[Illustration: "WE WIN! WE WIN! RIVERPORT TAKES THE RACE!"_Fred Fenton on the Crew_ _Page_ 196]

FRED FENTON ON THE CREW

Or

The Young Oarsmen of Riverport School

By

ALLEN CHAPMAN

OF "FRED FENTON THE PITCHER, " "FRED FENTON IN LINE, ""TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES, " "THE CHUMS SERIES, ""BOYS OF PLUCK SERIES, " ETC. 

ILLUSTRATED

NEW YORKCUPPLES & LEON COMPANYPUBLISHERS

BOOKS FOR BOYS

BY ALLEN CHAPMAN

FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. 

FRED FENTON THE PITCHERFRED FENTON IN THE LINEFRED FENTON ON THE CREWFRED FENTON ON THE TRACK

TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. 

TOM FAIRFIELD'S SCHOOLDAYSTOM FAIRFIELD AT SEATOM FAIRFIELD IN CAMPTOM FAIRFIELD'S PLUCK AND LUCK

THE DAREWELL CHUMS SERIES12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. 

THE DAREWELL CHUMSTHE DAREWELL CHUMS IN THE CITYTHE DAREWELL CHUMS IN THE WOODSTHE DAREWELL CHUMS ON A CRUISETHE DAREWELL CHUMS IN A WINTER CAMP

BOYS OF PLUCK SERIES12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. 

THE YOUNG EXPRESS AGENTTWO BOY PUBLISHERSMAIL ORDER FRANKA BUSINESS BOY'S PLUCKTHE YOUNG LAND AGENT

CUPPLES & LEON CO. PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK

Copyrighted 1913, byCUPPLES & LEON COMPANY

FRED FENTON ON THE CREW

Printed in U. S. A. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. The Finger of Suspicion 1II. The Tricky Canoe 9III. A Boat Club Meeting 17IV. In Camp on the Mohunk 26V. Hoofs and Horns 33VI. A Sudden Awakening 41VII. Ice Cold Waters 49VIII. A Surprise 56IX. A Lucky Win 63X. Fred's Home Coming 71XI. News From Over Sea 79XII. Bristles Has an Idea 87XIII. A Call for Help 96XIV. The Missing Opals Again 104XV. Fred's Brave Stand 113XVI. The Trial Spin 121XVII. Snagged and Wrecked 130XVIII. Lying in Wait 138XIX. Nipped in the Bud 147XX. In the Hollow Oak 156XXI. A Plan to Catch the Thief 165XXII. Telling the Good News 173XXIII. The Start of the Race 181XXIV. A Great Victory 189XXV. Bright Skies 198

FRED FENTON ON THE CREW

CHAPTER I

THE FINGER OF SUSPICION

"Hello! there, Bristles!"

"Hello! yourself, Fred Fenton!"

"Why, what ails you this fine summer morning, Bristles? You don't lookas jolly as you might. "

"Well, I was only waiting to see if you cared to speak to me, Fred. "

"Why in the wide world shouldn't I, when you're one of my chums, Bristles Carpenter?"

Andy Carpenter was known far and wide around the town of Riverport as"Bristles, " on account of the way in which his mop of hair stoodupright most of the time, much after the manner of the quills on afretful porcupine. 

Usually he was a very good-natured sort of a chap, one of the"give-and-take" kind, so universally liked among schoolboys. But, onthis particular early summer morning, with the peaceful Mohunk riverrunning close by, and all Nature smiling, Bristles look glum anddistressed, just as his friend Fred Fenton had declared. 

"You haven't heard the latest news then?" remarked the boy with thethick head of stiff, wiry hair; and he made a grimace as he spoke. 

"If you mean anything about _you_, then I haven't, for a fact, " Fredreplied, his wonder deepening into astonishment; for he now saw thatBristles was not playing any kind of a joke, as he had at firstsuspected. 

"Huh! didn't know you had an awful _thief_ for a chum, did you, Fred?"the other went on, laying emphasis on that one suggestive word, andfrowning. 

"Rats! what sort of stuff are you giving me now, anyway, Bristles?"

"Well, some people think that way, Fred; you ask Miss Alicia Muster, f'rinstance, " grumbled the other, shaking his head dolefully. 

"But she's your rich old aunt, Bristles!" cried Fred, more surprisedthan ever. 

"That doesn't make any difference, " complained the boy who was introuble; "she believes I took 'em, all the same; 'cause, you see, Ijust _happened_ to drop in to see her twice inside the last week, worseluck for me; and, Fred, each time one of 'em disappeared the funniestway ever. "

"Go on and tell me what you mean; I can only guess that your aunt hasmet with some sort of loss. But why should she try to lay it on you, Bristles?"

"Huh! you don't know how good that makes me feel, Fred, just to thinkthat one feller isn't goin' to believe me a thief, " the other boy wenton, drawing a long breath. "Why, even over at our house I seem tonotice 'em all lookin' kinder suspicious-like at me; just as if theycouldn't quite make up their minds whether I might 'a been tempted totake 'em or not. "

"Take what?" demanded Fred, determined to learn the cause of his chum'strouble. 

"Why, " Bristles went on, "don't you remember that time I took you overto see my queer old maiden aunt, who's got the rheumatics so bad, andlives in the big house all alone with a colored woman, and all hersilly pets, --cats, squawkin' crows she cares for like they might behumans; and with that big bulldog chained under her window?"

"Sure, I remember all that; keep going, now you've got started?" Fredbroke in. 

"And don't you remember her showin' us that collection of pretty stonesshe said were opals from a Mexican mine she had an interest in longago?" the other asked, almost breathlessly. 

"That's right, Bristles; and you said they just about caught your eyethe worst kind, " Fred observed. "Fact is, the old lady seemed to betickled because you showed such a fancy for those milky stones thatlooked like 'moonlight, ' as she called it. "

"Gee! you remember too much, Fred, " complained the other, with agrimace. "Because you see, it was that silly remark of mine that's goneand got me into a peck of trouble. I really didn't care so much for thethings as I let on; but you know, my aunt is as rich as all get out;and it's kind of the fashion over to our house to make her feel goodwhen we can. That was why, I reckon, I made out to admire hercollection of opals like I did, though they were pretty enough. Wishnow I'd kept my tongue between my teeth; or that it'd been you who tookthat notion to make out you was interested in 'em. "

"And you mean she's lost some of the opals; is that it?" asked Fred. 

"Two of 'em gone, she told me yesterday afternoon, when mother sent meover to take her a cake she'd made, " Bristles continued. 

"And did she really have the nerve to accuse you of stealing them, Bristles?"

"Well, hardly that, " replied the other boy, gritting his teeth; "if shehad, I reckon I'd a flamed right out, and told her what I thought ofold maids that had vinegar natures--I've heard my mom say that, thoughshe told me never to repeat it to Aunt Alicia for anything. You see sheacted like she suspected me. "

"Oh! and you felt bad on that account, eh?" questioned Fred. 

