told me of those marks. Well, the boy disap- peared, and the man known in Mayfield as John Nelson, He was though some people would call him Jack, as they do you, the | guardian, remained in possession of the property up té the day of his death, which took place suddenly about two months ago. Now, Jack, you are Cecil. Graham, the heir of all - that estate which John Nelson had charge of so long. The physician will swear to the marks, and old Granny Mullins can give other information that will prove that you are Cecil Gra- ham and not Jack Nelson. The woman I talked to so much told me that Sarah Nelson had told her all about it before she- died.” CHAPTER XXI. UNFOLDING THE MYSTERY. The next day the physician remained several hours with old Mag Mullins, administering medicines to enable her to keep up her strength, Evening came, and with it came Myrtis Banning and Judge Malden, whom Jack had asked to be present as his counsel, if counsel were needed. A half dozen other friends came also, and all were eager and anxious to hear what was coming. Mrs, Mullins was much better and she corroborated all that Myrtis had told, and made mention of a package of papers which old Sarah Nelson had left With her before she met which she had in her trunk. ©, ; > as Elsie took the old lady’s bunch of keys and opened the old . trunk that had been doing service for more than half a edn- tury. Among many other things found there was a package of papers tied up with a cotton string. Judge Malden took them and glanced over them, ‘Suddenly he grasped Jack’s hand and said: — Sy Anal wus “Cecil, my Si you have the siesta here to make your a
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pare his arm almost to the shoulder. _just as he had done ever since he became a fireman. the ill-feeling of the members of No. 3 did not subside be- Jack threw off his coat, and rolled up his sleeve so as to Half way between the elbow and the shoulder were three strawberry marks, very clear and distinct, standing toward each other not unlike the three leaves of the shamrock. The judge examined the marks very carefully, as did the old lady and all the others in the room, “We have enough evidence to establish your identity beyond all doubt,” remarked Judge Malden, “and so I congratulate you on having those three strawberries.” 4 They all shook hands with him and the old lady, and went back to their homes feeling glad that such good fortune had come to such @ good fellow as Jack Nelson. Judge Malden lost no time in putting in his client’s claim to the estate of his father. While the lawsuit for the estate was going on our hero stuck to his work and ran to the fires But cause of his good fortune. They declared that he was the cause of their Suspension, and would not forgive him, He went to the chief of the fire department and begged that, the company be reinstated. ' ’ “On what ground?” the chief asked. “On the ground that they are able firemen, and therefore needed in case of a large fire.”: “That's enough,” remarked the mayor, who was near when the request was made. “I think we had better let ’°em go to work again, chief.” THE BOY VOLUNTEERS. shake hands and be friends, Two such good firemen ought not to be enemies. Shake hands, boys, shake hands.” “Say, you want to shut up,” said Jim ‘to the man, “or ru smash your jaw for you!” “Oh, you are still mad, are bang? exclaimed the man. “Yes, and I can lick any man in this stable!” replied Jim. “Ah, that was meant for me!” exclaimed Jack, turning sud- denly around and facing Jim, “I am ready to repeat the dose, Jim.” Both men threw off their coats, and in another moment’s time were facing each other with their guards up. The dozen spectators stood around expecting to see our hero knocked out in one round. But they were doomed to be greatly disappointed, for Jack easily outpointed him, and in a few moments he was pretty much in the same condition as — on the night of his encounter with the young fireman on phe! > street. aay “Do you want me to dai you to Mackin’s again?” Jack — asked. ! a “No. Give me your hand, Jack,” and he reached out his hand toward our hero. Jack took it. i “I am your friend from this time out, Jack. This has satis fied me.” r baie opt The others yelled and shook hands all around, and from. that moment Jack had more friends than ever before in his. life. Three months later Judge Malden, after a hard legal fight, won the victory, and Jack was declared the legal heir t the Graham estate. The moment he heard the verdict heshase ur - The order restoring No. 3 to the ranks again was issued that} tened to tell Myrtis Banning of his good fortune. day, but when it was known that it had been done at Jack’s request, Tom Bussy and Wright, the foreman,: sheer disgust. That night the great fire-bell sent out -‘gnother alarm, and the Salem Boys, being on hand, sprang away with a prompt- ness that astonished those near the engine house at the time resigned in CHAPTDR XXIL. AND LAST. 2 “The fire raged nearly all night, and over a dozen houses ‘were swept away by it. Two lives were lost, and a member of Company No. 3 was saved from a horrible death by Jack, who went to his rescue at the imminent risk, of his owm life. “The man had been one of his bitterest enemies, but that only served to make the young hero more determined to save him. The daring rescue did much to soften the feeling ' toward him in the ranks of No. 3. But Nick Bell and Jim Hicks were not to be mollified. The latter had vowed to have satisfaction for the thrashing he had received from the young hero, and ‘waited long and pa- tiently for the time to come when he could do so. | A month or so after he met Hicks in a stable where a num- ber of firemen had gone to see some experiments made with a small fire apparatus, They did not speak when they ae and the others noticed : it, A very officious individual resolved to make them friends. ou ht to ; “See pees boys,” he called out, “Jacke. and J Jim ts “Iam glad for your sake, Jack,” she said. “And I,am glad, too,” he said, “for I want you to share it with me. I love you, Myrtis. Be my wife, and all I have shall 2 be yours. Will you say yes, Myrtis?” i, nd “Yes, Cecil—my Jack!” and the next moment she was caught in his arms and pressed to his heart. They were soon afterward married, and went to live. in fine house, with servants, horses and Sauls her parents being well t ohouised for. . are always welcomed at the Graham bas Though : father and the richest man in town, Cecil Graham is still one we of the Salem Boys and a member of The Boss Fire’ Combany, he of the Town. ’ THE END. Read “THE SWAMP DOCTOR; or, THE MAN witcn, by Allyn Draper, which will be the next number (601), 0 “Pluck and Luck.” SPECIAL NOTICR: AN! back numbers of this weekly |
