better than no bread,though, I've heard say. I hadn't dreamed of recovering a cent of thatfifteen thousand. Lafe and I are just so much ahead."
A knock fell on the door. Hill answered the summons and admitted HankBurton.
"Well, by golly!" exclaimed Hill.
"What's the matter?" queried Burton sourly.
"I told Clancy I didn't think you'd come. Seein' you sort o' surprisedme."
"What made you think I wouldn't come?" demanded Burton.
"Oh, the way you acted, the way you talked, and your low-down character,gen'rally."
Burton flushed and scowled. Turning away from Hill he addressed himselfto Clancy.
"Here I am," said he. "Why did you want me to call here this morning?"
"I want to give you a grubstake," answered the motor wizard. "Hiram, ifthere are five dry twenty-dollar bills in that heap, give them toBurton."
Burton started, stared at Clancy, and then watched Hill while he kneltdown and selected five twenties from the drying bills.
"What are you doing this for?" asked Burton falteringly.
"Just trying to give you a little boost in the right direction."
"I'm not entitled to any of that money!"
"I think you are. You earned something last night. Take the hundred,Burton, and see if you can't be square."
The young fellow's face paled, then the color dyed his cheeks. He stoodlooking down at the floor, then presently lifted his head and movedslightly toward Clancy and half raised his hand. Then he paused, oncemore, whirled suddenly, and got out of the room as fast as he could.
Hill had been watching these strange maneuvers in frank amazement. "Ireckon he's locoed," he said, as soon as the door had closed behindBurton.
"No," returned Clancy, "his gratitude was trying to express itself, butcouldn't quite make it. He has had his lesson, Hiram, and will profit byit."
"He has profited a hundred dollars' worth, anyhow," commented Hilldryly. "This Happy Trail of yours, Clancy, is a mighty queer one, seemsto me. For a ways, it follows the one I took in huntin' for dad; then itbranches off and points straight toward Gerald Wynn and his gang. Nowhere we are at the end of it--and you're seventy-five hundred to thegood."
Clancy laughed.
"Get me a pencil and a piece of paper, Hiram," he requested.
Hiram found the writing materials and Clancy wrote out the followingmessage:
"LAFE WYNN, Phoenix, Arizona: Luck. Seventy-five hundred of the missingfifteen thousand recovered. Cheer up. Happy Trail panning out betterthan expected. Still gunning for Hill's father. CLANCY."
"Right across the street," said Clancy, "is a wireless station. Takethis message over there, Hiram, and let the Hertzian waves get busy withit at once."
"On the jump!" answered Hill.
"Better take a five-dollar bill with you," Clancy suggested.
Hill picked up the bank note.
"I'd like to see that money get dry before we spend it all," hecomplained, and then went out with the wireless message for Lafe.
"Wonder if Lafe will feel any different when he gets that?" Clancymurmured, smiling happily. "I know I'm feeling a whole lot differentmyself!"
THE END.
"Owen Clancy's Double Trouble; or, The Motor Wizard's Mystery,"concludes the red-headed chap's series of adventures, in the midst ofwhich we have left him at the conclusion of this story. You will findthe double-trouble story in the next issue of the weekly, No. 88, outApril 4th.
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[Chapters 4 - 6 of _The Snapshot Mystery_ not included as the story iscontinued from a previous issue and continues in later issues.]
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THE COSSACKS.
The Cossacks are a race of freemen. The entire territory belongs to theCossack commune and every individual has an equal right to the use ofthe land together with the pastures, hunting grounds, and fisheries. TheCossacks pay no taxes to the government, but in lieu of this--and hereyou see the connection between them and the Russian government--they arebound to perform military service. They are divided into threeclasses--first, the minors up to their sixteenth year; secondly, thoseon actual service for a period of twenty-five years; therefore, untiltheir forty-second year; thirdly, those released from service, whoremain for five years, or until their forty-seventh year in the reserve,after which period they are regarded as wholly released from service andinvalided. Every Cossack is obliged to equip, clothe, and arm himself athis own expense, and to keep his horse. While on service beyond thefrontiers of his own country, he receives rations of food and provender,and a small amount of pay. The artillery and train are at the charge ofthe government. Instead of imposing taxes on the Don Cossacks, theRussian government pays them an annual tribute, varying in peace andwar, together, with grants to be distributed among the widows andorphans of those who have fallen in battle.