"She told me she'd just been saying to Sallie Kemper, when she was in, that it was the _queerest thing ever_ that twice her lovely littleopals disappeared when I visited her on my own account. And Fred, youknow as well as I do what Sallie is. "

"Sure I do, " returned the other, promptly; "I hadn't been in Riverporta great many moons when I learned that she was considered the biggestgossip in the place. "

"That's right, " Bristles went on. "Sallie went around right away, andtold how the rich Miss Muster suspected her own nephew of actuallytaking some of her beautiful and valuable jewels. It kept gettin'bigger as it was told from one to another, and I just guess my sisterKate brought it home. Mom asked me if I'd done anything wrong, and Isaid point blank that I'd sooner cut my hand off than steal AuntAlicia's opals, or touch anything she owned. "

"Well, didn't that end it?" asked Fred, who had troubles of his own, and could feel for his chum. 

"Oh! nothin' more was said; but I saw mom and pop talkin' togetherafter supper; and when I went out I just know they rooted all around inmy room, 'cause things was upset. But Fred, it's just _awful_ to feeleverybody lookin' at you with a question in their eyes. I'll never behappy again till I find out what did become of those silly jewels of myaunt's. "

"Oh! I wouldn't worry so much as that, " counselled Fred. "Perhaps bynow she's found where she put the things. Cheer up, Bristles, and thinkof the great times ahead of us boys of the Riverport school, with thatjolly shell coming to us, and the river in fine shape for rowing thissummer. "

As they walked along the bank of the Mohunk, with Fred trying to cheerhis companion up, a few words concerning the young fellows might be inplace. 

Fred Fenton had come to Riverport within the year. He lived with hisfather and mother, together with three smaller sisters, in a cottagenot far removed from the bank of the river. 

Mr. Fenton was employed by a concern in the town. He had at first beenconnected with a large manufacturing firm in Mechanicsburg, which waslocated some three miles up the river; but lost his position throughthe influence of Squire Lemington, who had a reason for wishing him tofeel the biting pangs of poverty. 

An uncle of Fred's had left some valuable property up in Alaska, whichwould make the Fentons comfortable if they could only get hold of it. Unfortunately a big syndicate, with which Sparks Lemington wasconnected, pretended to have a claim on this mining property, and wasdoing everything possible to keep Mr. Fenton out of it. 

An important witness, whose evidence would have undoubtedly proved theFentons to be the genuine owners, had been mysteriously carried off. His name was Hiram Masterson, and he was really a nephew of SparksLemington. Mr. Fenton had gone to the city late in the preceding Fall, under the belief that the missing witness was found; but arrived toolate, since Hiram had been "shanghaied" aboard a sailing vesselbelonging to the big syndicate, and carried away to unknown seas, perhaps never to return. 

So hope had gradually dwindled down to a very faint spark in thebreasts of the Fentons, though they still refused to utterly give updreaming that some day all would be made right. 

Fred had soon made many friends among the boys of Riverport, and someenemies as well. How he became the leading pitcher of the school team, and played his part in the great games against Paulding andMechanicsburg, has been described in the first volume of this series, entitled "Fred Fenton, the Pitcher; Or, The Rivals of RiverportSchool. "

The chief enemy of Fred was Buck Lemington, son of the Squire, who hadplanned to ruin the Fentons' hopes for fortune. And just how the bullyof the town, taking pattern from his father's usual methods ofprocedure, tried to get Fred disgraced, so that he could not play onthe football team that Fall, you will find described in the secondvolume called: "Fred Fenton in the Line; Or, The Football Boys ofRiverport School. "

During the Winter and early Spring Fred had continued to hold the goodopinions of most of his schoolmates; and with the summer now at hand hewas ready to join with a boy's enthusiasm in the new sports that theseason brought in its train. 

Talking earnestly, the two lads were still walking along the edge ofthe river some little distance above the town, when, just as theyturned a bend in the stream, they heard a sharp scream, accompanied bymuch splashing in the water. 

"Listen to that racket, would you, Fred?" cried Bristles, turningtoward his comrade, his face filled with alarm; "as sure as you live, somebody's fallen into the river, and it sounds like a child, too. "

"Come on!" was all Fred said in reply; indeed, even while throwingthese two words over his shoulder he was leaping down the bank of theMohunk. 

CHAPTER II

THE TRICKY CANOE

Fred reached the edge of the water almost before his companion realizedwhat was going on. Throwing off his coat and discarding his shoes heplunged headlong into the river. 

A canoe had unset in the stream, and a small boy was struggling tomaintain his desperate clutch on the sloping side of the craft floatingwith the current. 

Fortunately the swift stream was bringing it toward Fred as he plungedinto the water. Had it been otherwise he would hardly have been able toreach it before the boy sank for the last time. 

Bristles Carpenter had by now recovered his wits, and about the timeFred gave that mighty splash, when going headlong into the river, hetoo was hurrying down the bank, trying in his clumsy fashion also todiscard his coat and shoes. 

The Fenton boy had, meanwhile, struck out straight for the canoe, withthe little lad trying vainly to get hold of the bobbing gunwales, disappearing under the surface several times, to come up againspluttering, and choking. 

Fred was a good swimmer, and never in all his past life had he knownsuch an occasion for making speed as then. He saw that the small boycould not remain long above the water; and if he did go down, it mightbe next to impossible to find him in time to get him ashore while liferemained. 

Just as Bristles, panting for breath, and eager to lend a helping hand, arrived at the brink of the water, he saw his chum reach out, and graspthe sinking child by the shoulder. 

"Whoo!"

That was Bristles, trying to give a cheer, but making a sad mess of itbecause of shortness of breath. 

He saw that Fred, by a great effort, had raised the little fellow, andactually pushed him into the canoe, which had not overturned when itthrew its occupant into the treacherous river, though the craft wasmuch waterladen. 

And now the rescuer was starting to swim back toward the shore, urgingthe little craft along with him. 

Bristles Carpenter had actually started into the river, and was alreadyalmost up to his waist when he chanced to remember that he wasaccounted one of the poorest swimmers among the Riverport boys. 

"Don't come out, Bristles; stay there and try to give me a hand!"

From the way Fred called this, it was evident that his recent exertionsmust have quite exhausted him; and that he felt the need of someassistance, in order to get ashore with the canoe. The current wasparticularly strong at this place, it being accounted one of the dangerspots of the Mohunk; and it seemed averse to letting its intendedvictim get away from its grip. 

Once Bristles had caught hold of Fred's arm he braced himself, and soonthe other was able to get his feet on the bottom. 

Together they drew the canoe to the shore. 

"Why, hello! here's a queer thing!" exclaimed Bristles, as, havingclambered out of the river he bent down to look at the half-drowned ladin the canoe; "did you know it was little Billy Lemington you yankedout of the water?"

"Yes, I knew it all along, " replied Fred, as he squeezed some of thewater from his trousers, and then leaned over to see how the boy wascoming on. 

Considering what a narrow escape little Billy had just had, he seemedto be pretty well off. He had swallowed some water, it was true, andhis face was ashen white; but he could get up on his knees, and wassoon feeling better. 