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~s PLUCK AND LUCK, Pluck and Luck. NEW YORK, JANUARY 1, 1908. Terms to Subscribers. os Single Copies One Copy Three li gs ‘One Copy Six [onths.. One Copy One Year .05 Cents 65 ae $1.25 2.50 Postage Free. How To Smnp Monny. At our risk send P, O. Money Order, Check, or mittances in any other way are at your rigk. Stamps the same as cash. separate piece of paper to avoid cutting the envelope. istered Letter; re- e accept Postage When sending silver wrap the coin in a Write your name and address plainly, Address letters to Frank Tousey, Publisher, 24 Union Sq., New York. | THINGS OF INTEREST. It is a widespread belief that the animals of to-day are not so big as their ancestors. This, accordingly to Professor Ray Lankester, who concluded a course of interésting lectures on “Extinct Animals” at the Royal Institution recently, is quite a mistake. By way of prelude some excellent pictures of the skeletons of the giant flightless birds were thrown upon the screen, in order to show side by side the great difference be- tween the ancient moa and the modern ostrich, the largest of living birds. Attention was also drawn to the extraordi- nary disparity in size between the little apteryx or kiwi—- the smallest of the ostrich tribe—and its enormous egg and the egg of the giant moa. The lecturer then went on to de- seribe piant salamanders as big as crocodiles, sharks sixty feet in length, and various bizarre types of fishes, represent- ing the most ancient of all known vertebrates. Special em- phasis was laid upon the fact that the popular notion that the |. animals of the past were a race of giants, compared with which our living giants are pigmies, is erroneous. No animals have ever exceeded or even equalled the sizes of the existing great whales; the modern dray horse far exceeds any fossil species. There is a string of long days in the winter, followed by a ‘series of short ones in the spring. In the summer the sun _days get long again, though not quite so long as in the winter. In the autumn come the shortest days of all. Only occasionally are clock day and sun day of the same length. Only four times a year do clock noon by the clock hands and ha sun. noon by the sun dial occur at the same moment; while, H because the long and short sun days are found in, sets, they | oftentimes may be more than fifteen minutes apart. The vast majority of the people reckon their time by the sun. But time for civilized men is time by the clock. The days are all twenty-four hours long, and no matter where the sun is, it is noon for us when the clock strikes twelve. Nevertheless, astronomers often go by star time, get in an extra day in each year, and have their noon fall at all times of the day or night. “Do you know,” said a man who enjoys making observations _ upon human nature, “I believe that most women—nice women, - too, I mean—will lie to their husbands, and think nothing whatever of doing so. I’ve often known instances of it be- ‘ fore, but what reminded me of it to-day was a conversation TI overheard on a car this morning, Two well-educated and ks refined women were talking about their financial affairs, and ‘You know, I’ve had - this was the story one of them told: some money in the — Bank for a good while. Well, a few weeks ago I heard vague rumors about the institution, and wh ne to wainsl out all T go But BEE talking with the ore Pe hey finally ‘worried me so that I went there, fully intending ( circumstantial: srinenest: ? is a social acquaintance of ours, I was persuaded that my fears were foolish, and I went home without drawing the money. I didn’t say a word to Bob about the matter.’ (From previous remarks I had learned that, ‘Bob’ was her husband.) ‘About a week later we met Mr. —, the cashier, at the use of a friend. He at once began talking to me, right before Bob, about my visit to the bank, and my fears for its security. Bob looked bewildered till I cut in quickly and told him that Mr. — was simply jollying him, and trying to tease me. After a few seconds Mr. — saw through the situation and let the subject drop. Bob never suspected that there was any truth in the story.’ Now,” concluded the student of human nature, “that woman told thi§ incident in a perfectly frank, matter-of-course tone, and I don’t believe\ she ever had a qualm of conscience over it. Would a man have done that? But then, then are different.” OUR COMIC COLUMN. Stern Parent—Young man, why didn’t you answer me? Didn’t you hear me calling you for the past ten minutes? Young Hopeful—Yes, pa, But then, you know, you always told me that little boys should be seen and not heard. Thomas Beecham, the famous pill man, was a witty old gentleman. They tell a story about him and a grocer. The grocer was guilty of some rather sharp practice on Mr. Beecham one day, and the latter stamped out of the shop — roaring: “You're a swindler, and I'll never enter your doors again!” Next day, though, he came back and bought five pounds of sugar. “Dear me,” said the grocer, smiling in a forgiving way, “I thought you were never going to enter my doors again.” “Well, I didn’t mean to,” said Mr, Beecham; “but yours is the only shop in the place where I can get what T want. You see, I am going to pot some bulbs, and I need sand.” 4 An Indiana man tells of the efforts of an author belonging to the Hoosier school of historical novelists to put in his leisure time as a “hen farmer” in that State. The literary person’s venture afforded his agricultural neighbors no end of amusement. During his first year the amateur farmer dit covered that all his little chickens, which were confined in coops, were languishing at the point of death. The novelist went over his “hen literature” to locate the cause of the trouble, but to no avail. Finally he called upon an old chap named Rawlins, to whom he put the question: “What do you suppose is the matter with those chickens?” “Well, I dunno,” said Rawlins. “What do you feed ‘em?” “Feed them!” exclaimed the noyelist-farmer. “Why, I don’t feed them anything.” “Then how’d you s’pose they was a-goin’ to live?” “I presumed,” replied the literary person, “that the old hens had milk enough for them now.” / It is not necessarily great eloquence or wisdom that gives a lawyer, influence over men’s minds; the happy knack of tell- ing a homely story with a “point” at just the auspicious mo- ment has saved many a losing side. The world-wide ex- emplar of this is, of course, Abraham Lincoln; but he has had a multitude of followers. The late George Vest of Missouri was once defending a young man from the charge of larceny. ' The evidence against him was purely circumstantial, but strong, Vest claimed that no man ‘should be convicted upon circumstantial evidence alone. “Why,” he said, “when I was a boy, I knew another lad who, while his parents were absent, went to the pantry and nearly devoured a large custard pie. Then, fearing the consequences, he looked about, for means of hiding the traces of his guilt. Seeing the cat, he took her, smeared her face and paws ‘with the custard, and then, taking the innocent criminal into the backyard, he shot her. As he did so the boy observed to me, ‘There goes one more victim: hi He ‘won the case. : en tts
