treacherous wretch leaned over him to repeat the blow, but I had found
my senses by that time, and, raising my rifle, fired at him. The bullet
probably flew wide of its mark, but it scared the rascal. Evidently he
had not noticed me before, and least of all expected to find a white boy
with the old man he had so cruelly attacked.
"With a wild yell, he ran at the top of his speed, expecting no doubt
another shot every instant.
"I hurried forward to where Kalutunah was lying senseless on the ice. He
was not dead, and, as I reached him, he raised up, with an evident
effort, and cried:
"'See-ne-mee-utes! See-ne-mee-utes!'
"I remembered then what the mate of the Henry Clay had once told me
about a tribe of bloodthirsty men in the interior, called by the
well-disposed Esquimaux See-ne-mee-utes. These wretches approach a
stranger to all appearances in a friendly manner, and, taking him
unawares, assault him in the treacherous way that Kalutunah had been
attacked.
"The old man was brave if he was an Esquimau, for I could understand by
his motions that he wanted me to fly and leave him. But I wouldn't hear
of that.
"From the direction in which the See-ne-mee-ute had fled I saw a dozen
figures approaching. Evidently there were plenty of reinforcements at
hand, and, even with my rifle, I could not keep them at bay.
"Kalutunah was not a large man--Esquimaux seldom are--and the dog sledge
was not far in our rear. I had strong arms and two good legs under me in
those days, so, lifting the poor fellow, I carried him to the sledge.
"The dogs were up and excited, I could see by their actions; but I had
no time to fool with them. I placed Kalutunah, who had again become
unconscious, on the sledge and got on before him. By this time my
pursuers were close at hand, and I was horrified to see two dog sledges
following in the rear. Unfamiliar as I was with the management of
Kalutunah's team, the See-ne-mee-utes would overtake us in spite of all
I could do.
"I raised my rifle and gave them a parting shot, and the dogs,
frightened by the report so near them, started off like mad over the ice
toward the distant ship.
"Again my bullet must have been badly aimed, for it only brought forth a
howl of rage from my pursuers, as they saw me escaping. Hastily boarding
their sledges, four of them started after me.
"I had a little start, but my dogs, having had only an hour's rest,
would likely be no match in speed for those attached to the
See-ne-mee-ute sledges; but they started nobly, spreading out like a fan
before the sledge and tugging at the breast-straps.
"Had Kalutunah been able to drive them, there might be more chance for
us, I thought; but Kalutunah remained unconscious, and I had all I could
do to hold both him and myself upon the swaying sledge.
"Without Kalutunah's voice and whip to guide them, the dogs turned aside
for very few obstructions, but tore over them all, nearly wrecking the
sledge at every leap. The pursuing sledges, guided by skillful drivers,
were therefore able to gradually creep up on us.
"I knew very few Esquimaux words, but I yelled to the dogs at the top of
my voice and managed to get 'em infused with some of my own fear, for
they sped over the ice-field as I had never seen them travel before.
"On, on we went! The wind cut my face--from which the hood had fallen
back--like a knife. I grew dizzy with the rush of air and the swaying of
the sledge. It was impossible to get a shot at my pursuers, while the
dogs were traveling at this rate; but I determined to make a desperate
stand against the four men, should they overtake us.
"For some reason or other, their dogs were not so superior in endurance
to Kalutunah's as I had feared. After first gaining on us a little, they
barely kept their pace for the first six miles. Then the speed began to
tell on my dogs and skillful driving on my pursuers'. My animals were
getting fagged out, and slowly but steadily I was being overhauled.
"Old Kalutunah had all the appearance of a dead man. For one dreadful
moment I was tempted to throw him off the sledge. Their burden thus
lightened, the dogs might be able to carry me safely back to the ship,
still far down the inlet.
"But this cowardly thought possessed me only an instant. I recalled the
old Esquimau's unselfishness in wanting me to escape and leave him when
he was wounded, and determined that, if I ever reached the Henry Clay
again, he should.
"The See-ne-mee-utes were close behind me now, urging their dogs on with
exultant cries. The foremost sledge was within fifty feet, and the other
directly behind it.
"Risking a disastrous tumble upon the ice, I rose upon my knees and
turned toward them, holding by one hand to the back of the sledge.
Kalutunah lay on the bottom, and I held his body from rolling off by the
pressure of my knees.
"The wretches saw my head appear above the back of the sledge, and they
uttered a loud shout of rage, shaking their spears and urging on their
dogs to still greater exertions. An extra heavy lurch of the sledge
almost threw me overboard, but I braced myself and raised my rifle to my
shoulder.
"As soon as they saw my weapon the two men in the foremost sledge
burrowed like rats among the robes. Those in the rear were hidden
from me.
"I had but an instant to reflect. We were rapidly approaching a terribly
rough piece of ice, and I should be thrown out did I not sink down into
the sledge again.
"The dogs were between me and the crouching occupants of the pursuing
sledge, and kept me from getting a correct aim at the men.
"Quick as a flash I fired right into the pack, and then dropped into the
bottom of my own sledge. The next instant we struck the rough stretch of
ice, and I had all I could do to cling on until we had passed it. Then I
looked back.
"Judge of my surprise when I saw that, by a fortunate accident, my
pursuers had been stopped.
"My bullet had taken effect on one of the dogs, which had immediately
tangled up the rest of the team and brought the sledge to a standstill.
"The sledge behind seemed to be completely mixed up in the disaster, and
the two sets of dogs were fighting furiously, while the Esquimaux were
running about trying to separate them.
"I was safe! Another two miles and the Henry Clay would be in sight,
and, unless some accident happened to my own team, my pursuers would not
be able to gain the vantage they had lost.
"When I reached the ship, the moon was high and all hands had turned in
long before, but they roused out, as did the Esquimaux from their huts,
at my halloo.
"Poor old Kalutunah was carried into the cabin, and the captain and mate
worked over him a long time before they brought him to. He had been
almost frozen in addition to his wound, so that he had a hard fight for
life. But when he was finally on his pins again, how thankful he was to
me! And the whole tribe was the same way.
"One bad result of my adventure, however, was that Captain Lewis would
allow no more extended trips away from the vessel, and although we never
saw anymore See-ne-mee-utes, every party that went out for even a short
tramp was fully armed and under the command of an officer.
"Now you can't tell me anything about rapid sledding," concluded Randy.
"I've had my day at it, and I must say that it was about as
uncomfortable an experience as I ever had."
[_This Story began in No. 43._]
The PURPLE PENNANT
or
ALAN HEATHCOTE'S FORTUNE.
A Foot-Ball Story.
BY A PRINCETON GRADUATE.
CHAPTER XXV.
MR. MACKERLY REVIVES AND GRANT ATTEMPTS TO SEND ALAN TO COVENTRY.
The sudden collapse of Mr. Mackerly, while in conversation with his son,
was a great shock to the latter, who could scarcely believe that the
news he had just been relating should have such an extraordinary effect
upon his imperious and lofty father. Was it possible that the statements
at which he had scoffed had some plausibility, and that there was a
grain of hidden truth in the charge brought by his rival, Alan
Heathcote? There was no mistaking the fact that something external had
caused the magnate's startling indisposition, and Grant, even though he
was badly scared at his father's plight, drew his own conclusions in
regard to the matter. Meanwhile he stood helplessly calling until he
collected presence of mind enough to go around to the other side of the
table and raise his father's inanimate form to a more comfortable
position.
"Help! Help!" he cried distractedly. "Father's dying! Aunt Annie!
James!"
He was warranted in his belief that his parent was breathing his last,
for his face was of a deathly pallor, and to Grant's inexperienced eye
this was a symptom of the gravest import, and he gave his father up for
lost immediately.
He did not stand long alone in his helplessness, for in another moment
James, the butler, and Grant's Aunt Annie came hurrying in. They both
took in the situation at a glance, and while the first mentioned opened
the window, in order to admit the fresh cold air, the latter bathed his
temples with water and cologne.
Mr. Mackerly had fallen into a swoon of unusual severity, and the
process of reviving him was slow and tedious. It was nearly a half hour
before he was strong enough to speak to them.
"Shall I send for a doctor?" inquired his sister anxiously.
"No, by no means," he feebly replied. "It's one of my ordinary fainting
spells. I've had them before. I'll--I'll be all right in a few minutes.
Lay me on the couch in the library and--let me alone. What time is it?"
"Nearly half-past seven," answered his sister.
"Where is Grant?" was his next query.
"Here I am, father," and his son stepped before him. "What's wanted?"
"Come to the library at eight o'clock. I want to speak to you. I will be
much better then. Don't forget."
Grant promised, and with the help of the butler and the gardener his
father was carried to the library and placed upon a couch, where he was
left by himself in spite of his sister's expostulations.
She was a widow, as Mr. Mackerly was a widower, and they made their home
together in that magnificent residence on the hill back of Whipford.
Promptly on the chime of eight, Grant marched into the library, and
found his father, pale but steady, seated at the secretary, busily
examining a heterogenous mass of papers.
"Are you better, father?" he asked, solicitously.
"Don't you see I am?" was the cross response. "That spell was only
temporary. I am afraid of them, as they are coming on more frequently.
Doctor Sedgwick tells me I must take more exercise or I'll fall sick in
earnest."
"I thought you took plenty," said Grant, guardedly.
His father did not seem to hear his remark, but went on searching busily
among the papers. Grant grew impatient and asked:
"Well, what do you want of me, father?"
"Oh, yes, I did ask you to come in, Grant, didn't I?" he replied, as if
just recollecting the fact. "Why, what were we talking about when that
dizzy feeling came over me? Do you remember the conversation?"
"Why, of course," replied the son, considerably astonished at his
parent's alleged forgetfulness. "It was about that little affair between
Alan Heathcote and myself. Just as I told you he denied his father owed
you anything, you fainted, and I hadn't a chance to finish. You--"
"Oh, I remember!" interrupted Mr. Mackerly. "You told me he stated that
he had an envelope containing papers, didn't you?"
"Not that I know of," answered Grant. "I never said anything about an
envelope, and he didn't, either. He said he had papers to prove that you
owed his father money, and that's all. There was something more about
witnesses--just what it was I don't recollect."
"Well, you had quite a wordy quarrel. What else did he say?"
The tone of anxiety with which this was asked was but barely concealed.
"Oh, all sorts of tough things, together with that little imp, Dick
Percy!" responded Grant, bluntly. "But I gave them as good as I got, and
don't you mistake. Pretty soon that big chump Teddy Taft came up and put
in his say, and, as I couldn't stand up against three, I took my leave."
"From what you say, this Heathcote boy is a determined fellow, is he
not?" inquired Mr. Mackerly, toying with a paper-cutter.
"Bull-headed, I call him," was his son's vindictive reply. "He's no
gentleman, and I've told him so. What makes me so mad is that Cole and
Mr. Nicholson have put me off the eleven, and put him in my place. Him!
He can't play football, the country jay!"
"It's favoritism, that's what it is," remarked Mr. Mackerly, shortly.
He had heard rumors of the matter in the village, but held his counsel.
"They can do as they please," asserted his son; "but if I don't make
that fellow sick, my name's not what it is, that's all. The idea of him
saying he had proof that you were a rascal. It's a mean, bold lie, and
he ought to be drummed out of school."