"It just kicked me out, " he said, when Bristles asked him how theaccident had happened. 

"Say, that's a way all canoes have, I understand, " Bristles chuckled. "They just watch till you're not lookin', and then chuck you overboard. Some of 'em are worse than a bucking bronco at throwing a feller. Butlooky here, Billy, how does it come you're in this cranky boat? I'd 'athought your dad would have told you to leave Buck's canoe alone. "

"He did, " replied the little fellow, with a half sob; "but I thought Iknowed how to manage it. But I'm never goin' to try again, no siree. But won't I get it when they hear all about me bein' in the water! Wishyou wouldn't tell on me. Pop'll just give me hot cakes for not mindin'him. _Please_ don't tell. I'll promise never to get in this old boatagain, sure I will!"

Fred and Bristles exchanged glances. 

"What do you say, Fred?" asked the latter; "ought we keep still aboutit?"

Under ordinary circumstances Fred would have said that the parents ofthe boy ought to know what chances he had been taking; but theconditions were rather peculiar just then. If he told, it would seem asif he might be trying to "draw the teeth" of his enemy, Buck Lemington, by boasting how he had saved the latter's little brother, of whom thebully was especially fond. And Fred's pride rose at the idea of hisbeing considered that sort of a fellow. 

"Oh! I'm willing to keep mum about it, Bristles, if you are, " he said, slowly, after having duly considered the matter. "He promises never toget in this cranky canoe again. For the life of me I can't see how heever paddled it all the way up here. "

"I didn't, " spoke up Billy, quickly. "Buck lent it to Bob Armstrong, and last night I heard him say he thought it funny Bob didn't drop downwith his boat. So I just thought to-day I'd walk up to Bob's and if hewas around, tell him I'd come for our canoe. "

"And Bob was silly enough to let you have it, eh?" asked Bristles, indignantly. 

Billy was rapidly recovering his nerve. He even made a wry face as hewent on to answer the question put to him. 

"Why no. You see Bob, he wasn't around; so, because I didn't want tohave my long walk all for nothin', I just hunted up the paddle in hiswoodshed, and started for our house. I'd a made it, too, if I hadn'tleaned too far over when a rock bumped into us, and the old thing justpitched me out. "

"Well, " said Fred, laughingly, "suppose you jump around a little, anddry off before you go home, Billy. And neither of us will let on whathappened. I'll get the canoe down to your house in some fashion, thoughI hope Buck will be away this morning. "

"He's gone off with some of the fellers to Grafton, to look at somethin'they want to buy, " the small chap continued; "and he won't be back tillnoon. That's just why I thought I'd help get his boat downthe river. You see Bob's with him, I guess. "

So after they had seen Billy scamper away, keeping in the warm sun soas to get his clothes dried, and avoiding the road so that he might notmeet inquisitive people who would wonder how he came to be so wet, Fredand Bristles together entered the canoe, the latter having recoveredhis shoes and coat. 

They recovered the paddle and Fred pushed off, and went quietly alongdown the river until finally he was able to bring the craft to theshore at the place where Buck generally kept it housed in a smallshanty he had built. 

They tied it up, and sauntered away. By this time their clothes haddried fairly well. 

They were just leaving the vicinity of the boat house where Buck keptthe canoe, when Bristles caught sight of a boy staring hard at themfrom a little distance along the river bank. 

"After all, Fred, I reckon that we'll hear something drop about thislittle matter, " he declared; "because, you see, there's Sam Jinkswatching us with his eyes just popping half out of his head. He wonderswhat we've been doing with Buck's canoe, because he knows right well wenever borrowed it. And make up your mind Sam'll tell him all about itthe first chance he gets, because he wants to get in with that bunch. "

"All right, " replied Fred, with a shrug of his shoulders; "I don't seewhere we've got any reason to worry about it. Just say we found theboat drifting on the current of the river, which is the truth, Bristles. Buck can carry on any way he likes; we won't give him anysatisfaction. And now, let's get back to what we were talking aboutwhen all this rumpus came along; the chances for a boat club inRiverport. "

CHAPTER III

A BOAT CLUB MEETING

"Great news, Fred! Our boat's come!"

"Come on down to the railroad yards, and see her, Fred!"

Two boys stood outside the Fenton cottage, and shouted these words upat Fred Fenton, who was leaning from the window of his room. It wasseveral days after the events narrated in the preceding chapters, andFred had meanwhile gone quietly on his way, saying not a word about theaccident, whereby little Billy Lemington would have surely lost hislife only for the good luck that brought Fred and Bristles to the riverin time. 

Fred had not happened to run across Buck Lemington since, and hence didnot know whether or not the bully had been told about Bristles andhimself arriving with the canoe. 

Of course Fred made haste to rush out of the house at hearing the newsbrought by Bristles Carpenter and Sid Wells, the latter his mostparticular chum. 

"When did it arrive?" he demanded, adjusting his cap as he came up, andimmediately falling into step with the other eager fellows as theyhurried off. 

"Last night, I reckon, " replied Sid. "I just happened to wander downthere this morning, never thinking to run across a surprise, when whatdid I see but a long crate, and inside that a splendid eight-oar shell, just what we ordered with that money we earned in the winter, givingminstrel shows and gymnastic performances. It's a great day forRiverport school, fellows; and well have a dandy time this summer, believe me!"

"I wish Mechanicsburg or Paulding would get a boat like ours, and giveus a race on the river, " remarked Bristles, eagerly. 

"Say, wouldn't that be just the best ever?" Sid went on; "we beat 'emout at baseball, and on the gridiron; perhaps we might win anothervictory on the water. The Mohunk is a good stream for rowing, atcertain times of the year. "

"I suppose a lot of the boys are down there right now, all talkingabout what a great time this summer will be for the nine lucky fellows, and their substitutes?" remarked Fred, as they walked on into the town;for the Fenton's lived a little way outside. 

"Why, nearly the whole school is down there, and such jabbering younever heard, " laughed Sid. 

Bristles tried to catch the eye of the third member of the group. 

"Yes, " he remarked, with emphasis, "and Buck Lemington, he's there ondeck, big as ever. To hear him talk you'd think he was already madecoxswain of the crew, and could lord it over the rest of us like aking. "

"That's always his way, to claim everything at the first, and then giveup a little, inch by inch, " declared Sid. "There are just seventeenmembers of the rowing club, all picked out as being the best in theschool. And who will be coxswain depends on the vote they'll take atthe meeting to-night. I know one right now who'll never vote; for BuckLemington. "

"Make it two, just for luck, " Bristles said, with a grin; "and thereare others to be heard from, also. Between you and me and thelamp-post, boys, I reckon Buck will get just five votes, besides hisown; and they'll come from his cronies, Whitey, Clem Shocks, OscarJones, Con Jimmerson and Ben Cushing. The rest will go in anotherdirection that I won't mention right now. "

He and Sid exchanged winks and nods as though there might be a secretbetween them; but Fred was paying no attention to this "wirelesstelegraphy. "

"Tell me, did you run across Buck, yourself, Bristles?"