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\ i 28 OUR MYSTERIOUS BOARDER By D. W. STEVENS. - It would be hard to find a more quiet, dull, out-of-the-way _ little village than Rawdon. I took up my abode there in a large, rambling farmhouse, open for three months every year to summer visitors. There Was a party of nine, who had had full possession of the farm- house for several years, for the three summer months, and we rather resented the invasion When, one morning, Mrs. Deane ‘informed us that she had rented her one vacant room to an invalid widow, who had stipulated to have her meals in her ‘room. When the invalid widow arrived we watched her into her room with the natural curiosity of the occasion, and dis- cussed what could be seen of her as we plied our needles, rocking-chairs and tongues at once. Presently Mrs. Deane came ‘back to us. “Ah, poor thing!” she said, piety: “she is very weak, and has had a long illness. All her hair has been cut off, and is in a little close crop, like a boy’s; and she has lost her voice en- alten speak above a whisper. She is lying down, and I’m going to take her a cup of tea.” f Some expressions of sympathy were exchanged, and then we : discussed the latest fashions, f Amongst the letters that morning was one from my hus- band, who is a detective, and gave me the particulars of a great bank robbery, and his own share in the work of track- ing the thieves. “The man I am after,” he wrote, “is Day. There is strong evidence against him, and it is probable that he has most of the missing bonds, money and valuables with him.” I took up the newspapers. of which John always sent me an ample supply wherever I might be, and read the account of the robbery; and then, as usual, my mind went over all the dan- gers to John, not comforted one bit by the possibility that he might secure the reward offered by the bank for the capture of the thieves, It may be that my mind has been influenced by John’s busi- ness, and that for that reason J can never come near a mys- tery without trying to solve it. Now the widow was a mystery to me. rectly over hers, which was a small one on the first floor, that had never been used as a bedroom before, and opened into the garden on one side. The first circumstance that attracted my attention was that the delicate invalid, who dared not risk the soft summer air in the daytime, was in the habit of stealing out of her room after the family had retired, and walking for hours in the night, scmetimes in-the garden, pacing up and down, some- times going out at the gate, only to return hours later, and enter the house most cautiously, but wi so softly that I es not hear her, . Another curious fact was that the trays of food carried to her room might have satisfied the appetite of a plowman; and yet more than once I knew that Mrs. Paes taioas up a second supply. "yell closely aan a PME NS a, Once watching, I also discovered that the widow had a heavy step anda long stride in walking, more like a soldier than an invalid lady. Each day I became more convinced that the seclusion of our new boarder was not caused by ill-health alone; but my ut- ‘most endeavors could not secure a glimpse of her face. Her curtains were always down, and she had been three weeks’ in the house without once crossing the sill of the door leading into the hall, while in her nocturnal ome eas she wore her My room was di-|: Zid cov variously known as Johnso PLUCK AND LUCK. But one day, when July was half gone, there was a picnic of all the visitors, who went away at unearthly morning hours in. a great hay wagon, and were not to return until evening. At the last minute I decided to remain at home; but Mrs, Deane, . finding my door fastened, thought I had gone with the rest. Many times I had heard her voice in Mrs, Churchill’s room, though the whispered answer was lost to me; but on that day I listened eagerly as she urged the invalid to sit for an hour upon the porch. And the widow consented, and a little while after Mrs. Deane left her to go to a neighbor for some butter, oe When she was gone, I stole upon slippered feet to the par- lor. From one window, quite unseen myself, I watched the widow. For the first time I saw her face, a pale, strong-fea- tured countenance, with closely-curling brown hair, not unat- tractive in a masculine style, Her hands, large and white, lay upon her lap, in constant motion, twisting a large, seal ring, plaiting the fringe of her shawl, pushing back her hair occa- sionally; but never still. Suddenly she spoke—to the air, the roses, the flies, to me, though she did not know that—and in a rich, deep voice, said, . with an oath, “I’ve half a mind to risk it. » Then, as if the sound of her voice scared her, she 16k at around her. Nothing terrifying was in sight, and, throwing — off her: shawl, she went to her own room through the door that opened upon the porch. Two minutes later she was back again, smoking a cigar. f I sped upstairs, put on my hat, stole down to the kitchen, out of the back door, and acrogs to Mr. Cowley’s, a farmer, Half an hour later I was on my way to the railway station as fast as Mr, Cowley’s best horse could carry me, A telegram to John was dispatched, and he came as fast as steam would bring him, and no one expected him when he drove up and brought two sivet-Weoking gentlemen to Mrs. Deane’s. , e. - “Now, then,” John said, when we were meee “where is Day? 9” a z “Have you a photograph?” One was given me. i “Yes,” I said. “It is the same face, without the beard or mustache.” ; ad And I told John all I knew about our mysterious, boarder. There was no noise made. Early in the morning a. closed 5 carriage drove up to Mrs. Deane’s gate, and the widow was ~ roused from her morning nap before she could ‘secure her pistol. Very quietly three men walked down the garden path is to the gate, and the driver of the carriage was sent back for the trunk, in which was found the stolen DVODErEY: «4 ty oes John bought me the prettiest cottage with the reward, : WRIGHT'S DESPERATE RESISTANCE The little town of Oaklana, in Burt county, Nebraska, has been stirred up over the receipt of a letter from a lady in Hartford, Conn., who claims to be the widow of Henry Oe Steadman, Steadman was a wealthy rancher, highly respect- i ed, with a wife and two children, and his death, two years ago, was the first act in one of the most remarkable tragedies ever enacted in Nebraska. The Hartford lady, who signs her- self Jane O, Steadman, says she first learned of his death a few days ago by accident, and she is satisfied from his. de- scription that he was her husband, who deserted her and came west several years ago. This the people of Oakland are loth to believe, for Steadman was one of the most popular men, in the country, and a number of people shed their blood and eyen sacrificed their lives to avenge his death, Among the employees on Steadman’s ranch was