"You have my authority for branding it as a malicious falsehood," said
his father, "and if it is repeated, I shall take measures to have young
Heathcote punished. But don't say anything of it, Grant, until some one
informs you. You needn't take the trouble to deny it if he hasn't told
anybody. Perhaps he has been afraid to spread the tale among the boys at
Whipford."
"I guess he was afraid of the licking he knew he'd get from me," said
Grant, vauntingly; "so I don't think he's told anything like that."
It was for another reason unknown to him that Alan had kept
silent--because Beniah Evans had cautioned him to that effect--and not
that he feared the vain-glorious Grant.
"Well," remarked the magnate, "that may be. I hope he has kept a close
tongue in his head for his own good, if nothing else. It will save him
trouble. Go and tell James to pack my grip," he directed, suddenly, as
he scattered the raft of papers with a quick move of his arm and closed
and locked the secretary. "Hurry up. I must catch that ten o'clock
train."
"Where are you going this time of night?" asked Grant, who, though used
to his father's absences, and caring little whether he was home or
abroad, felt somewhat curious as to this rapid determination to travel.
"I'm going to Philadelphia and then possibly further south to see a man
on very important business," responded Mr. Mackerly. "I am restless and
can't stay at home. I originally did not intend to start until next
week, but I've changed my mind."
"But you aren't well. What will Aunt Annie say?"
"She needn't know," was the short reply. Then, hastily, "You run and get
the buggy out for me, and I'll call the butler. I must catch that ten
o'clock train at the Junction at all hazards. Stop at O'Brien's house
and tell him to come and drive me over. If he isn't there, James will
have to try his hand at the reins."
Grant hastened to obey his father's directions, and in the space of a
few minutes the team was ready, with O'Brien, the stable-man, and Mr.
Mackerly as its occupants; and soon they were out of sight in the
darkness, speeding for the train.
"There's something up, that's dead sure!" soliloquized Grant, as he
stood in the doorway. "Father's never in all that hurry for nothing.
I wonder what the racket is? I'll go a fiver that it has something to do
with that Heathcote matter. He's a perfect nuisance, and I hope father
will squelch him this time, once and for all, the booby!"
Soon dismissing his father's departure from his mind, Grant went up to
his room and retired to bed.
The next morning he went over to the Hall very early, considering his
past record, and was one of the first to take his seat in the assembly
room.
Archer and Shriver, with whom he desired to speak, were somewhat tardy,
and he got no chance to address them until the end of the first
recitation.
"Hello, Grant!" called the former. "Where've you been all the time?
Haven't seen you for an age."
"Been up at the house," replied Grant, briefly. "Any practice to-day,
George?"
"Yes," answered Shriver; "at half-past twelve. You're with Wilcox on the
second eleven. Sorry that Heathcote dished you out of half-back, but it
can't be helped. I took Runyon's place, and he was angry at first, but
he came up to-day and shook hands with me like a little man, and said he
hoped I would get along first rate, and that he'd try and oust me next
year. He's one of the substitutes this year, and you are to play
substitute half-back with Wilcox."
"I am, am I?" growled Grant, sneeringly. "Who says so?"
"Cole gave it out last night," put in Lewis Archer, "so it's settled."
"It's not settled as far as I am concerned," declared the turned-down
player, firmly. "I play on the regular team or not at all. That's my
proper place, and no miserable upstart like Alan Heathcote is going to
crow over me."
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" asked Archer, with a careless
drawl.
Grant Mackerly was steadily dropping from the high place, he once held
in his estimation, and every action now exhibited his selfishness to
Archer, who, with all his laziness, was a boy of fine feelings.
"Why, let's boycott him altogether," said Grant, eagerly. "Let's put all
the fellows against him and show him up for just what he is. If he sees
nobody speaks to him he'll soon come down from his high horse. What do
you say to it, fellows?"
Instead of making any immediate reply in words, his companions at first
gave him looks of incredulity and amazement, and then burst into loud
peals of laughter. It was some time before they sobered down.
"What?" demanded Shriver. "Boycott Alan Heathcote? Send him to Coventry?
Ha! ha! Why, you'd have the heaviest contract on your hands you ever had
in your life. It's all nonsense."
"There's not a fellow in the whole school who would be fool enough to
join you," said Archer, plainly and in disgust. "Why, you might as well
try that scheme on Cole or Mr. Nicholson. No, no, my dear boy, that plan
of yours won't work. The fellows, as a rule, like Heathcote pretty well.
He attends to his own business, stands well in his class, or will when
the next exam. takes place, and to add to it all he's as fleet of foot
as a deer on the foot-ball field; so you would be the solitary duck in
the puddle if you tried to freeze him out."
Grant Mackerly listened to these responses of his friends in silence.
Then his face assumed a determined look, and without another word to
either of them he turned away and walked quickly out of the door to the
campus and disappeared among the trees.
"Mad as a hornet," observed Archer, carelessly.
"He'll cool down by to-morrow," remarked Shriver.
And they went into the recitation-room talking it over.
CHAPTER XXVI.
RIPLEY FALLS INVADES THE TOWN.
The story of Grant Mackerly's attempt to place a boycott on Alan soon
leaked out among the boys, and great was the merriment it aroused at the
Hall.
In the ridicule and disgust which the incident produced the prestige of
the rich man's son was lost forever. No one pitied him. It was all his
own fault, and even his quondam friends deserted him, while his
appearance would have been the signal for a universal grin.
Strange to say, he had not been seen at the Hall since he had made that
proposition to Archer and Shriver, and now a couple of days had passed
and no sign of him.
He did not respond to his name either in the assembly or
recitation-rooms, and Doctor Bostwick began to think something was
wrong.
He summoned Lewis Archer one day in passing and asked him if he could
call at the Mackerly residence and obtain some news of the missing boy.
"I am afraid that he is ill," said the good principal, "or something
unusual has happened to him. I have never known him to have been absent
for so long a time without sending in an excuse or asking for leave."
Archer called that very afternoon at the house on the hill, and, after
repeated ringings, Mrs. Weldon, Grant's aunt, came to the door.
"What's become of Grant?" asked Archer. "Doctor Bostwick sent me up to
inquire about his absence. He's been away from the Hall for three days."
"Yes, I know he has," answered Mrs. Weldon; "but please tell Doctor
Bostwick I don't know the reason for his absence, except that one day he
came home and said he was too ill to stay at school, and the day before
yesterday he borrowed some money from me and went to Buffalo, where his
uncle lives. I hope Doctor Bostwick will be patient with him. His father
is away, too, and won't return till over a week."
"Well," cogitated Lewis, as he carried this information to the doctor,
"that's very satisfactory, I must say. I wonder what Doctor Bostwick
will think?"
The principal of Whipford Hall looked puzzled as Archer related to him
the account of Mackerly's whereabouts, but said nothing except, "I will
communicate with Grant's father on his return," and thanked his
schoolmate for the call he had made and bowed him out.
When the examination took place, Grant Mackerly was still absent, and it
was understood that no word had been received from either himself or his
father.
As a consequence he was dropped to the foot of the class, and a poor
report was sent to his home.
Alan was overjoyed to find that he was very near the head, and still
more so when he saw the accounts of his progress in study which was to
be sent to Beniah Evans. The principal complimented him on his good
work, and hoped he would keep it up.
Alan inwardly resolved to do so, and remit no exertion which would cause
him to forge to the front at Whipford.
It was now the first week of November, and he had been at the Hall for
nearly two months and was getting along famously with both the pupils
and teachers.
As far as his intimacy with Cole, Taft and Kimball was concerned, it
continued with unabated ardor and remained unbroken. The four of them
conned their studies over to each other in their rooms, and Alan got
many an idea from the older and more experienced genius of King Cole.
As for football, they were the backbone of the team, and many a new
trick in the game was invented by one of them as they sat together in
the autumn nights over the sputtering lamp.
By the boys of the school they came to be known as the "Big Four," and
it was to them that every one looked to uphold the honor of the Hall,
both in study and athletics.
The team kept on practicing with persistent regularity, and the interest
in the championship, which had somewhat abated after the Jamesville
game, now began to arouse, for the Ripley Falls contest was at hand.
For three weeks the eleven had had a holiday, and played no heavy games
except on two occasions, when a delegation from the Whipford Athletic
Club had given them a sample of hard playing, and, sad to say, beaten
them on both meetings. It was no wonder, though, for their team was
composed of full-grown young men, some of whom had been to college and
all of whom were in business or lived in the neighborhood.
It was no disgrace to be defeated by such good material, and while the
Hall team went into the fight with no expectation of winning, they came
out with a great stock of experience and many new points. It was a good
practice to them, and a couple of the Athletic Club players took their
eleven in hand and coached them for a whole week. Every boy was
developing into a fine all-around player.
One Saturday afternoon in the middle of November, on a dull and chilly
day, the team from the High School at Ripley Falls came over with a full
complement of players, and the whole school to a boy following on their
footsteps.
They were an enthusiastic but orderly crowd, and had the most implicit
confidence in their team. In truth, their eleven deserved it, for they
had met both Davenport and Jamesville and whipped those teams by good
scores--the former by 16 to 4, the latter by 25 to 8, thus rendering
their chances for the pennant null.
So far, they had won the same number of games as either the Whipford or
Weston, and stood neck to neck with them in the race.
There was more uncertainty about to-day's game than any the Hall boys
had yet played, but none of them would hear of defeat for an instant.
"What!" exclaimed Ike Smith, who was worked up to the shouting point,
and who had heard one of the boys express a doubt as to the team's
ability to win except by a stroke of luck. "What do you say? Our eleven
be frozen out? I guess not, young fellow. Look at Cole, just coming out
of the gymnasium. Why, he's cooler than most of us. There comes
Heathcote now and Kimball, and there's Teddy Taft. Hooray for the Big
Four! Come, fellows, let's give them a cheer."
The group of Hall boys whom Ike headed followed his instructions and
gave the four players a rousing yell of encouragement, which was duly
appreciated.
As the four made their way to the scene of the conflict, Percy's field,
Ike and his company got together and marched up to the station, with the
purpose of meeting the visitors.
When the train rolled in, carrying the High School boys, the latter, on
alighting, were both surprised and pleased to see a whole line of Hall
boys drawn up with military precision on the other side of the road, and
saluting the newcomers with uplifted hands.
The fellows from Ripley Hall formed in twos in short order, and,
escorted by their opponents, proceeded down the road to Percy's field.
Ike Smith, who was in his element, led the procession, and his proud
strut was something comical to see.
The appearance of the two contending factions in one parade was a
surprise to the town's-people who had gathered to see the game, and they
greeted the young collegians with applause.
After a few preliminary movements, the boys of the opposing schools
settled in one place of their leaders' choosing, and waited for the
contest to begin.
The grounds were in fair condition, and had been put in good order by a
number of the boys the day before. They had been measured off under the
supervision of Mr. Nicholson, so that the field was a perfect rectangle
of three hundred and thirty feet in length by one hundred and sixty in
width, the five-yard lines and bounds being marked with streaks of lime,
so that there could be no mistaking them.