"Sure I did, " replied the other; "and that was just what I was goin' totell you about. He came swaggering up to me, just like he always does, you know, and wanted to know what business I had in _his_ canoe--thathe heard you'n me was seen fastening up alongside his boathouse t'otherday. "

"And what did you say?" demanded Fred, smiling at the aggressive mannerof the boy who had the mop of hair. 

"Me? Oh! I pretended that we'd found the little boat driftin' down theriver, and waded in to get her, " Bristles went on. 

"Of course he didn't believe you?" Fred questioned. 

"Not much. But I didn't get riled up worth a cent, Fred, just grinnedin his face, and kept on saying it _was_ so, and we _did_ find the boatadrift. Then, what d'ye think, he says that Bob Armstrong told him thepaddle was all the while in the woodshed, so if the canoe did breakloose, however in the world could it have been with the boat, 'less wetook it?"

"We know, all right; don't we, Bristles? Oh! never mind winking, andlooking at Sid here, because I told him all about it, and he'll neverpeach; will you, Sid?"

"Not much, " replied the other, promptly; "all the same, I think you'redoing the wrong thing to keep so close-mouthed about it. I'd just gloryin telling Buck how his little brother Billy would have been drowned ifyou hadn't happened to be nearby when he was pitched out of the canoe. "

"Well, we made up our minds to keep quiet about it, " Fred continued, quietly; "and what Buck believes cuts mighty little figure in it. Butthere's the railroad yard, and what a mob of boys and girls I've seensince school closed. Whew! I should think every fellow in town had gotwind of it by this time; and I'm the last to know. "

There was indeed great excitement around the spot where lay the longshell, cased in its stout crate, having been lifted off the car uponwhich it had come from the boat-building establishment. 

Temporary quarters had been arranged for, until some later date, whenpossibly a new boathouse might be erected, provided the town peoplecontributed the amount necessary. 

That night, in the schoolhouse, there was called a meeting of themembers of the Riverport Boat Club in order to transact business ofgreat importance. Buck Lemington was more friendly than he had everbefore been known. But those boys who knew him so well understood whathis sudden conversion meant. He aspired to fill the important positionof coxswain on the crew, and was figuring to gain the votes of amajority of those entitled to pass judgment and select officers. 

It was well known that Brad Morton, the same boy who had carried thefootball team to victory during the last season, as captain, had oncerowed in a racing shell when visiting a relative in a college town. Andhis name had been mentioned pretty much in opposition to Buck, who alsoclaimed to have had experience. 

And as the coxswain was to have the power of choosing the members ofhis crew, it can be seen that the position was one carrying a certainamount of influence with it. As only eight fellows could be givenplaces on the regular crew in the shell, and Buck's five cronies wereall eager to be ranked as members, they electioneered for him mostindustriously. 

Fred had been given the place as chairman of the meeting, and he triedto carry out the duties of his position without fear or favor. What hewished to see was a square deal, with the best man winning out. 

After considerable talk, in which many of the boys joined, twocandidates for the position of coxswain were put in nomination, Buckand Brad. And each had a noisy send-off when his backer started to tellwhat virtues as a coxswain the candidate possessed. 

"Move we vote!" shouted Bristles Carpenter, anxious to get the agonyover. 

"Question! A motion that we proceed to vote has been made, Mr. Chairman!" called out Corney Shays, whose father was an old collegeman, and had once, many years back, rowed in a junior four-oared race. 

"Any second?" asked the Chairman. 

"I second the motion!" came from half a dozen throats. 

It was carried with a rush; and then the tellers went around, givingeach one a slip of paper on which he was to write the name of thecandidate he preferred to serve as coxswain during the season that wasat hand. 

A few minutes later the tellers collected the slips, which wereaccurately counted, so that there should be no chance of fraud ormistakes. Then the result was announced by the chairman, as written outby the tellers. 

"Whole number of votes cast, seventeen. For Buck Lemington, six votes;for Brad Morton eleven. Which, being a majority, makes Brad Morton thecoxswain of the Riverport Boat Club. "

Then a great uproar broke out, all of the boys shouting or cheering. Those who had voted for Buck Lemington, taking cue from their leader, declared that the election had not been fairly carried on; and that hadall those interested in the club been allowed to vote, and not justthose who expected to take part in the actual rowing, he would havecarried the day. 

Buck himself was crimson with rage. He never could take defeat in amanly way, but burst into a passion. Jumping up, he rallied his fivecronies around him. There was mutiny in the air, Fred saw, nor was hein his heart at all sorry, for Buck had promised to be the disturbingelement in the association from the start. 

"Cheat me out of the position, will you?" he shouted, shaking his fistat the others, after the shouting had stopped, and everybody wasstaring at him; "make Brad Morton coxswain when I know more about theduties of the job in a minute than he can in a year! All right, I'mgoing to wash my hands of the whole bunch; and here's five huskyfellers that'll go along with me. Keep your old boat, if you want to. Iexpected somethin' like this'd happen; and let me tell you, fellers, we've been up to Grafton to see an eight-oar shell that once won acollege race. We've got an option on her, too, and just understandwe'll buy her in, challenge your crowd to a race, and beat you toflinders! Come along, fellers, we don't train with this crowd anymore, " and the six stalked out of the building with sneers on theirfaces, amid a dead silence. 

CHAPTER IV

IN CAMP ON THE MOHUNK

On the day following the exciting meeting in the schoolhouse, themembers of the boat club connected with Riverport school were in campsome miles up the Mohunk river, wishing to practice in their new shell, where curious eyes might not watch them. 

It was expected that they would stay several days in camp; so tents hadbeen taken along, as well as all sorts of supplies calculated to helpthe cooks in their work. 

The rebellion of Buck Lemington had not bothered Brad and his friendsvery much. True, several of their best scullers had been lost by themutiny; but some of the more promising substitutes were moved up intoregular positions, and others taken on to fill the places thus vacated;for there was no lack of candidates among the boys of Riverport school. 

Ever since Buck had let out his secret the talk had been about thepossibility of the rival crew sending them a challenge, and an actualrace taking place somewhere near Riverport, with hundreds of cheeringpeople to watch the contest. 

It thrilled the boys just to talk about such a happening. 

"Don't get too gay, fellows, " remarked a tall lad, whose name wasColon, and who had always been a good friend of Fred Fenton, from theday the latter first came to town. "Buck Lemington is a big bag of windwhen it comes to bragging about what he's going to do. I think I cansee him buying that shell over at Grafton, that Colonel Simms owns. Hisboy who went to college rowed in her, you know. There isn't moneyenough in Riverport to buy that boat. "

"Oh! I don't know, " broke in Dave Hanshaw, who had always been more orless of a crack athlete on Riverport's teams; "I heard my father sayingonly last night that the old Colonel had lost all his money, and wasselling out over in Grafton. So you see, perhaps he might be willing tolet that pet boat, in which his son rowed to victory, go for a certainsum. "

"And Buck, " observed Colon, "must have got wind of it a while back. Oh!he's a cute one, all right. He knows how to feather his nest. When hecame to count noses he understood that there wasn't a show for him tobe elected cox. In our club; so he gets ready to organize a little oneon his own account. Wise old Buck, he knows which side his bread isbuttered. "

"Hey! look who's coming on his wheel over yonder!" called out DickHendricks. 