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PLUCK: AND LUCK. 29 Wright. He was a type of his class—tall, bronzed, with long Then it was that it was decided to fire the barn. A dozen black hair, piercing black eyes, a fearless rider, and a dead| volunteered to start the fire, but as it was considered highly shot. Nothing particular was known of his previous history. | desirable to attract as little attention as possible, it was agreed _ He came to Burt county with a drove of cattle from a New| that only two should go. Accordingly two of the shrewdest - Mexican ranch. He was of a sullen, taciturn disposition, and|men in the crowd, supplying themselves with hay, matches, never engaged in conversation with anybody. Although sup-|and a can of kerosene, started on the perilous mission. At posed to be a desperate man, Steadman employed him on ae-| first they went directly opposite from the barn, in order to de- count of his skill in handling cattle. He, however, became| ceive the Mexican in case he should observe them. To further careless of his duties, and on the 20th of March, 1886, Stead-| distract his attention from them, just as the men were about man discharged him. High words followed, and the Mexican, to start the crowd began a rattling fusillade on the barn, and . drawing a 42-calibre Colt’s revolver, shot Steadman through | kept.it up so fiercely that it sounded as if a pitched battle were _ the head, killing him instantly. in progress. Calmly walking to the barn, near at hand, he selected the} Reaching a point several yards beyond the light of the burn-- best horse, and mounting, struck out in a southerly direction. | ing haystacks, the two men stole cautiously toward the barn, The intelligence of the shooting was immediately carried to| It was considered too great a risk, however, to attempt to _ Oakland, and a large posse of mounted men at once started in| reach the barn itself, ands having safely arrived at a long cow= - pursuit. They soon came in sight of the Mexican, and when| shed which joined it on the dark side, they poured kerosene wt within rifle shot they opened a fusillade on the fugitive, who, | on several spots in the structure, and, laying bunches of hay 4 turning in his saddle, returned the fire. His aim proved dead-| beneath each of them, touched them off in quick succession. ly, two of his shots taking effect. The leader of the party, The flames shot up instantly, and in a moment the whole _ M. P. Johnson, fell from his horse, dead, with a bullet in his| side of the cowshed was on fire. The two men then started _ brain, and Charles Wasserman received a bullet in his leg.|on a dead run back to the camp of the besiegers. They had _ The pursuers, however, still pursued him closely. Seeing that| not a moment: to. spare, for hardly had they applied the escape was impossible, the cowboy, on reaching the barn of| matches when three shots, fired almost simultaneously, struck Charles Johnson, dismounted, and before they could get in! the shed, The men, however, were in the dark, and succeeded range, was safely inside. In this frail, but for the time im-1in safely rejoining their companions. ‘Then the firing ceased, pregnable, fortress, Wright made one of the most desperate| . Presently a shot was heard within the barn. _ Single-handed fights on record. Knowing that surrender “He has killed himself!” exclaimed several in the crowd. - meant instant and certain death, and amply supplied with am- The flames spread rapidly up one side of the barn and along munition and arms, he held at bay a crowd at times number-| the roof. The bellowing of the cattle and the neighing and ing 300 men, plunging of the horses could be heard above the roaring and Hardly had he entered the harn when his pursuers came| cra ckling of their burning prison. But there was no sound ‘within range, and,, surrounding the structure, a deadly fusil-| from the Mexican. The opinion rapidly gained ground that he lade commenced. The murderer was armed with a revolver! had shot himself, and several proposed that an attempt be and a Winchester rifle, and the cracks between the boards | made to enter the barn and save some of the live stock. With- - served as loopholes, through which he kept up a continuous | out taking the precaution to keep out of the light which the | and deadly fire. From both outside and inside the firing be-| other two had done, the erowd, made a rush toward the ‘fire. came furious. One of Wright's first shots brought down the | They had proceeded.about half way when the’side of the barn 4 horse of F, F. Parlor. In quick succession two other horses which they were facing tottered and fell. _ Were shot from under their riders. In a rash moment the im- “Come back! Come back! There’s the Greaser!” shouted ' prisoned man exposed himself and was shot through the leg. several men in the rear, ; _ From eight in the evening until twelve o’clock the firing| ‘The tableau revealed as the great framework crashed to : was almost incessant. At midnight the bombardment was} the ground for a moment rooted the spectators to the spot. y*suspended until morning, but no one slept. All through the) On three sides and overhead were the roaring flames, and in night armed recruits from all parts of the county came t0| the center lay, or half reclined, the Mexican. Grasped in his _ reinforce the besiegers. The crowd was under the direction of vight hand was the rifle which had done such deadly work. the sheriff, who disposed them so that every avenue es escape | His long, matted hair hung across his face. He seemed in the from the barn was watched, last agonies of suffocation. Simultaneously with the shouts of To attempt to starve him out was known to be a task of| the crowds he raised his head. With a dazed, uncertain move- - Many days, as the barn contained, besides thirteen head of} ment his left hand swept the hair from his face, Then, as if horses and mules, @ number of milch cows and hundreds of | suddenly realizing his surroundings, rifle in hand, he strug- chickens. All day the crowds surged and circled about the| gled to his feet. But as he brought the weapon. to his shoul- barn, but were careful to keep beyond the range of the Mexi-| der his wounded leg gave way. Raising on his knees he once -can’s deadly rifle. A wagon load of provisions arrived during | more lifted his rifle, steadied himself for an instant, and fired. the morning, and commissary headquarters were established | Hven in the death throes his aim proved unerring, and as he at the Johnson residence, Although the furious firing of the} fell forward on his funeral pyre one s the besieging party - i ‘previous eyening was not renewed, a number of shots were 6x-| dropped to the earth. changed and several of the besiegers were slightly wounded. A hundred bullets pares the parting shot from the - Upon the approach of the night, as there was no moon and | Mexican’s rifle, but the flames quickly hid his body from view: . the sky cloudy, it was decided, to prevent all chance of| The, tragedy was ended. Soon the barn was but a heap of Wright’s escape in the darkness, to fire haystacks on three| smoldering ruins. The last yictim of the desperado’s aim, ‘sides of the barn. This, it was believed, would also furnish! Charles Wise, was carried to the farmhouse in a dying condi- - opportunity to ignite the barn on the dark side'in case the! tion. It was now daylight, and a search was immediately risoner did not surrender. At ten o’clock the stacks were! made for the Mexican’s body. It was found in a large pile of fired, and the. crowd awaited developments. The prisoner,| oats. Both arms were burned off and a part of both legs.. The’ owever, was still defiant, as was evidenced. by shots from the crowd was bent on taking the corpse and feeding it to the i hogs, but the sheriff finally prevailed on them to)give ap, ae fas Tides, and it was buried in a contiguous coe ; Mie ae Sree ome) ee SE Clee ie neh ian i a ~ fi arn whenever anyone aubronoket! the structure, in 1 the light of lazing haystacks. :
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These Books Tell You Everything! — A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! ere Pach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on geod paper,in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover, - Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if, you want to know anything about the subjects "mentioned, THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL RE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OFFICH ON RUCHIPT OF PRICE, THN CHNTS BACH, OR ANY THREH BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THI SAME AS MONBY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. MESMERISM. No. 81. HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most ap- roved methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of = diseases by animal megnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof, Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. £ ,, author of “How to Hypnotize,” eta PALMISTRY. No. 82, HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most ap- proved methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with a full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and the key for telling character by the bumps on the head, By Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. 8. Fully illustrated. p HYPNOTISM. No. 88. HOW TO HYPNOTIZHE.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the leading hypnotistg of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, 4.0.5. "8 SPORTING. No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full in- structions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish. o. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fually illustrated, Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. _ No, 47. HOW TO BRBAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSH.— A complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse. No. 48. HOW LTO BUILD AND SAIL CANOBS.--A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them, Wully illustrated. By ©. Stansfield Hicks, : , FORTUNE TELLING. ‘No. 1. NAPOLHON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- ing of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious games of cards. A complete book, No. 23. HOW TO BXPLAIN DRBAMS.—HDverybody dreams, from ‘the little child to the aged man and woman. ‘This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, ‘together with lucky ‘and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Hveryone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty.. You can tell by a glance at this little book. Buy one and be conyinced, Tell your own fortune. Tell the fortune of your friends. No. 76. HOW TO ‘TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.— Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated. By As Anderson. ATHLETIC. : No. & HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETY.—Giving full in- struction for toe use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars and yarious other methods of developing a good, healthy rauscie; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained in this’ little book. « A rey 4 ~~ No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the diifer- ent positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box without an instructor. ; ‘ No, 25: ROW TO BHECOMD A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for all kinds of gymnastie sports and athletic exercises, QWmbracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and useful. book. : “No. [OW 'TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for "fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. ‘Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. a TRICKS WITH CARDS. —_ ‘No. 51. HOW [CK Q L explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not ‘requiring gisight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of \ ypeciaily prepared cards. By Professor Haffner. Illustrated. | ; : Py ba J ‘ : SWemend ny + : ¢ fire ‘a description of the lantern, together with its history and inventio | Containing full directions for writing to TO) DO TRICKS WITH GARDS.—Containing No. 72, HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS,—_Em bracing all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with ily ~ lustrations, By A, Anderson, es, ay _ No. 17. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.— — Containing deceptive Card Tricks as performed. by leading conjurors and magicians, Arranged for home,amusement. Tully illustrated, — MAGIC. No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and — card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by — our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this as it will both amuse and instruct. No, 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sigl explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. BHxplaining how the secret dialogues were carried. on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals, The only authentic explanation of second sight. paren No. 43. HOW TO BECOMH A MAGICIAN.—Containing @ grandest’ assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public, Also tricks with cards, incantations, ete, ; i No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL 'TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated, ( No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing oye! fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain: ing ae secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. _No. 70, HOW, TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. Tully illustrated. : te ahi No. 78. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing © many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. fhevsit No. 75. HOW TO BHCOMH A CONJUROR. — Containi Hats, etc. Wmbracing tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, thirty-six illustrations. B A. Anderson. he No. 78. HOW TO DO 'THE BLACK ART.