Some of the boys had borrowed a roller from Mr. Percy, and by dint of
much work had succeeded in leveling the field and pressing down the
uneven spots. Although it was a fair place for playing, and, as the
small field directly back of the Hall could not be utilized, this was of
very good service. Unlike the Davenport grounds there was no stand, and
the spectators moved from one end of the field to the other, keeping
pace with the players. As the boys would rather stand than sit, it made
no difference to them, and the majority of the others had vehicles in
which they stood to view the play.
"Oh, if we only had the athletic grounds!" remarked Archer, who was
gotten up in the height of fashion and carried a cane on which was a
yard or so of blue ribbon. "That's the place for a game."
"It costs too much," replied Ike, "and we can't very well charge an
admission."
"They're fine grounds and no mistake," said another. "But here come the
teams. Little Dick Percy is running ahead."
In another moment the two elevens had vaulted the rails and burst into
the grounds amid the cheers of their respective schoolmates.
CHAPTER XXVII.
A CLOSE CONTEST WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The visiting team had changed their clothing in the gymnasium, and in
company with some of the Hall eleven had set off for the grounds. Cole
and Kimball had been trying for goals for some time, and when the rest
came on they ceased practice and joined the eleven. After a few minutes'
preparatory work in kicking and passing, the two teams stopped while the
captains tossed up for choice of the ball or position. Cole won and
decided to keep the ball. The referee was a member of the Whipford
Athletic Club and the umpire was from Davenport. As both were well
acquainted with the rules of the game, there was no question of any
disputed point remaining unsettled. Time for the play was called.
"Oh, now, fellows," pleaded Ike Smith, "do your level best and beat
'em."
"You bet they will," said Archer, emphatically. "Look at George Shriver
getting ready to spring at the ball. George means business and no
mistake."
"And look at little Dick Percy dancing around with his hands ready for
service," added Ike. "Isn't he a little wonder now?"
The ball was placed in the centre of the field. The rushers of the High
School eleven stood leaning forward expectantly, waiting the moment of
charging. They were obliged to stand ten yards from the front of the
leather sphere, the movements of which decided the fate of the game. It
was plain to be seen they knew their business and were of much superior
stuff to the members of the Davenport and Jamesville teams. Their
captain held the position of right half-back, and from that place gave
his commands to the players, who were well trained and drilled in the
intricacies of team work. On the other side the Hall team was the same
that had played the game at Jamesville and looked like sure winners to a
disinterested outsider. Wilcox and Mackerly were the substitute
half-backs, and there were a dozen other players to be put on in case of
necessity. But the latter named was still absent, much to the disgust of
everybody, and as his non-appearance was unexplained, it was naturally
put down to sulkiness and lack of school patriotism.
In the first exciting minutes his absence was not noticed by all, and
attention was earnestly concentrated on the opening of the match that
was to decide if Ripley Falls or Whipford should have the best chance
for the pennant and should battle with the presumably successful Weston.
Teddy Taft, amid a death-like silence, advanced to the middle of the
field, followed by all his supporters, and slowly picked up the ball.
He was the apex of a triangle of boys, who were ready to rush down the
field the instant the ball was put into play. Dick Percy crouched behind
him with extended hands ready to receive it.
The centre-rusher held the ball for a moment, and then passed it to the
active quarter-back, who in turn passed it to Harry Kimball, and in the
centre of the V, and protected by its side, the latter tore diagonally
down the field for a gain of forty feet, until he was held by the
rushers of the other side, who had finally broken through.
Quickly the teams lined up in the scrimmage, and Alan ran around the
ends for a good gain.
Then, unfortunately, the Hall boys could not advance another yard, owing
to the active tackling of the High School players, and on four downs,
without a five-yard gain, the ball went to their opponents.
Then ensued a battle royal for the next quarter of an hour. Ripley Falls
struggled hard to advance the leather into Whipford's land, with some
small success, but being in danger of losing the ball on downs, it was
passed to their full-back, who punted it away up the field close to the
blue's goal-line.
It was caught by Cole, who no sooner clutched it than he was seized and
held by the boys of the white and purple--the colors of the High School.
He grasped it firmly, and was allowed a fair catch.
This gave Whipford the kick-off, and the ball was punted up the field
with the whole eleven on its track.
Upon lining up for the scrimmage, McKenzie, the right end of the Hall
team, broke through and was down on the captain of their opponents
before the latter could run with the ball.
It was a big loss for Ripley, and when Adams, the left end, did the same
thing an instant later, the noise from the Hall boys along the bounds
was ear-piercing.
When it looked as if the captain of the High School eleven was good for
a run the whole length of the field, with only Heathcote and Cole in
front of him, and was very neatly stopped by the former with a gain of a
few yards only and the loss of the ball, the racket was tremendous.
Then the blues did some tall playing. They had the ball and meant to
keep it, and surely was it forced to within a couple of yards of the
goal-line of the purple and white.
The next play of the Hall team settled the question, for when Dick Percy
received the ball from Teddy Taft, instead of throwing it to Heathcote,
as the enemy expected, it was passed over to Adams, who, with Shriver,
Heathcote and Cole pushing him, crossed the line and touched the ball
down amid the plaudits of their schoolmates.
As the touch-down was made near the centre of the goal immediately under
the cross-bar, Cole had no difficult task to kick a goal.
It had been hard work, but was accomplished nicely, and the boys from
Whipford felt highly elated, while the High School fellows looked
mournful.
The first half ended without any further scoring, and the contestants
threw their sweaters over their shoulders and retired to their benches
for a rest, while their supporters talked the game over.
"I don't see Grant Mackerly," remarked a boy, looking over all the
wearers of football costumes. "What in the world has become of him?"
"Well, he might as well stay away," declared the ever-ready Ike. "He's
not needed in this game, anyhow. Alan Heathcote is doing the work of two
like him. Now look how he stopped that half-back of the Ripley's! Wasn't
that fine? Just like clock-work!"
"No question about that," admitted Archer. "I thought for sure that
fellow was headed for a touch-down, but Heathcote brought him to grass
as neat as a whistle. He certainly is a plucky player."
The sentiment among all the boys was practically to the same effect.
Meanwhile the conversation among the members of the team was of a
decidedly earnest character. None of them shared the confidence of their
schoolfellows in regard to winning by a large score, for they knew that
the boys of the striped stockings had played a skillful and a bold
game--a game that was persistent and wearing, and which might turn the
tables the other way in the next half. So they took counsel together as
they collected about their captain.
"Play a defensive game next half," directed the latter. "Don't try to
roll up points, but let them do the struggling. We're ahead, and we must
keep ahead. And, by all means, keep your eyes on those half-backs.
I tell you that captain of theirs--Young, I think his name is--is a
splendid player. He's full of tricks, and he hasn't showed us them yet,
and I look for a surprise in the next half."
"I tell you," said Shriver, as he wiped the perspiration from his
forehead, "that fellow opposite me is giving me all I care to attend to.
I'm pretty nearly done up trying to get past him."
Cole looked alarmed.
"You're not going to peg out, are you?" he questioned. "I told you,
Shriver, that you didn't pay enough attention to your training and kept
too late hours. Now you see the result of it."
"I'll stand up against them," declared Shriver, "if I have to be carried
off the field in a wheelbarrow. Never worry for me, Cole."
"Time!" called the umpire at this point.
"Well, now for the pennant, boys," said Cole, encouragingly.
And the two elevens walked out for the last effort.
"High School's ball," announced the referee.
And on the word that team pounced upon it and carried it ten yards down
the field toward Whipford's goal.
The vim and energy of their playing was certainly phenomenal, and they
dashed aside the opposition like charging war horses. Next a most
alarming thing occurred, and it was no easy matter to say how it
happened. It was one of the tricks of that captain of the High School
eleven. His team had gained no ground since the first rush, and, rather
than give the ball to his adversaries openly, it was expected that on
the eve of the fourth down he would send it to the full-back for a kick.
But before any one could realize the trick, the quarter-back threw the
oval to the left half-back, and that player dashed through an opening in
the rush line between Emmons and Blake, respectively the right guard and
right tackle of the Hall, and, before he could be stopped by Kimball and
Cole on that side, had made fully thirty yards.
Everybody was dumfounded but the High School boys, who waved their
purple and white flags and shrieked themselves hoarse. It was certainly
a fine play, and merited all the applause it received.
It brought the ball to within a yard of Whipford's goal-line. Do all
they could, it was an impossibility to stop the next move, which was to
force the right-guard of the Ripley Falls team across the line and score
a touch-down.
As the goal was kicked from it, a sigh of despair arose from three-score
youthful Whipford followers, and three-score hearts felt as heavy as
lead.
Their eleven had lost the lead, and the points were even on each
side--six to six.
What would the rushing team of the High School do next?
[TO BE CONTINUED.]
COLORADO SNOW FLEA.
The observing Colorado miner cannot furnish you scientific names, yet he
will tell you at once that red snow is caused by the snow flea. The snow
flea is very small. It would require about fifty of them to equal their
larger brother of the East in size.
A person walking upright might think the snow covered by a very fine
dust, but if your eyes are good, and you place your face within eighteen
or twenty inches of the snow, you can easily discern the snow flea.
Although so small as to be almost imperceptible to the naked eye, yet
they are most active, jumping from twelve to fifteen inches.
To the naked eye they appear to be dark brown in color, but under a good
microscope they would be found to be a reddish brown. During cold
weather they stay under the bark of trees, but when it is a nice, warm
day, and the sun shines brightly, you can find them on the southern and
eastern slopes of the mountains, where they can get the direct rays of
the sun.
During the day they will ascend the mountains, sometimes far above the
timber line. When the sun disappears and it gets cold, the snow flea
freezes to death. During the winter great numbers will be thus frozen,
and their dead bodies color the snow.
Foot trails upon the south and east sides of the mountains will, if it
be a hard winter, be colored, for when the snow flea strikes a deep
trail through the snow, millions upon millions of them never get out,
but perish from the cold dining the night. Besides, a man with a
good-sized foot might kill from one thousand to ten thousand of them
every step.
The snow flea favors the south and east sides of the mountains, and it
is there you will find the red snow. The non-observing will say there is
no such thing as snow fleas, because they have never seen them, but you
can easily prove to them, if you will look upon the right kind of a day,
that they do exist in countless numbers.
A QUARREL, AND HOW IT ENDED.
By Abbie M. Gannett.
Father was mad clear through! He gave Mr. Ridlet one look and walked off
without a word.
That broke up everything between Bub Ridlet and me.
Was Bub going to speak to a boy whose father stole from his father? Was
I going to speak to Bub, when his father accused mine of stealing?
We'd been great chums, chestnutted, set snares, skated, fished and gone
winters to the district school together. Our houses were within a
stone's throw of each other, and no others nearer than a quarter of a
mile. Never had an evening come but I was at Bub's or Bub with us.
The change came hard, and it came hard on our mothers.
Mrs. Ridlet would come over to ask if mother could spare a couple of
eggs. Mother would run to the barn and come back with half a dozen,
saying:
"Don't mind about returning them. I've so many, I like to get rid of
them."
Mother would go to Mrs. Ridlet's and say she'd like to borrow a pound or
two of butter. Her cream didn't "come good" these cold days. Bub's
mother would give her a big pat, with a bunch of grapes stamped on it.