"Who is it?"

"Why, it looks like Sandy Richards. But what can he want up here, whenthey all understood we didn't expect to have visitors?" Corney Shaysobserved. 

Some of the boys began to show signs of sudden nervousness. They werenot used to being away overnight from home, and could immediatelypicture all sorts of things as having happened since their departurevery early that morning. Possibly to some of them it already seemed asthough they had been off for a week. 

The younger boy on the wheel soon arrived at a point close to the camp. Abandoning his bicycle at the roadside he climbed the fence, crossedthe field, and came to the fringe of timber. 

"Who's it for, Sandy?" asked Brad; and possibly there was just atrifling tremor in his own voice, though he tried to hide it in afashion. 

"Got your name on it, Brad; and she's addressed to the Coxswain of theRiverport Boat Club, " answered the boy, promptly; looking around himcuriously at the camp, where he would very naturally have liked toremain, simply because it was forbidden territory. 

"A challenge, that's what!" yelled Bristles. 

"Buck's made good already, just think of it!" cried Corney Shays, throwing up his cap, and then jumping on it when it landed; a habit hehad of working off any excitement. 

All eyes were turned on Brad as he tore off the end of the envelope. They saw his eyebrows go up in a manner to indicate surprise; and therealso came a look of considerable satisfaction upon his honest face. 

"Where'd you get this, Sandy?" he demanded, turning to the bicyclerider. 

"Why, you see, Felix Wagner brought it over; and they wouldn't think ofletting him come along up here, so I was sent with it, " the boyreplied, promptly. 

"Felix Wagner!" ejaculated Sid Wells; "say, has Buck had to go andborrow a Mechanicsburg fellow to fill out his eight?"

"Hold on, " interrupted Brad; "don't jump at things that way, Sid. Thisisn't a challenge from Buck at all. It's from Mechanicsburg!"

"What's that?" shouted Colon; "are you telling me they've gone and gota boat up at that town, and want to race us for the championship of theMohunk? That _would_ be the best news ever, fellows!"

"That's just what's happened, " Brad went on. "This paper is signed byDub Jasper, who used to pitch for their baseball club, you rememberfellows. Well, he's the coxswain of the Mechanicsburg Boat Club crew. He says they've got a shell on the way, and he hereby challenges us toa match, to be rowed within a month from date, and according to regularrules, the distance being marked off between their town and ours, injust what happens to be the best water at the time. How about that?"

"Accept it, Brad!" several shouted, in great excitement. 

"Say, things in the boating line are picking up ground here, " CorneyShays cried, laughingly. "Three shells on the river, to make thingslively. If this keeps on the Mohunk will become the most famous boatcourse in this part of the country. "

As a unanimous vote to accept the challenge followed, Brad retired tohis tent, where he wrote out a reply to the proposal made byMechanicsburg; details to be decided later on. Sandy was accordinglydispatched with this missive, and requested to drop in again after hehad seen the rival young athletes of the neighboring town. 

When Sandy returned, showing by the signs that he had made a swiftpassage from Mechanicsburg, some miles down the river, all the boyscrowded around to ask him questions. 

"Oh! they're all worked up over there about it, " replied the pantingboy. "Seems like every feller in the old town is wild with the newsthat they're a-goin' to have a boat like ours, a present from the bigmanufacturer, Mr. Gobbler; and they all say they expect to lick thestuffing out of poor old Riverport this time, because the boys in theirtown have always been more like water ducks than we have, rowing boats, skating, making ice-boats, and all such things. "

"They're welcome to a think that way, " laughed Corney Shays, apparentlydelighted with the prospect; "but perhaps we Riverport boys aren't sosleepy after all. We're just going to surprise 'em some; eh, fellers?"

Judging from the shouts that broke out, all of them believed the sameas the confident Corney. Sandy was soon sent back to the home town toreport that the members of the boat club were nicely fixed in camp, andthat none of their folks need worry a minute about them. 

So evening found them, with the several appointed cooks busily engagedin their work preparing supper. It was pronounced a fine meal, and asevery lad had brought his vacation appetite along with him, the inroadthey made upon the stock of provisions gave small hope that there wouldbe anything to take back, when the little camping and training trip wasover. 

Afterwards they sat around the blazing logs, for the evening had turneda bit cool, and it was pleasant near a cheerful camp fire. Theconversation changed from one thing to another; but always seemed toreturn again to the exciting event of that day--when the challenge wasreceived from Mechanicsburg. 

In imagination some of the young oarsmen doubtless already saw thescene that would take place upon the banks of the Mohunk when the rivaltowns cheered their pet crews on to victory, or defeat. 

Into the midst of all this good-natured chaffing and chattering, Bristles Carpenter suddenly burst, with his hair more on end than ever, it seemed, and his face white with apprehension. 

"Hey! wake up, fellers!" he cried. "There's some sneak down near ourboat, and just as like as not he's been trying to cut a hole in her, sowe can't row in any race! I saw him creeping around, when I stepped outjust now!"

CHAPTER V

HOOFS AND HORNS

"Get a move on, boys!" yelled Colon, as he unlimbered his long legs, onwhich he had been coiled after the fashion of a tailor at work. 

"Capture him!" shouted Corney Shays. "We ought to give him a licking ifhe's hurt our boat!"

"First catch your rabbit!" warned another. 

Everybody was on the jump, and it was a furious crowd that went rushingdown toward where the new shell had been laid, along the shore of theriver, at a point where a little beach offered an ideal spot forlaunching. 

"Where is he?" shouted several, as they drew near the spot, and failedto discover the skulking figure of any enemy, trying to get away. 

"I see him, fellow's; right there in that shadow!" cried Corney, pointing. 

"Surround the spot, boys; and if he makes a dash for it, Colon, we lookto you, with your sprinter legs, to overhaul the coward!" declaredBrad. 

The lines were immediately extended so as to take in the dark spotindicated; and every fellow gritted his teeth, indignant at the meantrick being played by some unknown enemy, whereby perhaps harm wasintended their boat. 

"Make him out yet, Corney?" asked one who was further removed. 

"Sure I do, " came the exultant answer. "We closed in around so fast hedidn't have sense enough to light out. Oh! we've got him cornered, allright, boys. And won't we make him sick of his bargain though!"

"We ought to tie him up to a stake, and make him tell who sent him hereto stick a knife through our shell, ripping her wide open!" declaredDick Hendricks, warmly. 

"Is there more'n one feller in all Riverport that would get down lowenough to be back of a job like that?" asked Colon. 

"Mebbe we don't know who you mean, but we think we do, " sang out SidWells; who had always been at loggersheads with Buck Lemington, fromthe time they were, as Sid used to say, "knee high to grasshoppers. "

"How about it now, Corney; is he there yet? Perhaps it was only a stumpyou set eyes on, " called another from the opposite side of the circle. 