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A SATIRICAL REWARD.
There was perhaps more satire than gratitude in the reward bestowed by aFrench lady on a surgeon for bleeding her--an operation in which thelancet was so clumsily used that an artery was severed and the poorwoman bled to death. When she recognized that she was dying she made awill in which she left the operator a life annuity of eight hundredfrancs on condition "that he never again bleeds anybody as long as helives."
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DODGED THE TRAP.
Doctor James B. Angell tells in his reminiscences the followingenjoyable story of his college days at Brown University under thepresidency of Doctor Wayland:
The doctor's son, Heman Lincoln Wayland, one of my classmates, inheritedfrom his father a very keen wit. The passages between father and sonwere often entertaining to the class. One day, when we were consideringa chapter in the fathers textbook on moral philosophy, Lincoln rose withan expression of great solemnity and respect and said:
"Sir, I would like to propound a question."
"Well, sir, what is it?" was the reply.
"Well, sir," said the son, "in the learned author's work which we arenow perusing I observe the following remark," and then he quoted.
The class saw that fun was at hand and began to laugh.
"Well, what of it?" asked, the father, with a merry twinkle in his eye.
"Why," continued the son, "in another work of the same learned author,entitled 'On the Limitation of Human Responsibility,' I find thefollowing passage."
He quoted again. Clearly the two passages were irreconcilable. The boyswere delighted to see that the doctor was in a trap and broke into loudlaughter.
"Well, what of it?" asked the doctor, and his eyes twinkled still moremerrily.
"Why," said the son, with the utmost gravity, "it has occurred to methat I should like to know how the learned author reconciles the twostatements."
"Oh," said the father, "that is simple enough it only shows that sincehe wrote the first book the learned author has learned something."
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THE COMPASSNews from All Points[illustration: compass]
Books for Trainers and Athletes.
So many inquiries reach us from week to week concerning the variousmanuals on athletic development, which we publish, that we have decidedto keep a list of them standing here. Any number can be had by mail byremitting 10 cents, and 3 cents postage, for each copy, to thepublishers.
"Frank Merriwell's Book of Physical Development."
"The Art of Boxing and Self-defense," by Professor Donovan.
"Physical Health Culture," by Professor Fourmen.
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Wants to Exchange Post Cards.
PROFESSOR FOURMEN: It was with great pleasure that I read in Tip Top ofyour return to this country.
I have been a reader of the Tip To
p for three years now, and I think itis the ideal weekly of the age. I would like very much to get in touchwith other readers of your great paper.
Although the Items of Interest were interesting to read, they arenothing like the good old Applause Column.
The part I like best in the Merriwell stories is the way Mr. Standishkeeps the reader interested all the way through. They are not like moststories, because you can't tell how they are going to end. There issomething new all the time.
I would like some of the Tip Top post cards. And it will be a pleasureto exchange cards with any of our Merriwell admirers. I hope to hearfrom some of them soon. I remain for the Tip Top always, Elgin, Ill. 355 Chicago Street. WM. DE GARIS.
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Has Read "Tip Top" from No. 1.
Was pleased to note the return of the Applause Column to Tip Top. Ibelieve it will serve to increase the popularity of your long-famed andworld-renowned "King of Weeklies," and thought this an appropriate timeto drop you this note of appreciation.
I have followed your weekly from No. 1, Old Tip Top, to date, and canrecommend it to any friend as the weekly that stands alone. There are noothers in its class.
Although I never expect the Frank, junior's, to equal the old-timestories, I find them all good.
I will deem it a favor if you will tell me if I can get any of theMerriwell stories in the cloth binding, which were published severalyears ago.