"Don't you fetch it back, Mrs. Pomfrey," she would say. "I've so much
that I shall never miss it."
Now, when they met, they would not look at each other.
Six months passed, and we were lonesome as could be. But we would have
bitten our tongues off rather than speak to the Ridlets.
I didn't have a speck of fun. I'd go swimming, but what's swimming all
to yourself? or tramping, but what's tramping alone? or setting snares,
or anything?
I knew father missed Mr. Ridlet on wet days, when they had used to sit
in the barn talking over crops and stock, but he never let on.
Mother would look out of the window as if expecting some one; then she'd
turn away and sigh. But she never spoke Bub's mother's name--not once.
I saw Bub running toward our house one day, and thought he was coming
in. But no. He ran past without looking up.
It didn't seem much use to do anything--that is, if you wanted to get
any fun out of it.
I never knew exactly what Mr. Ridlet accused father of stealing, and it
seems mother didn't know, either, until one day, six months after the
quarrel, when father said:
"I'd like to know if Ridlet's found his wife's silver dollars."
"Was it those he lost?" asked mother, speaking quickly.
"Yes."
"Mrs. Ridlet's been three years saving them. She said she meant to have
a dozen as nice silver forks as could be made. She thought it would take
about thirty-six dollars."
"She had just thirty-six. She'd sent them to town by Ridlet, but the
jeweler wouldn't agree to make the forks for less than forty dollars.
Ridlet says he brought them back, but it seems they were gone when he
got home."
"And he accused you of taking Mrs. Ridlet's money," said mother. "Now,
I'll _never_ speak to her."
"It's odd where the money went," continued father. "You know I borrowed
his wagon to go to town, a few minutes after he came home. He said he
put the package on the wagon-seat, and got out to unharness the horse.
Before he had done so, Elijah Bangs came in at the south door of the
barn, all excitement about his sick cow. He wanted Ridlet to see the
animal--he had been so unlucky about curing his own sick cattle. While
they were talking, I came in to borrow the wagon. Ridlet, who was going
off with Bangs, said 'Yes,' hurriedly, forgetting all about the silver
dollars, so he says; and he says nobody came into the barn but me and
Mr. Bangs, and, as Bangs came in at the south door, he wasn't near the
wagon. Ridlet never thought of the silver till he was half-way to Mr.
Bangs'; but he did not worry, knowing it was safe with me."
"Did he say, out-and-out, you'd taken it?" asked mother.
"No; but he said it was mighty queer a man could miss seeing a package
as big as that. There was no use looking for it, or advertising for it;
he knew that it was on that wagon-seat. I fired up and said, 'Do you
think I took it?' He didn't answer; and that settled it."
"Well, if ever he does find it, I'll never have anything to do with
them," said mother. "Suspect you of keeping her fork-money!"
"It's very odd where it went," repeated father.
"I am glad you've spoken at last. It's been on my mind more than
anything. I thought you might have misunderstood him, and was over
touchy; but--her money!"
Father made no reply; and from that time mother stopped looking down the
road.
Finding out just what Mr. Ridlet accused father of, made the
estrangement between Bub and me seem worse. Our going together would
never be fixed up now. I had hoped our fathers would, some time, settle
things. It was tough. I couldn't put my mind to anything, mother
noticed.
"What's the matter, Seth?" she asked. "Aren't you well?" she went on,
seeing I didn't answer. "You don't eat much, and you are moping all the
time. How would you like your Cousin Mel to visit you a while?"
I rushed off. Mel was a real softy, with shining shoes, slick hair, and
all that. About as ready to go on a tramp as a girl. I couldn't bear the
thought of him.
I went under the grape vine that grows over the trellis between Mr.
Ridlet's garden and ours.
I threw myself down, looking up into the leaves, making a mat overhead,
and counting the green bunches, as if that was great fun.
It was a hot day--such a day as one likes to creep along barefooted in
the wet grass by the brooks, fishing-pole in hand.
I thought of Bub, and how, if things had been all right, we'd been ready
to start off, and, well--
Then I heard some one pulling apart the vines against the fence, and the
next minute I sprung up as if I was shot, for Bub's voice, rather shaky,
called:
"Seth!"
I turned my back on him.
"Please, Seth!"
I wouldn't speak.
"Say, father will give me a licking, and if you'll only speak to your
father--say, Seth! Seth!"
I was half-way to the house.
His voice ought to have made anybody turn back, but I wouldn't stop. He
hadn't spoken to me for over six months and his father was to blame, and
now he spoke because he was going to get a licking. I didn't think any
boy would be such a coward. It didn't seem like Bub.
Once I felt like running over to his house--I had seen him sneak
back--then I was mad at myself for wanting to go there.
What wouldn't I have given afterwards if I had gone?
After supper, as father and I were passing the Ridlets', we heard Bub's
howls. They came from the barn.
Father had been almost as fond of Bub as of me. When he heard the cries,
he stopped short. For a minute we didn't hear any more, only Mr. Ridlet
scolding hot and heavy, and Bub trying to put in a word or two.
He was a dreadful quick-tempered man, and, when angry, hardly knew what
he did.
Bub's howls began again. Father couldn't stand it. He made for the barn.
"What's this?" said he.
There stood Bub, with his jacket off, and his father, with a big, tough
switch in his hand.
"This?" responded Mr. Ridlet, his teeth fairly chattering in his wrath.
"This? It's that this boy deserves the confoundedest whipping a boy ever
had--and I'm giving it to him!"
He lifted the switch, and Bub yelled before it touched him. I knew he
had been hurt pretty bad.
"Oh, now, neighbor," said father, putting out his hand to prevent the
switch from coming down, "your boy can't have done anything so terribly
bad. I've always thought a lot of your boy. Haven't you punished him
about enough?"
"Hasn't done anything bad, hasn't he? Oh, no! He hasn't been the one to
know about his mother's fork money, and not say a word, and let the
mischief be to play between two families? Take that!"
Down came the switch. Poor Bub's screams made my ears ring. I would not
have got that crack for twice the money in question.
"There, neighbor," interposed father, taking hold of the rod. "I insist
on your telling me all about Bub and the money, since I was accused of
having it. Bub didn't steal it?"
"No, no, no!" protested Bub. "I forgot, that's all. I took it and forgot
it. That's all, Mr. Pomfrey. Father knows that's all."
He took on awfully, but it was the pain. I could see he'd done no wrong.
"How did you take it? Come, Bub, tell me all about it," coaxed father.
"It's a pretty story," burst out Mr. Ridlet. "A boy old enough to know
something takes a package of silver dollars for nails! Nails! Takes it
and tosses it into the old carriage room, where it gets covered up, and
never comes to sight till to-day. And our two families set together by
the ears in consequence, and not speaking for half a year. Tell me a boy
doing such a senseless thing as that doesn't deserve a whipping?"
"But I forgot it, father," pleaded poor Bub.
"Has your wife's money been found?" said father, looking real pleased.
"Why, that's the best news I've heard this long while. You and your wife
must be glad. I would hear Bub's story through before giving him such a
whipping. Found it in the old carriage room? He put it there by
mistake?"
"Mistake!" roared Mr. Ridlet. "If it was by mistake, why didn't he
remember it? It's a likely story! I asked him over and over again where
he was that morning."
"You see I clean forgot it, Mr. Pomfrey," sobbed Bub, not daring to
speak to his father, "for I just ran in to see if father had got the
nails I wanted, when I heard Seth outside. He'd come to get me to go out
in his new boat. We had agreed to go that day. You see I asked father to
get the nails for Seth to finish up the boat with; but Seth had found
some. The good time I had that day just put everything else out of my
mind. Then, not having anything more to do with Seth kinder mixed me up
afterwards," explained Bub; "made me forget worse, I suppose."
"How happened it to turn up at last?" asked father.
"Why, Bub was rummaging round this morning, and he lighted on it, he
says," replied Mr. Ridlet. "Says he was so scared, he didn't dare to
tell me till to-night."
Here Bub looked at me, and I understood how he wanted me to tell father
when he had spoken to me under the grape vine. That would make it easier
with his father.
I felt mighty mean then, I can tell you.
"Throw down your switch, neighbor," said father. "You've got an honest
boy, and that's a fact. When I found you whipping him, I was dreadfully
afraid of something bad. Why, neighbor, we're all liable to forget; it's
human nature."
Mr. Ridlet looked down.
"Your boy's an honest boy," repeated father. (How thankfully Bub looked
at him!) "You yourself, Mr. Ridlet, forgot the silver, when you started
for Mr. Bangs'," continued father, with a laugh.
Mr. Ridlet looked foolish. He drew a step nearer father, dropping the
switch.
"There's one thing I'm not likely to forget," said he, "and that is, my
wronging you as I did. But I wish _you'd_ forget it, neighbor. I offer
my apologies."
He held out his hand. Father took it, smilingly.
"Perhaps we'd both better forget the whole thing," rejoined he.
"Bub," said Mr. Ridlet, "run into the house and tell your mother that
I've asked Mr. and Mrs. Pomfrey to spend the evening with us. Tell her
to set out her best cake and that basket of blackhearts."
Bub and I looked at each other, and then we ran in together.
"Why, Seth! Why, Seth!" exclaimed his mother.
When my mother came over, the two women hugged each other and cried a
little.
Father and Mr. Ridlet sat side by side the whole evening long, talking
stock.
Mother and Mrs. Ridlet sewed industriously, now and then looking up at
each other and laughing.
After Bub and I had filled up on cake and cherries, we made molasses
candy and planned for a tramp up Wachuset next morning.
Getting put out with folks is bad, but isn't making up about O.K?
UNLUCKY DAYS FOR ROYALTY.
Thursday, the day upon which the late Prince Albert Edward died, is an
unlucky day for English royalty, four sovereigns--Henry VIII, Edward VI,
Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth--having died on that day, but a far more
fatal day is Saturday.
During the past two hundred years, for instance, William III died on
Saturday, March 18, 1702; Queen Anne died on Saturday, March 14, 1714;
George I died on Saturday, June 10, 1727; George II died on Saturday,
October 25, 1760; George III died on Saturday, January 29, 1820; George
IV died on Saturday, June 26, 1830; the Duchess of Kent, the present
queen's mother, died on Saturday, March 16, 1861; the Prince Consort,
Queen Victoria's husband, died on Saturday, December 14, 1861, and the
Princess Alice, her daughter, died on Saturday, December, 14, 1878.
DROLL AND DELIGHTFUL.
--Now is the time to kick. The football season is here.
--Any loafer will tell you that half a loaf is better than none.
--"A little of this will go a grate weigh," said the man who was
preparing a load of coal.
--Bertha breaks her doll, and it is sent out to be repaired. A few days
later, Bertha goes to the store after it, but it cannot be found.
"Her name is Marguerite," she explains, to facilitate the search.
--"Well, Tommy," said the visitor, "how do you like your baby brother?"
"Oh, lots and lots--only I don't think he's very bright!"
"Why not?"
"We've had him nearly two weeks now, and he hasn't said a word to
anybody."
--The letter S, we must confess.
Was never made in vain,
For, take it from your "stars and stripes,"
But tar and tripe remain.
--"Is that really a glass eye?" said Maude to the optician.
"Yes, miss."