"Do stumps move, and duck their heads up and down?" asked Corney, indignantly; "well, that's what this one is doing right now. Don't yousee him too, Brad?"

"I sure see something in that shadow, and it keeps right on moving, "the one addressed replied, positively. "Hey Colon, suppose, now, yourun back to the fire and fetch us one of the blazing sticks you'll findhandy? We'll give this thief in the night a little illumination. Hethinks he can hide, does he; well, it's up to us to show him. Close up, boys, and don't you let him have a chance to sneak it. "

"He's our prisoner, all right, Brad; just you count on that, " remarkedCorney, jubilantly. "Say, what we'll do to him will be aplenty. There, didn't you see the way he yanked his head up that time? Reckon he'sbeginning to get scared right now; and can you blame him. "

"With all this crowd around, " ventured Brad; "every fellow willing togive him a punch to pay him up for what he tried to do to ourboat--well, I should guess not! Hurry along, Colon; that's the kind oftorch for you; just look at her blaze, will you?"

The long-legged boy came hurrying up, holding the burning stick in hishand. And as he advanced closer to the spot where the suspected spy wasbelieved to be, the circle gradually narrowed, as the eager boys beganto push in. 

"Wow! what do you think of that, now?" burst from Corney, as the lightgave a sudden flash, and plainly revealed the spot that had up to nowbeen in the shadows. 

"It's an old red cow, and she's getting her dander up too, fellows, because of all this noise, and the torch there! Look out if she chargesyou; and run like everything! There she comes, fellows, like a tornado!Run, boys! Scatter, to beat the band!"

It was Brad who gave this advice. He himself did not hesitate to takeit literally, for when the alarmed cow actually lowered her head, whipped her tail around several times, and then made a lunge toward thespot where Brad happened to be stationed, he whirled on his heels, andfairly flew to place a tree between himself and the frightened animal. 

Then there was a wild scene, every fellow being for himself. Colonflung his blazing torch at the advancing beast, and with such good aimthat it actually came in contact with the cow's flank. Perhaps itstung, or at any rate gave the beast a new spasm of fear, for thereimmediately followed a fierce bellow, and the lunges grew more violent. 

With flying tail and lowered horns the cow went charging past thescattering boys. Luckily none of them was in her way, or they mighthave been flung high in the air; since the most expert athlete amongthem knew nothing about bull fighting. 

"She's going to charge our tents!" shrieked Corney, who was part way upa tree, so rapid had been his action after being warned by Brad of thedanger. 

"Head her off, somebody!" whooped Colon, who, however, showed not theleast intention of doing anything in that line himself; for he hadfound a convenient tree, that would afford plenty of shelter ifnecessary, against the charge of half a dozen frightened cows. 

If the animal headed directly toward the camp it was because she hadbeen so bewildered by the various shouts of the boys that she hardlyknew which way to turn, in order to escape from what she doubtlessconsidered an attack. 

There came a crash. 

"There goes one of the tents!" cried Colon; "that's because nobodywould do what I said, and head her off. Lots of you were closer than Iwas. Anyhow, she's gone gallopin' away. Let's see what damage she did!"

Another torch was pulled from the fire; indeed, now that Colon hadshown the way, several of the others made haste to secure flamingbrands. 

"Take care, there, and don't set anything afire!" warned Brad, seeingthat a few were inclined to be reckless; "there's quite a lot of deadstuff around here, left over from last Fall. Look out how you handlethat torch boys!"

A hasty investigation disclosed the pleasing fact that no harm had cometo the racing shell through the wandering about of the grazing cow. Then the campers set to work to get up the tent that had been knockedover. 

Of course the excitement died down presently, since there had been noparticular damage done, and the boat was uninjured. The boys sat aroundfor an hour or two, talking. Then some of them began to yawn, and toexamine the places inside the three tents where they had stowed theirblankets, carried along because the summer nights were apt to get cooltoward morning. 

One by one they crept off, until by degrees the ranks were thinned downto just three--Brad, Bristles and Fred. Even the captain of the clubfinally declared he was done up with the exercise of the day, and mightas well "hunt up the soft side of a board, " as he chose to remark;though a soft blanket, doubled on the ground, was really the kind ofbed awaiting him. 

Fred had a reason for waiting up. He had received a signal fromBristles that the other wanted to speak with him in private; andremembering that he had been made a sort of confident before by the boywho was in trouble. Fred, though feeling very sleepy himself, sat itout. 

Bristles waited a few minutes after Brad had crawled into the nearesttent. Apparently he did not want the others to overhear anything hesaid to our hero. This caution on his part told the other that Bristlesmust have more reason for feeling gloomy; though he had somehow keptfrom saying anything all day. 

Presently Fred saw him get up, and start around the now smoulderingcamp fire, as if to join him; so he made a place on his blanket, whichhe had brought out some time before, to sit upon. 

"Did you want to see me about anything, Bristles?" Fred asked, as theother dropped down close beside him. 

"Yes, Fred, " began the other, in a low voice; "you were so good tostand up for me when I told you about those pesky opals, that I justthought after all I'd let you know about some more that's happened. "

Fred started, and looked uneasily at the other's long face. 

"Does that mean, Bristles, your aunt has been missing more of herprecious stones?" he asked. 

Bristles nodded his head in a forlorn fashion. 

"Two of 'em gone this time, Fred, and I guess I'm the unluckiest fellerever, because they disappeared yesterday afternoon; and mom sent meover with a message to Aunt Alicia about four o'clock. "

CHAPTER VI

A SUDDEN AWAKENING

"Well, that's a funny thing, Bristles, " Fred remarked, as he allowedthe full force of the other's story to sink into his mind. 

"Not so very funny for me, let me tell you, Fred, " muttered Bristles. 

"Why, of course I didn't mean it that way, you know, old fellow, " Fredhastened to say; "I meant that it was queer. Three times now you'vejust happened to drop in to see your aunt, and every time one or moreof her precious stones have disappeared, as if they went up in smoke?"

"Say, perhaps they did!" the other went on, moodily. "Always smellssmoky to me in that house. Then again do you know, Fred, when I seethat old black crow perched on the back of aunty's chair, it somehowmakes me think of haunted houses, it's so spooky. "

"Now what do you want me to believe--that the old colored woman sits onthe back of your aunt's chair, and smokes her pipe?" Fred asked, chuckling a little. 

"Oh! shucks! perhaps I am twisted up somehow in trying to tell you whathappened; but then, " and Bristles' voice sank into a half whine, "Ijust guess any feller would be rattled, if he'd bothered his head asmuch as I have the last few days. I meant the old tame crow Aunty'sgot, that talks sometimes to beat the band. Now do you know, Fred?"

