Chapter 13

A "WIRELESS" FOR LAFE.

Clancy was startled. He had only been half as successful as he thought he had.

"Well, thunder!" he exclaimed, sitting up in bed. "Last night, Hiram, I was sure I had all the money that had been taken from Phoenix by Lafe."

"This Was Bob Katz's satchel, wasn't it?" Hill asked, nodding toward the grip.

"Yes."

"Well, Katz said he had only severity-five hundred in it, when it was taken from him by Hogan and Wynn."

"That's so," mused Clancy. "I didn't have much time last night, to reason matters out to a fine point. Half a loaf is better than no bread, though, I've heard say. I hadn't dreamed of recovering a cent of that fifteen thousand. Lafe and I are just so much ahead."

A knock fell on the door. Hill answered the summons and admitted Hank Burton.

"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' surprised me."

"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 himself to 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, if there are five dry twenty-dollar bills in that heap, give them to Burton."

Burton started, stared at Clancy, and then watched Hill while he knelt down 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 stood looking down at the floor, then presently lifted his head and moved slightly toward Clancy and half raised his hand. Then he paused, once more, whirled suddenly, and got out of the room as fast as he could.

Hill had been watching these strange maneuvers in frank amazement. "I reckon he's locoed," he said, as soon as the door had closed behind Burton.

"No," returned Clancy, "his gratitude was trying to express itself, but couldn't quite make it. He has had his lesson, Hiram, and will profit by it."

"He has profited a hundred dollars' worth, anyhow," commented Hill dryly. "This Happy Trail of yours, Clancy, is a mighty queer one, seems to me. For a ways, it follows the one I took in huntin' for dad; then it branches off and points straight toward Gerald Wynn and his gang. Now here we are at the end of it--and you're seventy-five hundred to the good."

Clancy laughed.

"Get me a pencil and a piece of paper, Hiram," he requested.

Hiram found the writing materials and Clancy wrote out the following message:

"LAFE WYNN, Phoenix, Arizona: Luck. Seventy-five hundred of the missing fifteen thousand recovered. Cheer up. Happy Trail panning out better than expected. Still gunning for Hill's father. CLANCY."

"Right across the street," said Clancy, "is a wireless station. Take this message over there, Hiram, and let the Hertzian waves get busy with it 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," he complained, and then went out with the wireless message for Lafe.

"Wonder if Lafe will feel any different when he gets that?" Clancy murmured, smiling happily. "I know I'm feeling a whole lot different myself!"

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 of which we have left him at the conclusion of this story. You will find the double-trouble story in the next issue of the weekly, No. 88, out April 4th.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[Chapters 4 - 6 of _The Snapshot Mystery_ not included as the story is continued from a previous issue and continues in later issues.]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE COSSACKS.

The Cossacks are a race of freemen. The entire territory belongs to the Cossack commune and every individual has an equal right to the use of the land together with the pastures, hunting grounds, and fisheries. The Cossacks pay no taxes to the government, but in lieu of this--and here you see the connection between them and the Russian government--they are bound to perform military service. They are divided into three classes--first, the minors up to their sixteenth year; secondly, those on actual service for a period of twenty-five years; therefore, until their forty-second year; thirdly, those released from service, who remain for five years, or until their forty-seventh year in the reserve, after which period they are regarded as wholly released from service and invalided. Every Cossack is obliged to equip, clothe, and arm himself at his own expense, and to keep his horse. While on service beyond the frontiers 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 of the government. Instead of imposing taxes on the Don Cossacks, the Russian government pays them an annual tribute, varying in peace and war, together, with grants to be distributed among the widows and orphans of those who have fallen in battle.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A SATIRICAL REWARD.

There was perhaps more satire than gratitude in the reward bestowed by a French lady on a surgeon for bleeding her--an operation in which the lancet was so clumsily used that an artery was severed and the poor woman bled to death. When she recognized that she was dying she made a will in which she left the operator a life annuity of eight hundred francs on condition "that he never again bleeds anybody as long as he lives."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DODGED THE TRAP.

Doctor James B. Angell tells in his reminiscences the following enjoyable story of his college days at Brown University under the presidency of Doctor Wayland:

The doctor's son, Heman Lincoln Wayland, one of my classmates, inherited from his father a very keen wit. The passages between father and son were often entertaining to the class. One day, when we were considering a chapter in the fathers textbook on moral philosophy, Lincoln rose with an 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 are now 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 the following passage."

He quoted again. Clearly the two passages were irreconcilable. The boys were delighted to see that the doctor was in a trap and broke into loud laughter.

"Well, what of it?" asked the doctor, and his eyes twinkled still more merrily.

"Why," said the son, with the utmost gravity, "it has occurred to me that I should like to know how the learned author reconciles the two statements."

"Oh," said the father, "that is simple enough it only shows that since he wrote the first book the learned author has learned something."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE COMPASS News from All Points [illustration: compass]

Books for Trainers and Athletes.

So many inquiries reach us from week to week concerning the various manuals on athletic development, which we publish, that we have decided to keep a list of them standing here. Any number can be had by mail by remitting 10 cents, and 3 cents postage, for each copy, to the publishers.

"Frank Merriwell's Book of Physical Development."

"The Art of Boxing and Self-defense," by Professor Donovan.