"How strange! it is not transparent. How does the wearer see
through it?"
--A little girl, aged nine, called her father to her bedside the other
evening.
"Papa," said the little diplomat, "I want to ask your advice."
"Well, my little dear, what is it about?"
"What do you think would be best to give me on my birthday?"
--Little Girl: "I wish I was an angel."
Little Boy: "Why?"
Little Girl: "Then I wouldn't be 'fraid of ghosts."
--Small boy: "Been fishing, mister?"
Man: "Yes."
Small boy: "Can't I sell you some fish?"
--Perry has a very musical father and mother, and the little lad knows
good music from bad. His parents live in a city flat, and in the flat
just above it one afternoon a young lady was trying to sing and not
succeeding at all. Perry listened with a frowning brow for some time,
and then said to his grandmother:
"If this keeps up much longer, grandma, I shall die. And what do you
think you'll do?"
--Little Harold, out walking with his mamma, saw some men lifting a
square piano from which the legs had been taken, as usual, for
convenience in removal, and a happy thought struck him.
"Mamma, didn't you tell me the other day that our piano was an upright?"
"Yes, dear. Why?"
"Well, if ours is an upright, this must be a downright."
--The small boy taunts the teacher new,
And she in vain may fret,
She knows, whatever he may do,
He's "mommer's little pet."
--Mamma lay on the lounge, with her face toward the ceiling, when Jamie,
who lay beside her, asked her to "look." Mamma turned her eyes and
looked at him, without moving her head.
"No, no, mamma!" burst out the little fellow. "I want you to look at me
with your nose."
--"Did you ever take a bicycle trip, Smithers?"
"Once."
"Where did you go?"
"Straight over on my neck."
--"Cousin Edith, you can't send money in a letter."
"Why, Bessie, what ever made you think that? I've sent it that way lots
of times."
"Well, I'm sure it's wrong, because I've seen it printed on the fences
to 'post no bills.'"
--Contentment makes pudding of cold potatoes.
--"That wall-paper has a very cold look," said a customer to a dealer.
"Well, you see, it is intended for a frieze," was the dealer's reply.
--"I have a notion to break your face," said the boy to his watch.
"You may even do that," said the watch, bravely, "but you can never make
me run."
--A copper trust--Giving a policeman credit for peanuts.
--Lady: "A ticket for me and two halves for my sons."
Ticket seller: "Excuse me, madam, but one of your sons is much older
than twelve years."
Lady: "What of that? The other is as much under twelve years as the
older is over twelve, so they only aggregate twelve years."
Ticket-seller: "Excuse me; not to-day."
[Illustration: CIVIL ENGINEERING IN THE TROPICS--BRIDGING THE RAPIDS.]
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
OUR LETTER BOX.
[->] The postal laws requite all manuscripts to be prepaid at letter
rates--two cents for each ounce or fraction thereof--and manuscripts,
sent in rolls or open wrappers, are not exempt from this provision. The
large number of manuscripts reaching this office every day, on which
postage is due, compels us in future to allow such matter to remain in
the post office, unclaimed.
DECLINED.--October--A Talk With Santa Claus--Nina--A Hallowe'en
Night--Sleep On--Who?--Blue-Eyed Nell--Mama, Sew the Pieces In.
BERT E.--Postage-stamp mucilage is prepared as follows: Gum dextrine, 2
parts; acetic acid, 1 part; water, 5 parts. Dissolve in a water-bath and
add 1 part of alcohol.
ALAN HEATHCOTE.--A. A. Zimmerman made a mile on a Safety bicycle in 2
min. 6 4-5 secs. at Springfield, Mass., September 9, 1892. W. Windle, on
September 29, 1892, at the same place, made 3 miles in 7 min. 4 3-5
secs; 4 miles in 9 min. 26 3-5 secs., and 5 miles in 11 min. 41 secs.
CAMDEN.--1. His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, is alive
and hearty, at the age of fifty-one. 2. A silver dollar of 1827 has no
premium value. 3. See "The Average Boy," No. 50, Vol. 12, GOLDEN DAYS.
4. There are a number of dealers in printers' supplies in Philadelphia,
and your best plan would be to go to them for a list of prices.
A. W. OULDBE.--1. See answer to "Doc," No. 41, Vol. 13. 2. The salary of
an electrical engineer varies with his knowledge, position and scope of
his duties. There are always positions for experts, but, as in every
other profession, the beginner must commence at the foot and work his
way up. Colleges do not secure situations for their graduates; they must
do that for themselves.
A. G. M. AND OTHERS.--GOLDEN DAYS is pleased to receive letters of
commendation of the excellent serials which are a feature of the paper,
but for obvious reasons we cannot remove the disguises which the authors
choose to throw around their characters. It frequently happens that
living characters are portrayed, who, though they do not object to
having their adventures described, might not like the publication of
their real names, residence or other personal particulars.
A. T. REYNOLDS.--The largest bell in the world is the "Czar Kolokol," or
King of Bells, cast in Moscow in 1734, during the reign of the Empress
Anna. It is 21 feet high and the same in diameter, and weighs 193 tons.
During a fire in 1737 it fell to the ground, a large piece being broken
out in the fall and remained sunk in the earth until 1837. In that year
it was raised and now forms the dome of a small chapel made by
excavating the space below it. The worshipers enter through the opening
where the bell was broken by the fall. It is very unlikely that any
attempt will ever be made to restore it to its former use.
H. O. A.--In light oak graining, the ground coat is yellow ochre and the
graining coat raw umber. House painters are not thoroughly agreed on
graining for oak and walnut, so that they do not always mix the same
shades; in fact, since there is no school of house painting, it is
largely a matter of individual taste and skill.
T. P.--The first and second volumes of GOLDEN DAYS, being out of print,
are not for sale at this office, and naturally command a premium when
sold by other parties. Bound volumes are usually quoted at ten dollars,
and higher prices may have been given. They may be had, however,
occasionally through the medium of our exchange columns.
A SUBSCRIBER.--1. The U.S. navy now has 116 vessels of all kinds, of
which 44 are building or not in commission. 2. The greatest war ship of
the English navy, and also the greatest in the world, is the Royal
Sovereign, 380 feet in length, 75 feet in breadth, and of a displacement
of 14,150 tons. The armament consists of four 13-1/2-inch guns, ten
6-inch quick-firing guns, and twenty-five 6-pounder and 3-pounder
machine guns.
DON'T KNOW.--Upon meeting a young married woman, upon her return from
her wedding journey, it would be proper to congratulate her and wish her
happiness in her new relation; but, if you had not previously known her
in a single state, a simple acknowledgment of the introduction is all
that would be necessary.
ARCHY TECT.--A knowledge of geometry is essential to a successful
architect; in fact, he should be expert in all branches of mathematics,
as well as a good draughtsman. See answer to "Arch-I-Tect," in No. 42,
Vol. 13, for your other questions, to which it is only necessary to add
that architects are paid according to contract only.
J. B. McF.--A tun is a certain measure for liquids, as for wine, and its
capacity equals two pipes, or four hogsheads, or 252 gallons. Being a
measure, a tun may be made of any shape, so that the capacity is neither
increased or diminished. Any school arithmetic treats of this subject
under the head of "measures."
AN OLD READER.--We do not think it would serve any good purpose to
publish a list of the serial stories which have appeared in GOLDEN DAYS
since the first issue. They average more than twenty complete serials to
the volume, and the titles are included in the annual index. If you, who
have read the paper since the first volume, wish to refresh your memory,
indexes will be sent you free, on receipt of your real name and address.
D. EMBE.--Rotting tree-stumps may be easily removed in this way: With a
one-and-a-quarter-inch auger, bore a hole in the centre of the stump,
eighteen inches deep, and put in twenty ounces of saltpetre; fill the
hole with water and plug it tight. In the spring, take out the plug,
pour into the hole a half-pint of crude petroleum and set it on fire.
The stump will burn and smolder to the end of the roots, leaving nothing
but ashes.
H. H. P. L.--From No. 1, of Vol. 13, up to No. 33, of the same volume,
the following-named serials were begun. The Young Engineer, The Hermit's
Protege, Little Miss Muffet, An Unpremeditated Journey, Johnny Henry's
Cruise on the Spanish Main, The Mystery of Valentine Stanlock, Lost In a
Ceylon Jungle, Adrift From Home, Crowded Out, In Hostile Hands, In the
Homes of the Cliff Dwellers, Una, Lost in the Slave Land, Smack Boys and
Judge Dockett's Grandson.
NO NAME.--1. When tinware is worn until the iron shows, it can be
retinned by dipping it again; but the process would be too expensive,
except as an experiment. It would first have to be washed in a chemical
bath, and then dipped the same as tin plates. 2. Poultry raising is
undoubtedly a profitable business, if followed intelligently, and is
best done on an extensive scale, with the benefit of modern appliances.
In Eastern cities, eggs and poultry bring very high prices during nine
months of the year, and the demand is always in excess of the supply.
You may gain some valuable hints on this subject by reading "Practicable
and Profitable Poultry Keeping," Nos. 13 and 14, and "Nell's Chicken
Farm," No. 18, Vol. 13, GOLDEN DAYS.
DETECTIVE.--If you have any serious notion of being a detective, the
best thing for you to do is disabuse your mind of the idea. A boy who
can speak three languages and writes shorthand should secure a situation
in the office of a steamship company or a large importing house which
has foreign correspondents. Such talents would be thrown away in the
detective business, which is not the lucrative profession you imagine.
The best detectives are now in the employ of the national government or
city authorities, and the supply at all times exceeds the demand. At the
beginning you could not expect more than three or four dollars a day,
and only during the time you were employed, and the rewards of which you
have read so much would go to the agency, and not to the men who do the
work.
C. O. P.--1. The famous liberty bell still hangs in the corridor of
Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, although it is proposed to take it
to Chicago to exhibit during the Columbian Exposition. No proposition
has ever been made to melt it and recast the metal into two smaller
bells, as such a proceeding would justly be regarded as little short of
sacrilege. 2. There are many kinds of pigeons, but only two kinds--the
common pigeon and the turtle dove--have been tamed. All the fancy breeds
now raised come from the common pigeon, which is descended from the wild
rock pigeon or rock dove. The carrier pigeon is a special breed, larger
than the common pigeon, with a long, slim neck, with a piece of naked
skin across its bill and hanging down on each side. Carrier pigeons have
been known from the most ancient times, especially in the East.
F. C.--1. By the census of 1890, the Indian population of the United
States, exclusive of Alaska, is set down at 249,273. Of these, 133,382
are at schools or on reservations, under the control of the Indian
Bureau; 66,289 are included in the five civilized tribes of Cherokees,
Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks and Seminoles; the pueblos of New Mexico
contain 8278; the Cherokees of North Carolina and the Six Nations of New
York number 6189; Indians taxed or taxable, 32,567; and the remainder
are prisoners of war or in jail for state offenses. 2. Admission to the
Columbian Exposition has been fixed at fifty cents, for young and old.
3. The London-Paris telephone is open to the public on week days from 8
A.M. to 8 P.M., and the charge is two dollars for three minutes'
conversation. The distance by wire is nearly 170 miles. 4. The nearest
telephone office in your city will give you distances and rates. 5. Your
handwriting is plain and legible.