"Sure I do, " replied the other, promptly; "I've never forgotten howBlack Joe looked, blinking his eyes at us when we stood there talkingto your aunt. But you're wrong in one thing, Bristles; it isn't just aplain, everyday crow at all. She said it was a raven, one of the wiseold kind you read about; and that she brought it across the water. They're more cunning than our crows; and goodness knows I've alwaysfound _them_ smart enough, when you had a gun. "

"Oh! well, crow or raven, what does it matter to me?" grumbledBristles. "But as I was saying, Fred, my mom sent me over in theafternoon. I didn't want to go; not much! That house gives me thecreeps; and aunty has such sharp, piercing eyes. But there wasn't anygetting out of it, so I went. But let me tell you, I was determined totoe the mark, and not even give a think to the measly opals that once Iwas silly enough to admire. "

"Well?" said Fred, encouragingly, as the other paused for reflection. 

"I gave my little message, and came away as quick as I could, " Bristlespresently went on, with a big sigh. "All the rest of the afternoon Iwas patting myself on the back, Fred, and saying the old lady wouldhave a chance to change her mind about little Andrew. But it didn'twash, Fred, not a bit of it. "

"You said, I believe, that two more of the opals had vanished; when didyou hear about that?" asked Fred, to hurry his chum along. 

"Why, after I came in just before supper time, feeling better than forseveral days. I saw with one eye that mom was bothered again oversomething, and I understood what it was when she handed me a littlenote she'd got late that afternoon from Aunt Alicia. "

He fumbled about in his pockets for several minutes, until Fred grewimpatient. 

"Never mind about the note, " he remarked; "perhaps you handed it back, or you may have lost it, Bristles. I should think you could tell me thegist of it. "

"You'd better guess I can!" burst forth the other, with renewedfeeling. "It ran about this way, Fred: She had the unpleasant duty toperform of telling mother that two more of her opals had disappearedthat afternoon, and could not be found, high or low. She was notaccusing _anybody_ of taking them, oh! no, not for worlds; but it wasa _strange coincidence_, that was all. "

"Whew! that sounds hot off the bat!" remarked Fred, with a low whistleto indicate his feelings in the matter. 

"Yes, she used that very word, " Bristles went on; "and I guess it hitthe case right well, for it _is_ a coincidence, I give you my solemnword, Fred, and nothing more. "

"I believe you. Bristles; I'm as sure of it as if she suspected me oftaking her opals, and I knew I was innocent. But was that all the notesaid?"

"Well, not quite, Fred. She went on to say that she would be very muchobliged to mom, if, after this, when she had to communicate with heraunt--for that's what Miss Muster is to mom, you know--she'd send mysister Kate; because you see, Andrew is an unpleasant boy to havearound!"

Bristles tried to laugh as though his heart were steeled againstshowing any natural feeling; but Fred felt sure he was winking veryfast, and he had little difficulty in guessing why. 

"It is a hard problem you're up against, Bristles, " he went on to say, while he laid a hand affectionately upon the other's quivering arm;"but just perk up, and make sure that it's bound to come out right, sooner or later. If you don't go to see your aunt again, after a bit, another of her opals will disappear; and then the quick-tempered oldlady must see that it wasn't you after all. "

Immediately Bristles raised his head, as though new life had come tohim. 

"Say, I never thought of that, Fred!" he exclaimed. "It's a good idea, too, and is sure to work, sooner or later. Whoever is taking her opalswill get tired of waiting for me to come around again, to be thescapegoat; and crib another lot. Then won't Rome howl, though! If itturns out to be the old mammy, she'll lose her steady job all right;because Aunt Alicia is stern and unforgiving. I used to be herfavorite; but never again for me, after this. "

"Well, if you feel better now, Bristles, and there's nothing more totell me, suppose we both crawl in, and get a little snooze? I'm astired as all get-out; and I reckon you're in the same boat. "

"Just what I am, " returned the other, actually yawning; "but you'vemade me feel a hundred times better, Fred. It's a mighty good thing tohave a chum like you, once in a while, and that's the truth. You've gota way about you that just makes the clouds seem to roll right off, andthe sunshine come again. "

"Oh! I'm glad if I've been able to do you any good, Bristles; but letme know if any more things come up, will you?"

"I just will, and no mistake, " the boy who had found new hope replied, while his face beamed. 

"But don't think I'm going to forget all about it. No siree; if there'sany way I can learn whether a jeweler in Riverport or Mechanicsburg hasbeen buying an opal lately, I'm bound to get on the track. "

"Be careful, that's all, when you make inquiries, " cautioned Fred. 

"Now, I don't get on to what you mean?" remarked Bristles. 

"Why, don't you see, if your aunt should also choose to look around, and heard that you were making inquiries about the value of opals, andall that, of course she'd jump to the conclusion that you wanted tolearn how the market stood, so you'd be posted when you wanted to sellthe ones you'd hid away!"

"Granny! I never once thought of that, Fred!" gasped the other, lost inastonishment. 

"But it's so, don't you think now, Bristles?"

"That's right, it would look suspicious. But Fred, what ought I say ifI wanted to find out?"

"Tell Mr. Rhinehart, our jeweler, the exact truth, and what your objectis in asking about opals. He seems to be a pretty decent sort of a man, and like as not he'll feel for you, Bristles. Anyhow, he can prove toyour aunt that you wanted to know if anybody offered opals for sale. "

"That's just fine of you, Fred, and I'll do it as sure as anything. I'mgoing to crawl in now, and get a few winks. I need 'em the worst kind, because I rather think I didn't sleep any too much last night, I feltso bad. "

Both boys were soon under their blankets; and no doubt sleep quicklycame to banish all thoughts of opals, boat races, and all such things. 

Fred's sleep was broken by dreams, and they were pretty well mixed up. At one time he was swimming in the river again, trying to locate littleBilly Lemington, who had disappeared from sight, and could not befound. Then again he seemed to be in a city, somewhere, when there wasgreat confusion, a rushing of heavy vehicles over the pavement, andloud shouts that seemed to thrill him. 

Fred sat upright. 

For a second he believed his dream had been so vivid that it washaunting him still; for he fancied that he could hear the rumbling ofengines over the granite blocks; and surely that was a wild alarm offire that broke upon his hearing. 

Then like a flash it came to Fred that there was nothing of a dreamabout it--some one _was_ shrieking the startling word "fire!" at thetop of his voice; and even in that dreadful moment the aroused sleeperbelieved he could distinguish the well known tones of Bradley Morton. 

CHAPTER VII

ICE COLD WATERS

"Fire! Fire! Wake up, everybody! Help! Help!"

So Brad was shouting at the top of his lusty young voice. Such anupheaval as his thrilling cries brought about in the three tents! Everyone of the sixteen inmates scrambled out from under the blanket inwhich he had been so snugly rolled. 

They came flocking out just as they were, some in pajamas, others inall sorts of apparel suited to sleeping; and not a few about halfdisrobed, they having failed to provide for the night time. 

Nobody needed to ask any questions, because they had eyes, and couldeasily see what was the matter. 

A fire was blazing in the pile of dead stuff over near where the newboat lay. The sight gave every fellow a sensation of dread; for henaturally thought of what a disaster it would be should the racingcraft be injured or destroyed. 

"Save the boat, fellows!" shouted Fred, who seemed to be able to keephis wits about him better than most of the others. 

"Yes, rush in, and get hold of her!" added Brad. "I don't believe she'sbeen hurt yet. This way, boys! Everybody help!"