—Containing a co plete description of the mysteries of Magic and. Sleight of Hanc together with: many wonderful experiments. By A. Andersc Illustrated. F MECHANICAL. As oe No. 29. HOW TO BECOMH AN INVENTOR.—Dvery bo: should know how inventions originated. This book explains ther all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, once . pneumatics, mechanies, ete. The most instructive Rea publish Ne, 56. HOW TO BECOME AN HNGINEER.—Containing full instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive en- gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive; together with a full description of everything an engineer should know. * No. 57. HOW 'TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Adolian Harp, rylo~ phone and other musical instruments; together with a brief de- scription, of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon 8. Fitzgerald, for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines, No. 59. HOW TO MAKI A MAGIC LA THRN.—Containin, ae Alse full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsome illustrated. By John Bie ; age aye) No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containi complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tric By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. Te et aac LETTER WRITING. — No. 11, HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LHTTERS.—a. most | plete little book, containing full directions for writing love-lei and when tc.use them, giving specimen letters for young and old, No, 12. HOW TO WRITH LETTERS TO LADINS—Givin complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also letters of introduction, notes and requests. ‘ No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GHNTLEMEN. ini gentlemen on all subjects also giving sample letters for. instruction. ae Feed eee No. 538. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A wonderful litt book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your a ot “ ms mother, sister, brother, employer; ana, in fact, everybody and body you wish to write to. Mvery young man and lady in the land should ave this book. ° Heese No. 74. HOW TO WRITH LETLERS CO: taining full instructions for writing letters on alm also rules for punctuation and composition, F
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THE STAGE. _ No. 41. THY BOYS OF NEW. YORK END MEN’S JO“RE BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the Most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. No. 42, THE BOYS OF NEW YORE STUMP SPEAKER.— Containing a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch nd Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ‘Mhent and amateur shows. No. 45. THH BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDH AND JOK}) BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Hvery boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for or- “ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe. _, No. 63. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It eontaing a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, ete., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should @btain a copy immediately. : No. 79. HOW TO BECOME, AN ACTOR.—Containing com- lete instructions how to make up for various characters on the tage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKH BOOK.—Containing the lat- est jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and “ever popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome €olored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. ; 2 HOUSEKEEPING. No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Oontaining full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town “or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful eg at home. The most complete book of the kind ever -pub- ished. No. 80. HOW TO COCK.—One of the most instructive books “on cooking evér published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of Pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular cooks. _ No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It. contains information for everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments,. brackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. be ELECTRICAL. No. 46. HOW TO MAKH AND USE HLECTRICITY.—A de- scription of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism ; together with full instructions for making Hlectrie Toys, Batteries, aie By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- lustrations. s No. 64. HOW TO MAKE HLECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- taining full directions, for making electrical machines, induction “coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. y R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. 4 ee » ‘No, 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, ogether with illustrations. By A. Anderson. : ENTERTAINMENT. No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry ‘ennedy. The secret given away. Every intelligent boy reading this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- tudes every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the “ait, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the greatest book ever published. and there’s millions (of fun) in it. > No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A ‘very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, ete., suitable for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the ‘money than any book published. : No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little book, containing oe te and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, -backeammon, croquet. dominoes, ete. Ase ONS 36. HOW 'LO SOLVE’ CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all the leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches d witty sayings. ; e : ND. Bo. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little book, giving the rules and full directions for playing- Buchre, Crib- bage, Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, - Auction Pitch, All Fours, and-many other popular games of cards. No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun- @red interesting puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A x complete book. Wully illustrated. By A. Anderson. ETIQUETTE. .s No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF HTIQUETTH.—It ‘a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know l about. There’s happiness in it. ae ; g No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods of ap- ‘pearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and / iP earing DECLAMATION. . n the drawing-room. RECITE AND BOOK OF ular selections in use, comprising Du RECITATIONS, itch FE re, a ae eee . » See No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing fou teen illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to é a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems all the Sopp authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most simple and concise manner possible. s Lt No. 49. HOW TO DEBATH.