NAPOLEON I.--1. Although Napoleon Bonaparte is still idolized by the
French nation and has elsewhere many ardent admirers it is now generally
conceded that all his deeds sprung from personal ambition and that he
had little of that love of country which characterized Washington. No
one can call him a patriot; he was a soldier imbued with the love of
conquest, and as such was merciless and even cruel. In his private life
he was by no means a model, and his divorcing Josephine for State
reasons has been generally condemned. He was perhaps the greatest
soldier that ever lived, at any rate dividing the honors with Julius
Caesar, but many greater men have lived, if we may define greatness as
that which confers the most good upon mankind. 2. If a boy could have
the personal tuition of an expert civil engineer he could learn the
profession, but the easiest and quickest way is to take a college course
and then go to work as an assistant.
AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.--When training for a bicycle race, the rider should
first get his stomach in good condition. He should begin the exercise
easily, and work up day by day as his strength and agility increases. He
must indulge in plenty of wholesome food, but never touch pastry or
tobacco in any shape. Having got into good condition, he should decide
what distance he proposes to race, and turn his whole attention to it,
never striving to become a long and a short-distance rider at one and
the same time. Two or three trials of speed, at forty or fifty yards
distances, should be made every day, after getting in fair form, slowing
up gradually each time. Then he should finish up the day with a run of
from one hundred and fifty to two hundred yards at three-quarter speed,
and so on, day after day, until the stipulated distance is covered at
full speed. The same method should be pursued in training for a foot
race, boat race or swimming contest. On the day of the race, if the
contest occurs in the afternoon, the only exercise should be a gentle
ride for a mile or two.
DARKEY.--1. Architects' assistants are paid salaries in accordance with
their experience and skill, which varies greatly. 2. Government
postage-stamp mucilage is not for sale, but can be easily made as
follows: Gum dextrine, 2 parts; acetic acid, 1 part; water, 5 parts.
Dissolve in a water bath and add 1 part alcohol. 3. William H. McKinley
is an American. 4. We do not advertise periodicals of any kind in this
department. 5. Detective agencies are private affairs, except those
connected with the police department of various cities. The salaries are
not by any means munificent, and are earned by a vast amount of
privation, exposure and hard work. 6. There are now built or in
commission 24 armored vessels, 11 unarmored vessels, 4 gunboats and 4
special class vessels of the new navy, and 59 iron and wooden vessels of
the old navy, of which 30 are in commission. 7. Major Andre, on August
1, 1780, wrote "The Battle of Cow Chace." It was in three cantos, and
was a parody on the English ballad of "Chevy Chace." 8. On the 1st of
June, 1785, John Adams was introduced by the Marquis of Carmathen to the
King of Great Britain as first ambassador extraordinary from the United
States of America to the Court of London. 9. A considerable portion of
the United States yet remains to be surveyed, but no portion remains
unexplored. There are doubtless large tracts of forest and mountain land
which are in primeval wildness, but the general topography is known. In
Alaska, however, there are thousands of square miles which have never
been visited by a white man, mainly in the interior; in fact, with the
exception of a strip of sea-coast and the lands bordering on the Yukon
River, all Alaska is _terra incognito_.
LOUIS GRANAT.--Read "Some Points About West Point," No. 12, Vol. 7
GOLDEN DAYS.--C. B. GOLDEN DAYS has never published directions how to
make a star puzzle out of wood.--CURIOSITY SHOP. See "Leaf
Skeletonizing" in No. 39 Vol. 13.--S. W. Sir Moses Montefiore died July
28, 1885.--F. P. B. Electro-plating was described in No. 23, Vol. 11,
and in answer to "Gualy Dids," No. 38, Vol. 13, a method is explained of
electro-plating without a battery.--A READER. The ever-recurring
question as to which goes faster, the top or the bottom of a wheel, was
answered in Our Letter Box, No. 31, Vol. 13, in reply to "Three Boys."
[->] Several communications have been received which will be answered
next week.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
Mr. L. B. Hamlen.
Of Augusta, Me., says "I do not remember when I began to take Hood's
Sarsaparilla; it was several years ago and I find it does me a great
deal of good in my declining years.
*I Am 91 Years*
2 months and 26 days old, and my health is perfectly good. I have no
aches or pains.
*Hood's Sarsaparilla*
regulates my bowels, stimulates my appetite, and *helps me to sleep
well*. I doubt if a preparation was ever made so well suited to the
wants of *old people*." L. B. HAMLEN, Elm St., Augusta, Me.
N.B.--Be sure to get Hood's.
*HOOD'S PILLS* cure sick headache, biliousness, assist digestion, the
best after-dinner pills.
* * * * *
*BAD COMPLEXIONS*
Pimples, blackheads, red, rough, and oily skin, red, rough hands with
shapeless nails and painful finger ends, dry, thin, and falling hair,
and simple baby blemishes are prevented and cured by the celebrated
*CUTICURA SOAP*
[Illustration]
Most effective skin-purifying and beautifying soap in the world, as well
as purest and sweetest of toilet and nursery soaps. The only medicated
*Toilet* soap, and the only preventive and cure of facial and baby
blemishes, because the only preventive of inflammation and clogging of
the pores, the _cause_ of minor affections of the skin, scalp, and hair.
Sale greater than the combined sales of all other skin and complexion
soaps. Sold throughout the world.
POTTER DRUG AND CHEM. CORP., Boston.
[->] "All about the Skin, Scalp, and Hair" free.
*HOW MY BACK ACHES!*
[Illustration]
Back Ache, Kidney Pains, and Weakness, Soreness, Lameness, Strains, and
Pains *relieved in one minute* by the *Cuticura Anti-Pain Plaster*, the
only pain killing strengthening plaster.
* * * * *
Notices of Exchange.
[->] The publisher will positively take no responsibility concerning
exchanges effected by means of this department, neither will the
reliability of exchangers be guaranteed. To avoid any misunderstanding
in the matter, it would be advisable for those contemplating exchanging,
to write for particulars to the addresses, before sending the articles
desired.
[->] Exchange notices, containing offers of or for _shot guns, air guns,
pistols, poisons, rifles, dangerous chemicals, animals, odd numbers of
papers, valueless coins and curiosities, birds' eggs_, or "offers" will
_not_ be inserted.
*Exchange Notices, conforming with the above rules, are inserted free of
charge.*
R. Pier, West Hill, Dubuque, Iowa, hair-clippers, tent, U.S. and foreign
stamps and $30 worth of other articles for boxing gloves or Indian
clubs.
H. A. Cutting, Wakefield, Mass., books, papers or a piccolo for a
Simplex or World or other good small typewriter.
F. L. Bebont, Addison, N.Y., Vol. 2 GOLDEN DAYS for a Safety bicycle
head-lamp or an Ordinary bicycle hub lamp.
W. G. Crease, 2043 Ridge Ave, Pa., Vols. 7, 8 and 9 GOLDEN DAYS and a
pair of mahogany drum-sticks for a piccolo.
H. C. Head, 185 Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, Ill., a 4-1/4 x 6-1/2
portrait and view camera and outfit for a self-inking printing press,
a mandolin or a cornet (vicinity offers preferred).
W. T. Fuller, care of DAVIS BROS. CO., Henderson, N.C., $15 worth of
complete volumes of story papers for a watch with gold-filled case.
E. P. Huff, Box 38, Aida, Ohio, about $65 worth of goods, including
telegraph instruments, electrical goods books, etc., for a Safety
bicycle, 30 inch, ball bearing.
C. Boyce, Troy, Pa., a hand-inking printing press (chase, 3x5), 6 fonts
of type and outfit for a B flat or E flat cornet or viola.
B. Cornell, 427 Main St., Owego, N.Y., Vol. 65 of "Youth's Companion"
for a Harvard or a Glen camera and outfit in good order.
J. Havens, Box 212, Tom's River, N.J., a New Rogers scroll saw with saw
blades, or a bracket saw with saw-blades and a base-ball bat, for a New
England Hawk camera and outfit or other 4x5 camera and outfit.
J. A. Bollinger, 1001 Dickinson St., Phila., Pa., a self-winding
electric clock (value, $45), a C. & C. motor, 1/8 H.P. and 4 cells Mason
battery (value, $28), a telegraph key and sounder, 3 cells blue stone
battery, lightning arrester and ground-switch, 3 box bells and 6-cells
open circuit battery for a High Grade Safety bicycle or an improved
Remington typewriter and stand.
A. J. Smith, Jr., 99 Mercer St., Jersey City, N.J., 4 batteries, a push
button, a book on electricity and a pair of American club skates for
Vols. 11 and 12 of GOLDEN DAYS.
C. B. Gilliland, 114 Fifth St., Renovo, Pa., novels valued at $1, a pair
of ice skates, 100 stamps and 25 cards for any vol. of GOLDEN DAYS, in
good condition, prior to the 9th.
C. S. Bontecou, 80 Broadway, New York, a cushion tire Credenta bicycle,
1892 model, with double chime bell (Harrison) and Orient lamp, in
perfect condition, for a one-horse-power boat engine or a 5x7 photo
camera of equal value.
R. W. McMichael, Rockland, Maine, set of chessmen, Vol. 12 GOLDEN DAYS
and a bound book, all valued at $4.50, for a set of boxing gloves.
C. Whitney, 825 Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Mich., a pair of Indian clubs
for a Rugby football, or self-inking Baltimorean press, chase 2-1/2 x
3-1/2, with type, quads, cuts, joints, ink and 300 cards, for 22 inch
Rugby football.
C. Renfert, 456 E. Madison Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, a 6-1/2 x 8-1/2 camera
with rising front, a fine lens, 3 double plate holders, tripod and
carrying case, for a Kodack, Hawk Eye or Premier camera.
J. C. Baxter, 2207 Memphis St., Philada., Pa., a 4x5 photograph camera,
tripod, carrying case and complete outfit, and a set of boxing gloves
for a B flat cornet (city offers preferred).
E. W. Putnam, 118 N. Terrace Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn., a dark lantern
for books.
W. G. Holboron, 634 8th Ave., N.Y. city, Vols. 6 and 7 GOLDEN DAYS and
40 Nos. of Vol. 8 for a banjo.
J. Neubauer, 407 E. 87th St., N.Y. city, a lot of boys weekly papers and
other reading matter, for some musical instrument in good condition
(zither preferred).
F. F. Cooke, 218 Menlo Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D., a magic lantern with 12
slides, a fountain pen, $3 worth of job type and a flute, for a 20-ohm
telegraph key and sounder, any vol. of GOLDEN DAYS prior to the 9th, a
telescope or a collection of stamps.
E. A. Fellingham, West Side, Crawford Co., Iowa, 12 numbers Frank
Leslie's "Pleasant Hours," a book called "Plain Facts," a Domestic
Encyclopedia and 2 story books for a telescope or field glass.
H. L. Maitland, Bordentown, N.J., a No. 3 catcher's mask (A. J. Reach)
for a Rugby football.
C. E. Proctor, 223 Ford St., Ogdensburg. N.Y., a bound book by Jas. Otis
for "Looking Backward," by Edward Bellamy.