This tribute probably sounds a little strong, but, sincerely, every wordis sent in good faith, and I am sure hosts of others who have followedthe Merriwell adventures for any length of time join with me.
I don't wish to appear as "butting in," but don't you think a fewillustrations in your _New Medal_ books would aid in increasing interestin this fine series of stories, and interest to the readers?
Please send me a set of the postal cards formerly sent to Tip Topreaders, if you still have them.
With best wishes for a successful future to Street & Smith, a long lifeto Burt, the author, I will end, hoping to long remain a trueTip-Topper. Gravette, Arkansas. H. WYRIC LEWIS.
P. S.--Would welcome some of the Old Tip Top characters back to thefront. Some of Frank or Dick's old-time friends and schoolmates.
You are certainly a loyal, Tip-Topper, and we thank you for your letterof praise, and for its suggestions. The Merriwell stories have neverbeen bound in cloth, but you can find them all in _The New MedalLibrary._ The post cards have been mailed to you.
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Some Suggestions.
I have read Tip Top for over a year now, and I buy it every week. It isan excellent weekly, and I think the revival of the Applause Column willmake it more interesting.
In G. Patient's letter, in No. 79, he asks for some, Tip Top post cards.I don't know what they are, but if you have another set, I would like tohave it.
Has the joking quality died out of the Merriwell family? I notice thatFrank, junior, takes life too seriously. Too much association with grownpeople. Let's have a joke now and then. Also, it's about time youngFrank's girl is introduced to the reader, don't you think?
Hoping to see part of my letter in the Tip Top at some early issue, Iam, yours truly, ROSWELL NOTHWARY. Little Rock, Ark. 2609 Battery Street.
We have mailed you the post cards. Thank you for your suggestions. Thereis a humorous character coming in the Clancy stories that we think youwill like.
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A Poet Tip-topper.
Upon opening a recent number of Tip Top, I discovered, to my greatdelight, that you have reopened the Applause Column. I have read most ofthe Merriwell stories, but I have never written to the Applause Columnbefore, so I think it is about time. I agree with Mr. Charles W. Meyersthat when the Professor Fourmen and Applause were left out, and alsowhen Frank and Dick were dropped, there was surely something lacking.Frank Merriwell, junior, is all right, but, to my mind, he will neverquite come up to his father and uncle; but, of course, I expect him toimprove as he grows older. I do not like the Owen Clancy stories. Ithink they just about spoil the series. I hope that Dick will soon winback his fortune, which he lost in the revolution. What about JuneArlington, and all of Dick's old friends, especially Jim Stretcher? Ihope that old Joe Crowfoot is still among the living. I would like verymuch to see Bart Hodge's daughter in the stories. I also read the_Top-Notch Magazine,_ and I like it next to Tip Top. I like theadventure stories the best, but the athletic stories are good, also. Ihave a little doggerel here that I would like to see in print:
Now, boys, fill up your glasses, In calm weather as well as in blizzard,For the hero of men of all classes, For you, Frank Merriwell, the wizard.
Once more for Dick, Frank's brother, The boy who will always be trailed,Because on all things he does not falter, The fellow who never failed.
And now for Frank Merriwell, junior, Who is one of the Merriwell flock,Who always gets there a little sooner--- A chip of the old sturdy block.
I see you have some Tip Top post cards, and I would be immensely pleasedto receive a set of them. Waiting eagerly for the return of both Frankand Dick, I will close, hoping that you will not consider this lettertoo long to print, and will think it good enough to escape thewastebasket. CLARENCE WELCH, Olean, N. Y. 209 West Henly Street.
The post cards have been mailed to you. Thank you for your frank letter.
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A New Jersey Admirer.
I like Tip Top because it has such interesting stories.
It has helped me to be very fond of good reading. I get the Tip Top, andoften give it to others to read.
Please send me the set of six colored post cards with lifelike picturesof the Merriwells. Bartley, N. J. WALTER MORGAN.