—Giviag rutes for conducting de bates, outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the bes’ sources for procuring information on the questions given, : SOCIETY. No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it con- tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is Sete tg to everybody, both eld and young. You cannot be happy without one. _No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome littie book just issued by Hrank Tousey. It contains full inst tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at areas a to dress, and full directions for calling off in ali popular square ances, : e No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVH.—A complete guide to love, courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to ne Prey With many curious and interesting things aot gen- erally known. No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. | No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. Everybody, wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. & secret is simple, and almost costless. d this and be convinced how to become beautiful. BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and containing full instructions for the management and training of canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet oe ete. No. 39. HOW TO'RAIS® DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely illus- trated. By Ira Drofraw. No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including ne on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and bi ei sig to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington eene, No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, moun and girl as animals and insects. te No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving com- plete information as to the manner and method of raising, ing, se taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving f instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained-by twenty-eight - illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever published. MISCELLANEOUS. . Se Wo. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful-and in- structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also. ex- periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, ond fe rections for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. is book cannot be equaled. a aes No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups essences, ete. ete. .. No. 81. HOW TO BHCOME AN AUTHOR.—Containing full information regarding choice of subjects, the use of words and the manner of preparing and submitting manuscript. Also containing / valuable information as to the neatness, legibility and general com- peated of manuscript, essential to a successful author. By Prince Hi : . “No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR'—A won derful book, containimg useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every femntly Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- aints. * e No. 55. HOW, TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Con- taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. a hy J No. 58. HOW TO BD A DETECTIVE.—By Old Bing Anat ys the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and experiences of well-known detectives. pet No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Contain- ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make Photographic Magie Lantern Slides_and other Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. Abney. eal: on
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me Latest Issues “we | “FAME AND FORTUNE | WEEKLY” — u CoNTAINING Strorizs or Boys Wo Make Money. ‘ Cotorep Covers. 32 Pages. Price 5 CENTS. 108 eee to Millionaire; or, A Boy’s Luck in Wall 115 Stranded Out West; or, The Boy Who Found a Silver 3 z ; 109 The Boy Gold Hunters; or After a Pirate’s Treasure. Mine. 110 Tricking the Traders; or, A Wall Street Boy’s Game of | 116 Ben Bassford’s Luck; or, Working on Wall Street Tips. — ’ Chance, 117 A Young Gold King; or, The Treasure of the Secret $2 111 Jack Merry’s Grit; or, Making a Man of Himself. 112 A Golden Shower; or, The Boy Banker of Wall Street. 118 Making a Record; or, The Luck of a Working Boy. 118 Bound to Get Rich; or, How a Wall Street Boy Madea * Caves. 114 A Fight for ‘Sainasaben aad Nae AP ieee nies From School to Wall Street. woneys ; * SECRET SERVICE =| Op AND Youne Kine Brapy Derrctives bgoe Cotorep Covers 32 PacEs Prion 5 Cents ; 460 The Bradys and the Witch Woman; or, The Mystery of] 464 The Bradys Double Death Trap; or, After the St. Louis, Mulberry Bend, Seven. 461 The Bradys and the Blind Peddler; or, Working in the| 465 The Bradys and the Trunk Tappers; or, ‘Solving a Rail-_ : Dark, ‘road Mystery. , 462 The Bradys Chasing the “Queer” Makers; or, The Miss- 466 The Bradys’ Church Clock Clew; or, The Man in the ing Seer et’ Service Man: Steel Cage. 463 The Bradys and the Hop Crooks; or, The Hidden Man | 467 The Bradys and the Six Skeletons; or, The Underground of Chinatown. 2 Ly House ‘House on the Hudson. “WIDE AWAKE | WEEKLY” — Conrainine Storrs or Boy FirEMEN, | Cotorep Covers. 32 Pages. Paige 5 Grantley 81 Young Wide Awake’s Daring Deed; or, The Last Chance }86 Young Wide Awake’s Mysterious wigs or, Almost at for Life. ; Death’s Door. 82 Young Wide Awake’s Factory Fire; or, Caught in a Death 87 bir eee ake Over a Volcano; or, The Trick of the ‘ Trap. m8 83 Young Wide Awake’s Rope Crew; or, The Belmont Fire Bb Hani Po tae Ore Hydrant; re Fire- Be 84 Young Wide Awake and the Maniac; or, After the Insur-| 89 Young Wide Awake’s Well-Won Medal; or, Winning Fire- ance Crooks. | Department Honors. 85 Young Wide Awake’s False Alarm; or, The Fire Captain’s | 90 betes Wide Awake’s Gall for Help; or, Shut off from. His Narrowest Escape. “Comrades. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps, be J | FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N. x a IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS 3 of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fi 3 in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you b return mail. POSTAGE sh ansabe TAKHN THE SAME AS MONEY. Re ahitan cal Pa ee pA a URAC IAC SES iat CER TEE TES IR ease CNTR ee aoe en FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union danove: New York. see ee reece enn en cess en ee 5190 Dear Srr—Enclosed find......cents for which please send me: ae dine : Pits ore -.eopies of WORK AND WIN, NOS) ais sie ely. 03e binva acs Suke eh oih'g hn Alale gial Beara Bom Aid’ 96" G'Wynle ete «Roe aupnne tails ala ts ’ “ WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, Boas 8 2 ae ees vl eae ~ WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos..........cseescceeevesecntcerccccesersencsecenstsens 4 TRE LIBERTY BOYS OF 776, Noa. i. ssi ane nsidiw senses Pies age Reee sewed “ PLUCK AND LUCK, UD coco go a EAA ele ae “ SECRET SERVIOB, Nos... 2.0... 20. ceeceeseeee ene mestecenecnsrereveneess | “ FAME AND FORTUNE WEEKLY, sorenentes ain Oe ee Ten-Cent Hénd Book Nos