G. J. Frick, 2093 Fairhill St., Phila., Pa., a cornet, clarionet, pair
of opera glasses, 10 vols. of Journal Franklin Institute, 3 vols. of
GOLDEN DAYS, 1 vol. "Leisure Hours," and sporting goods to the value of
$15, for a Safety Bicycle, tuck-up boat, camera or typewriter.
M. Hulings, Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa, 6 mos. of Vol. 13 GOLDEN
DAYS, a pair of ice skates and a fountain pen for a 14 inch (or larger)
snare drum, with sticks.
"GOLDEN DAYS."
The title of GOLDEN DAYS was an inspiration, and the paper itself has
been a revelation. Our golden days are childhood and youth, when all
nature is bright and the future shows no cloud. It is the period when
the mind is formed for good or evil, and, in many respects, is the most
important period of life.
There was a time when anything was good enough for young
people--cast-off clothing, second place at table and the poorest
sleeping-room, with snubbing at every hand. As for literature, it made
no difference how dull or prosy were the books, young people had to read
them or none at all.
But the world moves, and GOLDEN DAYS was the pioneer in recognizing that
young people have tastes that must be consulted, if it is sought to
interest and amuse them. They will absorb knowledge, as a sponge does
water; but they will discriminate, as a sponge does not. A scientific
article can be as interesting as a novel, and yet be as full of
instruction as an egg is of meat; stories may point a moral unerringly
and yet thrill with romantic adventure, like Robinson Crusoe; natural
history teems with wonders far surpassing the Arabian Nights, and they
are all true!
These are the principles upon which GOLDEN DAYS is founded, and from
which it has never deviated; and that is why it is to-day the most
popular juvenile paper in the world. Do you wonder why? There is no
mystery about its popularity.
Its broad and generous pages, coming every week all the year round,
contain more reading than any other periodical in America. That is one
reason; but the other and better reason is, that all the reading is just
what the boys and girls want.
To keep GOLDEN DAYS up to this standard, to make it bright, breezy and
abreast with the times, requires writers who understand boy-and-girl
nature; and it has them.
Every regular number of GOLDEN DAYS contains liberal instalments of
*Four Serials, together with Stories of Adventure, Articles on Science
and Natural History, Our Letter Box, Puzzles, Humorous Miscellany,
Illustrated Sketches,*
and other interesting matter, and there is not a dull or common-place
line from the first page to the last.
* * * * *
Children Cry for Pitcher's Castoria.
CONSUMPTION
Relieved By
SCOTT'S EMULSION
* * * * *
J. McKeough, 1621 Ave. B, New York city, "Tom Brown's School Days At
Rugby" and "Perils By Land and Sea" for any vol. of GOLDEN DAYS up to
the 11th. (City offers only.)
W. Troutman, 121 18th St., S.S., Pittsburgh Pa., a set of draughting
tools for a guitar.
J. A. Brearley, 306 10th St., S.E., Washington D.C., Vol. 11 GOLDEN DAYS
(bound) for any other vol. (bound) prior to the 11th, except vol. 6
or 7.
L. P. Addison, Box 699, Saginaw, Mich., 5 fonts of type, 1 set of
numbers and a foot-power scroll-saw, with patterns, saw blades, and a
set of 6 finishing files, for a World typewriter or one of equal value.
F. Bennett, 202 West 134th St., New York city, a small typewriter, a
magic lantern with slides and 2 games for a rugby football (city offers
preferred).
L. C. Hamlin, Grand Junction, Mich., a U.S. flag 5 feet by 3 feet and a
pair of extension, nickel-plated ice-skates for a watch.
A. McLean, Jr., 88 Highland Ave., Jersey City, N.J., a book of games and
sports, 200 varieties rare stamps, 2 fonts short type and a fishing reel
with line for a vol. of the GOLDEN DAYS prior to Vol. 10.
H. S. Dunning, 314 Brodhead Ave., South Bethlehem, Pa., a 50-inch
Columbia Volunteer bicycle, with all the tools, almost as good as new,
for books, telescope, typewriter or camera.
F. A. Newcomb, Jr., 97 Cross St., Somerville, Mass., a printing press
and outfit for a guitar or mandolin (guitar preferred).
W. P. Shaw, cor. 7th Ave. and Garfield Place, Brooklyn, N.Y., 10 books,
an electric bell, a picture, 50 feet of copper wire, a solid rubber
ball, a camera worth $15, a thermometer, 2 vols. GOLDEN DAYS and 2 vols.
"Youths' Companion" for a tintype camera and outfit, making 4 pictures
on an 8x4 plate.
A. Garrigues, 155 Lex'n Ave., N.Y. city, a foot-power scroll saw, a
guitar, a set of boxing gloves and a stamp album containing 900
varieties of postage stamps for a bicycle. (Safety preferred).
W. Rieder 500-1/2 East 80th St., N.Y. city, a magic pocket-lamp outfit,
a Star Safety razor, a small pocket printing outfit with 3 fonts of
rubber type, a gold scarf pin and some sporting goods for a small motor
and battery, or telegraph key and sounder, or small steam engine or
propeller.
C. A. Hayn, box 268 Manitowac, Wis., Vol. 12 or 13 GOLDEN DAYS for any
previous vol. of same paper.
W. F. Slusser, Rochester, Ind., a scroll saw and outfit, a collection of
stamps worth $200, a pair of Indian clubs, a sketching camera, a
collection of 500 covered stamp papers, an anchor puzzle, 1000 old
postal cards, 40,000 mixed U.S. stamps, 1 vol. "Youth's Companion,"
a solid gold pencil, a steel engraver's outfit, a silk watch chain, a
pair of solid gold cuff buttons, a rubber printing outfit and dating
stamp, 2 pocket banks and 5 games for U.S. stamps (rare), a 1 horsepower
engine (marine), a printing press and outfit or a photographer's outfit.
C. Wass, Kansas, Edgar Co., Ill., GOLDEN DAYS from No. 33, Vol. 10, to
No. 46, Vol. 13, a scroll saw and an electric motor of sewing-machine
power for No. 18 or 20 magnet wire.
C. J. Deibert, 2009 N. 8th St., Phila., Pa., a foot power scroll saw for
a set of boxing gloves.
A. Gross, 24 Stanton St., N.Y. city, a small hand printing press,
complete, a few types missing, for any volume of GOLDEN DAYS.
J. W. Neveil, 2317 Sepviva St., Phila., Pa., a rare collection of U.S.
and foreign stamps, a collection of minerals and an actor's make-up book
for a nickel plated rim banjo.
M. Ross, 41 Maiden Lane, N.Y. city, a collection of 106 different U.S.
and foreign stamps in Challenge Album, "Winter Evening Tales" (bound),
"Stories About Animals" (bound), and Vere Foster's "Animal Drawing Book"
for a zither of 15 strings.
R. C. Morris, Box 473, Greenville, Bond Co., Ill., 4 vols. GOLDEN DAYS
for a banjo, guitar or B flat clarionet.
J. W. M. Schmitt, 1112 E. Monroe St., Springfield, Ill., a 4x5 view
camera and complete outfit and some books for a good self inking
printing press and outfit.
L. C. Hamlin, Grand Junction, Mich., a pair of extension ice skates and
2 vols. of "Youth's Companion" for a watch or a small steam engine and
boiler.
L. D. Brace, Nunda, N.Y., a silver Elgin watch, 1 vol. "Youth," 23 books
by Optic and Alger and 12 magazines for a self-inking printing press.
H. M. Emerick, 633 Putnam St., Brooklyn, N.Y., a $40 26-inch Safety
bicycle for any 4x5 hand camera and outfit worth $15 or more.
W. Kolle, 438 First St., Brooklyn, N.Y., a 4x5 camera and outfit, a set
of boxing gloves, a printing press and stage costumes for a camera worth
at least $30.
G. B. Bissell, 306 W. 137th St., N.Y. city, a magic lantern and slides,
2 games and 5 books for a Rugby football (city offers preferred).
R. A. Epperson, 344 Hudson Av., Chicago, Ill., a catcher's mask, a
league ball and 2 cloth-bound books for a Rugby football.
C. E. Rice, Sardinia, N.Y., vols. of "N.Y. Weekly," "N.Y. Ledger" and
"Family Story Paper" for vols. of GOLDEN DAYS or "Saturday Night."
* * * * *
_All_ who use Dobbins' Electric Soap praise it as the _best_, cheapest
and _most economical_ family soap made; but if you will try it once it
will tell a still stronger tale of its merits _itself_. _Please_ try it.
Your grocer will supply you.
* * * * *
*From the West Philadelphia Press.*
GOLDEN DAYS is far ahead of any weekly paper published in the United
States having for its object the culture and amusement of the youthful
mind. Now, in its Twelfth Volume, it exhibits every sign of strength,
permanency and progression. Mr. Elverson, the proprietor and editor, is
one of those men who believe it a duty to do what they can for their
race, and wisely he is doing for the "rising generation" a work which,
for him, is "a work of love." Aiming to benefit our youth, through
history, science, philosophy, geography, mechanics, etc., in a manner
easily comprehended, he has made his journal the efficient instrument of
his noble purpose. Could he see the anxiety on the faces of his young
friends awaiting the arrival of GOLDEN DAYS by the mail or the news
agent, he would feel that his efforts to please them were not in vain,
and that the running of his great presses, day and night, at Ninth and
Spruce Streets, was indeed to them a gratification and blessing.
*From the Christian Advocate. Richmond, Va*
Any boy's or girl's days must be golden who reads that charming paper,
published in Philadelphia, styled GOLDEN DAYS. The day it comes, and
every day after, while its contents are not exhausted, will be golden
with the charming adventures, incidents of travel and thrilling stories
of childhood and youth. The children of every family should have it.
Parents cannot make a better investment than to subscribe for GOLDEN
DAYS for their young folks. It is sent to any address for $3 per year.
James Elverson, Publisher, Philadelphia, Pa.
*From the Albany Evening Post.*
GOLDEN DAYS is one of the very best publications for boys and girls in
this country. Every number contains a valuable amount of information on
athletic sports, fishing, hunting, and short stories on all kinds of
interesting subjects. The best writers are engaged, and they give their
best work to GOLDEN DAYS. James Elverson has produced a weekly paper for
young people that finds a warm welcome in every city, town and village
from Maine to California. GOLDEN DAYS can be found at all our bookstores
and news rooms throughout the United States.
*From Uncle Sam, El Dorado Springs, Mo.*
Our opinion of GOLDEN DAYS is very plain and straight, as follows: It is
one of the purest publications to be found in the hands of the reading
young people of the present day. It is full of short sketches that are
interesting and instructive to the young and the old as well. The serial
stories are all perfectly pure and are very interesting, besides setting
good examples and morals for all who read them. I have read GOLDEN DAYS
more or less for seven or eight years, and I unhesitatingly pronounce it
pure and instructive enough to be in the home circle of every family in
the reading world.
*From the Southern World.*
Mr. James Elverson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, deserves the thanks
of parents who desire to see the minds of their children fed on healthy
reading matter. His GOLDEN DAYS, for boys and girls, is one of the
handsomest and best weekly publications of the kind in the country, and
should supplant the vile, sensational trash with which the country is
flooded. The hope of our republic is in her youth, and if their moral
characters are not elevated and made noble by a pure and lofty type of
literature for boys and girls, we may expect serious trouble in the
future of our race.