"Physical Health Culture," by Professor Fourmen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wants to Exchange Post Cards.

PROFESSOR FOURMEN: It was with great pleasure that I read in Tip Top of your return to this country.

I have been a reader of the Tip Top for three years now, and I think it is the ideal weekly of the age. I would like very much to get in touch with other readers of your great paper.

Although the Items of Interest were interesting to read, they are nothing like the good old Applause Column.

The part I like best in the Merriwell stories is the way Mr. Standish keeps the reader interested all the way through. They are not like most stories, because you can't tell how they are going to end. There is something new all the time.

I would like some of the Tip Top post cards. And it will be a pleasure to exchange cards with any of our Merriwell admirers. I hope to hear from some of them soon. I remain for the Tip Top always, Elgin, Ill. 355 Chicago Street. WM. DE GARIS.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Has Read "Tip Top" from No. 1.

Was pleased to note the return of the Applause Column to Tip Top. I believe it will serve to increase the popularity of your long-famed and world-renowned "King of Weeklies," and thought this an appropriate time to drop you this note of appreciation.

I have followed your weekly from No. 1, Old Tip Top, to date, and can recommend it to any friend as the weekly that stands alone. There are no others in its class.

Although I never expect the Frank, junior's, to equal the old-time stories, I find them all good.

I will deem it a favor if you will tell me if I can get any of the Merriwell stories in the cloth binding, which were published several years ago.

This tribute probably sounds a little strong, but, sincerely, every word is sent in good faith, and I am sure hosts of others who have followed the 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 few illustrations in your _New Medal_ books would aid in increasing interest in this fine series of stories, and interest to the readers?

Please send me a set of the postal cards formerly sent to Tip Top readers, if you still have them.

With best wishes for a successful future to Street & Smith, a long life to Burt, the author, I will end, hoping to long remain a true Tip-Topper. Gravette, Arkansas. H. WYRIC LEWIS.

P. S.--Would welcome some of the Old Tip Top characters back to the front. Some of Frank or Dick's old-time friends and schoolmates.

You are certainly a loyal, Tip-Topper, and we thank you for your letter of praise, and for its suggestions. The Merriwell stories have never been bound in cloth, but you can find them all in _The New Medal Library._ The post cards have been mailed to you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Some Suggestions.

I have read Tip Top for over a year now, and I buy it every week. It is an excellent weekly, and I think the revival of the Applause Column will make 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 to have it.

Has the joking quality died out of the Merriwell family? I notice that Frank, junior, takes life too seriously. Too much association with grown people. Let's have a joke now and then. Also, it's about time young Frank'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, I am, yours truly, ROSWELL NOTHWARY. Little Rock, Ark. 2609 Battery Street.

We have mailed you the post cards. Thank you for your suggestions. There is a humorous character coming in the Clancy stories that we think you will like.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Poet Tip-topper.

Upon opening a recent number of Tip Top, I discovered, to my great delight, that you have reopened the Applause Column. I have read most of the Merriwell stories, but I have never written to the Applause Column before, so I think it is about time. I agree with Mr. Charles W. Meyers that when the Professor Fourmen and Applause were left out, and also when Frank and Dick were dropped, there was surely something lacking. Frank Merriwell, junior, is all right, but, to my mind, he will never quite come up to his father and uncle; but, of course, I expect him to improve as he grows older. I do not like the Owen Clancy stories. I think they just about spoil the series. I hope that Dick will soon win back his fortune, which he lost in the revolution. What about June Arlington, and all of Dick's old friends, especially Jim Stretcher? I hope that old Joe Crowfoot is still among the living. I would like very much 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 the adventure stories the best, but the athletic stories are good, also. I have 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 pleased to receive a set of them. Waiting eagerly for the return of both Frank and Dick, I will close, hoping that you will not consider this letter too long to print, and will think it good enough to escape the wastebasket. CLARENCE WELCH, Olean, N. Y. 209 West Henly Street.

The post cards have been mailed to you. Thank you for your frank letter.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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, and often give it to others to read.

Please send me the set of six colored post cards with lifelike pictures of the Merriwells. Bartley, N. J. WALTER MORGAN.

We have mailed you the cards.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thinks We Are Improving.

I have been an ardent reader of Tip Top for a number of years, and consider it the best weekly of its kind, and think it is improving.

There is something so fascinating about its stories, especially those about 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cigarettes Are Certainly Bad for Your Wind.

PROFESSOR FOURMEN: Seeing you were back in Tip Top, I thought I would write and ask you a few questions.

I belong to the Y. M. C. A. in my city, and to an athletic club. I play baseball, 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 is the same with running. I cannot run any distance. How can I improve my wind?

Is smoking cigarettes harmful, and would you advise me to drink coffee with my meals, or milk and water?

After playing basket ball or taking any kind of exercise, what kind of shower should I take--cold or hot?

What kind of a game is soccer? Is it as good as football, and what time of 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 be under the personal supervision of a coach.

Smoking is the worst thing you can do to injure your wind. Stop it, then see 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 best game. Some like one, some another. Soccer is a cracking good game, and can be played any time that the ground will permit.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

American College Yells.

There have been so many requests for us to reprint a list of college yells printed in Tip Top several years ago, that we have decided to do so.

The collection--probably the most extensive one ever made--will be presented in three parts--one part appearing each week.