We have mailed you the cards.
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Thinks We Are Improving.
I have been an ardent reader of Tip Top for a number of years, andconsider it the best weekly of its kind, and think it is improving.
There is something so fascinating about its stories, especially thoseabout Dick and Frank Merriwell, senior.
Glad to read in one of the last issues that we are to hear more of them,also pleased to see the Applause Column on the pages again.
I would be pleased to receive a set of Tip Top post cards.
Hoping you will pardon the extent of this letter.
Hanover, Ontario, Canada. SIDNEY DANKERT.
Glad you think we are improving. We have mailed you the post cards.
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Cigarettes Are Certainly Bad for Your Wind.
PROFESSOR FOURMEN: Seeing you were back in Tip Top, I thought I wouldwrite and ask you a few questions.
I belong to the Y. M. C. A. in my city, and to an athletic club. I playbaseball, but cannot hit the ball very well. How can I remedy that?
I also play basket ball, but get winded very early in the game. This isthe same with running. I cannot run any distance. How can I improve mywind?
Is smoking cigarettes harmful, and would you advise me to drink coffeewith my meals, or milk and water?
After playing basket ball or taking any kind of exercise, what kind ofshower should I take--cold or hot?
What kind of a game is soccer? Is it as good as football, and what timeof the year is it played.
Hoping you will answer my questions, and thanking you in advance. W. O. K. Rochester, N. Y.
Practice hitting. _Keep your eye on the ball._ Don't try to "swat."Those are a few suggestions, but ordinarily to learn to bat, one must beunder the personal supervision of a coach.
Smoking is the worst thing you can do to injure your wind. Stop it, thensee how your wind will improve.
As long as you get a warm reaction, and do not feel weak after you bath,but refreshed, take it cold.
There is no bes
t game. Some like one, some another. Soccer is a crackinggood game, and can be played any time that the ground will permit.
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American College Yells.
There have been so many requests for us to reprint a list of collegeyells printed in Tip Top several years ago, that we have decided to doso.
The collection--probably the most extensive one ever made--will bepresented in three parts--one part appearing each week.
PART I.
Alabama Polytechnic Institute: "Ki-yi-yi! Ki-yi-yi! Hoop-la-hi! Auburn!Auburn! A-P-I!"
Albion: "A-l'-b-i'-o-n', Bis Boom Bah, Albion, Rah! Rah! Rah!"
Alma: "Hip, hi, hoo, ray, ALMA, Rah-a-ah!"
Amherst: "Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Amherst!"
Armour Institute Technology: "Arch, Mech, Cie, Elec, Rah, Rah, ArmourTech!"
Augustana: "Rocky-eye, Rocky-eye, Zip zum zie, Shingerata, Shingerata,Bim Bum Bie, Zipzum zipzum, Rah! Rah! Rah! Karaborra, Karaborra,Augustana!"
Baker University: "B. U.! Rah, Rah! (repeat) Hoorah! Hoorah! Baker!taker! Rah! Rah! Rah!"
Baldwin University: "U rah rah, U rah rah, U rah rah tiger!"
Bates: "B-A-T-E-S--Rah Rah Rah! Boom-a-laka, Boom-a-laka, Boom, Bates,Boom!"
Baylor University: "B! B! B-A-Y! L! L! L-O-R! U! U! U-NI-V! V!VAR-SI-TY! Baylor! Baylor!!"
Beloit: "Oh-aye, yoh-yoh-yoh-Be-loit! B-e-l-o-i-t--Rah-Rah-Rah!"
Berea: "Rah, Rah, Rah, sis boom bah, Cream and Blue, Be-re-a!"
Bethany (Kan.): "Rockar, Stockar, Thor och hans bockar, Kor i genom, kori genom, tjo, tjo, Bethania!"
Boston University: "Boston, Boston, B-B-B-Boston, 'Varsity, 'Varsity,Rah! Rah! Rah!"
Bowdoin: "B-o-w-d-o-i-n, Rah, Rah, Rah!