*From the Advocate of Peace, Boston.*
GOLDEN DAYS.--"To merit is to insure success," is certainly verified in
the publication of GOLDEN DAYS, by James Elverson, Philadelphia. This
admirable weekly for the youth of this great land is now well
established, and has an increasingly large and well-deserved patronage.
Its readers are not treated with trashy matter, but with pictures and
puzzles and stories of thrilling adventure and useful knowledge. GOLDEN
DAYS is supplanting a poisonous literature, and performing a wholesome
mission in this day, when too much good seed cannot be sown by the
friends of humanity.
*From the News, Bloomfield, Ind.*
GOLDEN DAYS.--"To merit is to insure success" is certainly verified in
the publication of GOLDEN DAYS, by James Elverson, Philadelphia. This
admirable weekly for the youth of this great land is now well
established and has a large and well-deserved patronage. It is
supplanting a poisonous literature, and performing a wholesome mission
in this day when too much good seed cannot be sown by the friends of
humanity. Parents wishing to put valuable reading matter into the hands
of their children should subscribe. It is only $3 per annum, and can be
had weekly or monthly as may be desired.
*From the Journal, Philipsburg, Pa.*
James Elverson, corner Ninth and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, publishes
a handsome illustrated and interesting youth's paper called GOLDEN DAYS,
only $3 per year. It should find a welcome in every home for the young
folks, for the reading is wholesome, and such literature should be
encouraged by prompt subscriptions. If the youngsters catch a glimpse of
it they will find they need it as a recreation after study hours. Send
for sample copy.
*From the Gazette, Charlotte Court-House Virginia.*
GOLDEN DAYS.--Of all the publications for little boys and girls, GOLDEN
DAYS stands most conspicuous to the front, while its columns abound with
stories and tales well calculated to entertain, amuse and please the
youthful reader. There is a moral in its articles well calculated to
make the young reader better for having read its columns. The
subscription price is $3 per year, two copies for $5. Send for specimen
copy, and you will be sure to take it.
*From the Philadelphia Times.*
Of all illustrated juvenile periodicals published in this country, none
is more deservedly popular than GOLDEN DAYS, published by James
Elverson, this city. It strikes that happy medium which appeals to the
masses of school children whose tastes have not been spoiled by
overstrained appeals to their fancy, and while it is bright and varied,
it aims to be instructive in a pleasant, homelike way. The monthly part,
made up of the four weekly parts, is quite a treasury of short stories,
pictures and puzzles.
*From the Buckeye Vidette, Salem, Ohio.*
GOLDEN DAYS.--This deservedly popular paper begins the autumn ripe with
golden fruit. Its stories and miscellany are rare gems of interest,
being instructive and pure, and it completely accomplishes the delicate
task of satisfying a boy's taste for adventure without being
sensational. The pictures are handsomely executed. Its articles on
scientific subjects are of the best, its short stories good, and, in
fact, it is a masterly combination of useful and fascinating literature.
*From the Standard, Belvidere, Ill.*
James Elverson, Philadelphia, publishes a handsomely illustrated and
interesting youth's paper called GOLDEN DAYS. It should find a welcome
in every home for the young folks, for the reading is wholesome, and
such literature should be encouraged by prompt subscriptions. If the
youngsters catch a glimpse of it they will find they need it as a
recreation after study hours.
*From the Pipe of Peace, Genoa, Neb.*
GOLDEN DAYS fills a want that no other magazine attempts to supply.
Pure, clean, instructive and amusing, it furnishes reading matter, both
for young and old, which is not surpassed by any other publication.
Published in attractive form, beautifully illustrated and in clear type,
the mechanical work is in keeping with the reading matter it contains.
Address for sample copies, James Elverson, Philadelphia, Pa.
*From the Methodist, New York.*
James Elverson, Philadelphia, publishes a handsome, illustrated and
interesting youth's paper, called GOLDEN DAYS. It should find a welcome
in every Christian home for the young folks, for the reading is
wholesome, and such literature should be encouraged by prompt
subscriptions. If the youngsters catch a glimpse of it, they will find
they need it as a recreation after study-hours.
*From the Record, Union, Mo.*
GOLDEN DAYS, published by James Elverson, Philadelphia, is a weekly
journal of literature and fiction for the rising generation. The paper
is not of dime novel order, but its serials and short stories are
instructive, moral and entertaining. The youths of this land must have
reading, and Mr. Elverson, in printing such an exalted and high-toned
paper, is winning the support and thanks of the people.
*From the Republican Journal, Belfast, Me.*
GOLDEN DAYS, the leading juvenile weekly (and monthly) continues to grow
in interest and circulation, and is a welcome visitor to homes over all
this broad land. The publisher's claim that it is "pure, instructive and
entertaining" will be conceded by all who read it. James Elverson,
publisher, Philadelphia.
OUR PREMIUM KNIFE!
[Illustration {Golden Days knife}]
Ivory handle, beautifully finished, EXACTLY AS ILLUSTRATED. Made to our
own order, and can ONLY be had by subscribing to "GOLDEN DAYS."
[->] We will make this Knife *a Present* to any one who sends us THREE
DOLLARS
*For One Year's Subscription to "Golden Days."*
[->] The money must be sent *direct* to this office. Address
*JAMES ELVERSON*, Publisher "GOLDEN DAYS," Phila., Pa.
*Special Notice.--WHEN TEN CENTS FOR REGISTERING IS SENT, we consider
ourselves responsible for the safe delivery, though we have sent several
thousand Knives without one in a thousand being lost.*
* * * * *
Binding "Golden Days"
Covers for Binding
Volume 12,
"GOLDEN DAYS,"
Stamped in gilt and black lines, will be sent by mail,
postage paid, to any address, on receipt of
SIXTY CENTS.
[->] These covers can only be attached properly by a practical
book-binder.
With the cover will be sent a handsome title-page and complete index.
Address.
JAMES ELVERSON, Publisher,
PHILADELPHIA
* * * * *
*Something That
YOU Want*!
_Thousands have asked for it_.
A HANDY BINDER!
That will hold 52 "Golden Days."
[Illustration]
Heavy, embossed cloth covers, with flexible back. GOLDEN DAYS stamped in
gold letters on the outside. Full directions for inserting papers go
with each Binder. We will send the HANDY BINDER and a package of Binder
Pins to any address on receipt of *50 cents*. Every reader should have
one.
Address JAMES ELVERSON,
Philadelphia, Pa.
* * * * *
[Illustration:
(The
READY BINDER
for binding
THREE MONTHS
of the
GOLDEN DAYS
Price 10 Cents.)]
*THIS BINDER* is light, strong and handsome, and the weekly issues of
GOLDEN DAYS are held together by it in the convenient form of a book,
which can be kept lying on the reading-table. It is made of two white
wires joined together in the centre, with slides on either end for
pressing the wires together, thus holding the papers together by
pressure without mutilating them. We will furnish the Binders at Ten
Cents apiece, postage prepaid.
Address JAMES ELVERSON.
Publisher, Philadelphia, Pa.
* * * * *
JUST OUT
"Golden Days," Vol. XII
Is a Magnificent Book of 832 pages. A perfect mine of everything
that will interest young people. It is
Superbly Illustrated!
CONTAINING
Over 400 Finely-executed Wood Engravings--making, without question, the
*Most Attractive Book of the Season!*
[->] This volume will be sent to my address, prepaid, on receipt of
price, $4.00.
JAMES ELVERSON,
Publisher "GOLDEN DAYS,"
PHILADELPHIA
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
Illustrations:
Readers who are unable to use the fully illustrated html version of
this text may wish to view some individual images, located within the
"images" directory of the html file. The major illustrations are:
Cover pic01.jpg
Off Shore pic03.jpg
A Plucky Girl pic07.jpg
A Perilous Ride pic14.jpg
The Purple Pennant (decorative title) pic15.jpg
The Mutiny on Board of the Sea Eagle pic11.jpg
Civil Engineering in the Tropics pic18.png
Layout of Advertising Pages:
inside front:
+---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+
| Sapolio | Aermotor | Ayer's |
+---------------+---------------+ | Sarsaparilla |
|(testimonials) | FREE! +---------------+ |
// // // // //
| +---------------+ Stamps | |
| |(testimonials) | | |
|(testimonials) +---------------+---------------+ |
| | Pitcher's Castoria | Deaf ... |
+---------------+-------------------------------+---------------+
inside back:
+---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+
| Hood's | Cuticura | (exchanges) | Scott's |
| Sarsaparilla +---------------+ +---------------+
| | My Back Aches | | (exchanges) |
| +---------------+---------------+ |
+---------------+ "Golden Days" | |
| (exchanges) | | |
// // // //
| | | |
| +-------------------------------+ |
| (exchanges) | Pitcher's Castoria | (exchanges) |
+---------------+-------------------------------+---------------+
back cover:
+---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+
|(testimonials) |(testimonials) |(testimonials) | Handy Binder |
// // // // //
| | | +---------------+
| | +---------------+ Ready Binder |
|(testimonials) |(testimonials) | Binding | |
| | +---------------+---------------+
+---------------+---------------+ "Golden Days" Vol. XII |
| Our Premium Knife | |
+-------------------------------+-------------------------------+
Errata (noted by transcriber)
Missing or incorrect punctuation was silently corrected. Typographical
errors in the advertising sections were left unchanged; those in the
main text were corrected. Both are noted here. The "cents" symbol was
not used; prices use the simple letter "c".
Advertising, Front Section:
(For Clerk No. 14 )
[_space in original, as if number was inserted later_]
*CANCER* and Tumors ... Book free. 163 Elm St.
[_printing unclear: possibly 168_]
Off Shore
but the reason therefor was unknown [_"therefor" is not an error_]
Mr. Noman had contented himself [Norman]
Big Fishes
sent the man eater adrift [_printing unclear: possibly "man-eater"_]
Puzzledom
No. 3. Eve r [_spaced as shown_]
Slides for the Magic Lantern
and to facilitate this [faciliate]
A Plucky Girl
he dared not descend to the ground, because, the wolves might attack
[_commas as printed_]
Ephraim Clark
Eric Ericcsson was transferred as a private
[_spelling of name unchanged: earlier parts of serial unavailable
for comparison_]
Condensed Food
a handful of maccaroni [_spelling unchanged_]
condensed by desiccation [dessication]
The Mutiny
it will give me an opportunity [me give]
A Perilous Ride
three-fourths of an inch thick, and seven in height [heighth]
a little shooting on my own account on the way.
[_comma for period_]
while the Esquimaux were running about
[_text unchanged: error for "See-ne-mee-utes"?_]
The Purple Pennant
who could scarcely believe that the news [belive]
busily examining a heterogenous mass of papers
[_text unchanged: probably error for unrelated word
"heterogeneous"_]
steadily dropping from the high place, he once held
[_comma in original_]
A Quarrel
fishing-pole in hand [in had]
Replies to Correspondents
neither increased or diminished [_error for "nor"?_]
Alaska is _terra incognito_ [_unchanged: error for "incognita"_]
Advertising, End
This volume will be sent to my address
[_unchanged: error for "any address"_]
End of Project Gutenberg's Golden Days for Boys and Girls, by Various