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PLUCK An Old Scout. For sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent to any address on receipt of price, 5 cents per copy, in money or postage stamps, by. FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, AND Beautifully Colored Covers 32 PAGES Contains All Sorts of Stories LATEST ISSUES: 468 434 From Engineer to President; or, Working His Way Up. By Jas. 469 C. Merritt. 435 Lucky Luke; or, A Bright Boy’s Career in Wall Street. By H. K. 470 Shackleford, 436 The Prince of the Prairie; or, The Boy Who Owned it All. By 471 An Old Scout. (i 437 Herman, the Boy Magician; or, On the Road With a Variety : Show. By Berton Bertrew. " 472 38 Tom Barry of Barrington; or, The Hero of No. 4. By Wx-Fire- Chief Warden. 473 439 an Spy of Spuyten Devt or, The Boy With a Charmed Life. 474 By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon 475 440 Two Yankee Boys Among the Kaflirs; or, The Search for King 75 Solomon's Mines. By Allyn Draper. 476 441 The Arctic Crusoes; or, Lost at the World’s End. By Howard 477 Austin, - 442 Rob Ralston’s Run; or, The Perilous Career of a Boy Engineer. 478 By Jas. C. Merritt. 443 Jack Dacre’s Dollar, And How He Made it Grow. By H. K. 479 Shackleford. 480 444 The Boy Fire King; or, Barnum’s Brightest Star. By Berton Bertrew. 481 445 Fearless Frank, The Brave Boy Fireman, And How He Won His} 439 Fame. By Ex-Fire-Chief Warden. 446 Under the Black Flag: or, The Buried Treasure of the Seven | 493 Isles. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. | 447 The Rise of eddie Dunn; or, The Boy With a Silver Tongue.) 484 By Allan Arnold. 448 Little Lariat, The Boy Wild-Horse Hunter; or, The Dashing | 485 Rider of the Staked Plains. By An Old Scout. 449 The Boy Railroad King; or, Working His Way to the Top. By] 486 Jas. C. Merritt. i 450 Loyal to the Last; or, Fighting for the Stars and Stripes. By | 487 Gen’l. James A. Gordon. 4 451 rh Decker, the Brave Young Fireman, By Wx-Fire-Chief War- 88 en. ' 452 Buffalo Charlie, the Young Hunter. (A True Story of the West.) | 4%? By An Old Scout. 490 453 The Two Boy Brokers; or, From Messenger Boys to Millionaires. By A Retired Banker. 491 454 Under the Turban; or,. A Yankee Boy’s Trip to Mecca. By Allyn Draper. 492 455 Little Lou, the Pride of the Continental Army. By Gen’l. Jas. A. Gordon, 493 456 ba Boy Merchant; or, The Pluck and Luck of Harry Graham. By H. K. Shackleford. 494 457 Railroad Ralph, the Boy Engineer. By Jas. C. Merritt. 495 458 The Boy Pilot of Lake Michigan. 3y Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 459-That Boy of Barton’s; or, The Luck of a Lad in Wall Street. | 496 By H. K. Shackleford. 460 Lost in the Blizzard; or, The Snow-Bound School Boys. By | 497 Howard Austin. 461 Driven Ashore in Lost Latitudes; or, The Strange Story of the | 498 Skeleton Island. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. 462 The Boss of the Messenger Boys; or, Born to Good Luck, By 499 Richard Montgomery. 500 463 The Irish Rip Van Winkle; or, The Wild Man of the Round Tower. By Allyn Draper. 464 ine at the Pole; or, The Secret of the Arctic Circle. By Berton ertrew. 465 Rupert of Roanoke; or, The Boy Rangers of the-American Revo- lution. By Gen’l. James A. Gordon. 466 ba | Castle; or, The Home of the Lost Explorers. By Allan rno. 467 The Boy Prospectors } or, The Trail of the Club-Foot Bear. By LUCK PRICE 5 CENTS The Wreck of the ‘Columbus’; or, Abandoned in the: Ice. Howard Austin. Among the Gauchos; or, A Yankee By Richard R. Montgomery. The Quaker Boy Spy; or, General Washington's Best Aide. A Story of the American Revolution. By Gen’l. Jas. A. Gordon. Cal Carter, the Boy Lawyer; or, A Fee of One Million Dollars. By Allan Arnold, The Board of Trade Boys; or, The Young Grain Speculators of Chicago. By A Retired Broker. Haunted; or, The Curse of Gold. By H. K. Shackleford. A Sawdust Prince; or, The Boy Bareback Rider. By Berton Bertrew. Fred Farrell, The Barkeeper’s Son. By Jno. B, Dowd. The Vviarked Moccasin; or, Pandy Ellis’ Pard. By An Old Scout. Liberty Hose; or, The Pride of Plattsville. By Ex-Fire-Chiet Warden. Among the Sun Worshipers; or, Two New York Boys in Peru. ‘By Richard R. Montgomery. Engineer Steve, The Prince of the Rail. By Jas. C. Merritt. A Wall Street ‘‘Lamb"’; or, The Boy Who Broke the Brokers. By H. K. Shackleford. Chums; or, The Leaders of Glendale Academy. By Allyn Draper. — The Little Swamp Fox, A Tale of General Marion and His Men. By ‘ty in South America. (A True Temperance Story.) aa ae ate By Gen’l. Jas. A. Gordon. aad ner Nick; or, The Boy with a Hidden Million. By Howard ustin. North Pole Nat: or, The Secret of the Frozen Deep. By Capt. oe Thos. H. Wilson. ne Thirteen White Ravens; or, The Ghostly Riders of the Forest. By Allyn Draper. as pom Shot; or, The Pride of the Trappers. By An Old COM The New Cin Bootblack; or, The Secret of a Boy’s Life. Aitan Arnold Whistling Walt, The Champion Spy. Ga Story of the American By Richard Reg Revolution.) By Gen. Jas. A. Gordo The Boy Maroons; or, Cast Away for Two Years. Montgomery. Fred Flame, The Hero of Greystone No. 1. By Wx-Fire-Chief Warden. r The White Wizard of the Bowery; or, The Boy Slaves of New York. By Allyn Draper, Harry Dare; or, A New York Boy in the Navy. By Cap’t Thos. H. Vilson. The Little Unknown; or, The Young Hero of the Reign of Terror. By © Allan Arnold. By Jas._C. Merritt, Jack Quick; or, The Boy Eng ‘ineer. art: a the Great Basin; or, he Wonderful Undergronaa City. By An Scou iy From Bootblack to Senator; or, Bound to Make his Way. By Howard Austin. Pees The Seven Tigers of the Mountains; or, All for Love and Glory. By Richard R. Montgomery. Slippery Steve; or, The Cunning Spy of the eas (A Story of the American Revolution). By General Jas. A. Gor Blown Out to Sea; or, Lost Among a Strange Race. by. Capt. Thos. He Wilson. The Boy Volunteers; or, The Boss Fire Company of the Town. By Ex: Vire-Chief Warden. ee 24 Union Square, N. . rae IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS of our Weeklies and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the weeklies you want and we will send them to you by 4 return mail, ee ee ee FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. Dear Str—Enclosed find. . pxeoDeeS of WORK AND WIN, Moa “ re WIDE AWAKE WEEKLY, INOS Y hice anaeehe WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos....... lass Ronee OCI AND): OGG, Nios, .:sal ec 1s ayes SERVICE, Nos.. OMe Gee's! o sis ois ey uw . cents for which please send me: EEE CAV Bite Noms On OE Gee NQgiuntis ¢/.4' 208 oiq hails We be. ; POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. eee eee ee ee ee eC acy ng aie: = +S ae Towasn'. see eee