There was at least no lack of volunteers. It seemed as though everybodyfelt anxious to have a hand in saving the boat, for there was aconcerted rush on the part of all. 

One or two tripped, and fell down in their haste. Others stubbed theirtoes on stones or roots, and doubled up, groaning with pain. But all ofa dozen managed to reach the vicinity of the shell, which rested thereso dangerously close to the roaring blaze. 

"Take hold, all that can!" called Fred, as he himself clutched one ofthe out-riggers, and made ready to lift. "All ready now? Yo heave 'o!and away we go! That's the way to do it, boys! We've saved our boat, and don't you forget it!"

With lusty cheers they carried the frail craft to a place of safety, each fellow proud to be counted among the savers. 

"Bully for us!" cried Colon, who was limping around as if he had struckhis foot against something hard. 

"But look here, fellows, hurry and get some shoes on, " Fred continued. "We've got to put that fire out, or it may spread. Anyhow, it'll makeour camp a tough place if we let it burn itself out. "

Several who had been wise enough to pull on their shoes before startingout at once volunteered to get busy under Brad; and the balance hurriedto the tents to provide themselves with foot covering. 

There were a couple of buckets in the camp, and these were immediatelypressed into service by the enthusiastic young fire-fighters. Onefellow stood down by the river, and dipped each bucket in as it cameback empty. Then in turn it was relayed along from hand to hand, untilfinally either Brad or Fred received it. 

They used their judgment as to where the water was to be thrown, andwith such good results that after a short time it was seen that thefire did not burn so brilliantly as before. 

"Hurrah! fellows, we're doing the business, all right!" shouted Corney, who had been working like an industrious beaver all the time. 

"It's dying out, and that's a fact!" cried Colon, the one who dipped upthe water at the other end of the line. "Getting much darker down here. About time, too, I reckon, because I've just about emptied the wholeriver!"

"Oh! quit your grumbling, Colon!" called out Sid, who was just abovethe bank, receiving each bucket that the tall boy reached up to him. "We ought to be sending up a regular chorus because we saved our boat. "

"Don't believe for a minute that I'm growling, Sid, " the long-leggedColon gasped, for he began to feel winded by his exertion. "I'm onlybothered for fear there won't be enough river left for that boat raceto be pulled off. "

"Plenty more coming from above, Colon; so brace up. Perhaps it'll raincats and dogs before the race comes off, and the river be bank full, "and Dave Hanshaw tossed an empty bucket down to the boy at the brink ofthe stream. 

"A few more and we can let up, boys!" came the cheering news from Brad, who, being close to the burning brush, ought to know. 

And indeed, it did suddenly become gloomy as the fire failed to findany more dry fuel to feed upon, so that it gasped fitfully, andthreatened to go out entirely. 

So, presently, there was no further need of exertion on the part of thenow weary passers of water; and the boys began to gather around theirown blaze, which some one had rekindled with fresh wood. 

Some of them were wet, and all more or less chilly after giving uptheir exertions; so that they were glad to gather around the fire, withcoats on, or blankets thrown over their shoulders. 

Sleep, for the time being, had been utterly banished from their eyes;for one and all were desirous of comparing notes as to the origin ofthe furious fire. 

"Was it the work of some sneak, who wanted to burn our boat, Brad?"asked Dick Hendricks. 

"That's hard to say, Dick, " was the reply. "I'd hate to think anybodycould be so mean as to want to do that. "

"Huh! we happen to know one feller who wouldn't stop a minute, "remarked Corney. 

"There's another possibility that none of you seems to have thoughtof, " said Fred, breaking in just then. 

"What's that, Fred?" demanded Brad, turning toward the speaker, quickly. 

"Why, perhaps it was an accident, after all, " observed Fred. 

"An accident!" echoed Colon. 

"Well, _something_ started that fire, we all know that, " Fred went on, resolutely. "It never caught from a spark that came from the campblaze, because in the first place there hasn't been a single sparkflying for several hours; and then again you want to notice that thewind is right from the opposite quarter. "

"Then how could it catch by accident, I want to know?" asked DaveHanshaw. 

"I'm on, " sang out Sid. "He means Colon!"

All eyes were instantly turned on the tall boy. 

"Well, I did throw that torch at the cow; I admit that much, fellows, "he began; "but don't tell me it just kept on smouldering all this timein that brush heap, to take fire after everybody'd gone to sleep! Why, it must have been all of five hours ago. Shucks! you can't prove it;and I won't admit a single thing. "

"Well, it might have happened; and that's as near as we'll ever get tofinding out the truth, " said Fred. 

When they had talked it all over they began to feel sleepy once more;and one by one again crawled into the tents. There was no furtheralarm, and morning came to arouse the camp of the boat club. 

The day promised to be a beautiful one, but rather sultry. Indeed, evenin the early morning the waters of the Mohunk looked inviting to theboys, so that as they came out of the tents they made a bee-line forthe bank, to plunge in. 

Soon there was a great splashing and shouting, such as a dozen and moreboys in swimming alone can produce. Bristles, remembering a promise hehad made to himself, pursued his lessons diligently, and was makingsplendid progress, so that he began to grow quite encouraged. 

"I'll be a swimmer right away, " he told Fred, as the two of them sat onthe bank rubbing down, after coming from the water. "I'm getting tohave confidence in myself, Fred, and already I went more'n twenty feetwithout touching bottom. "

"Good for you, Bristles; I said you had it in you to make a swimmer, ifonly you'd keep everlastingly at it. Every boy who goes on the water, either in a boat, or to skate, ought to know how to swim. It may savehis life, or the life of a chum some day. But those fellows ought tocome out, or they'll get blue around their lips, for the water is icycold. Colon looked shivery the last time he was up on the bank for ahigh dive!"

"There he is now, swimming across the river again, Fred. He ought notto try that so often, seems to me. Why, look at him, will you; he'smaking believe he's got a cramp or something!"

Fred sprang to his feet excitedly, exclaiming:

"There's no make-believe about that, Bristles; Colon _has_ got a cramp, and right now he's in danger of drowning away out there in the middleof the river. Quick! fellows, to the rescue! Colon is drowning!"

CHAPTER VIII

A SURPRISE

Fred's words created much excitement. Some of the boys stood and lookedout to where Colon was struggling desperately in the deep water, seeming to be almost paralyzed with alarm. Others, who kept their witsabout them, started after Fred, who, plunging in, was already swimmingacross the Mohunk. 

Fred knew the danger that awaited them. When anyone is drowning, he orshe seems to lose all the good sense which at another time he may havepossessed. The instinct of self preservation is so strong that adrowning boy will clutch at his dearest friend, and hold frantically tohim, not because he wants to pull the other down, but because he hopesto be himself buoyed up. 

"Help! help!" Colon was trying to scream, though the water, getting inhis mouth, muffled the sound considerably. 

There was no need of his wasting what little breath he still possessed. His chums were doing everything in their power to assist him before itwas too late. 

Fred presently arrived close to Colon, who had been under water once, and sank again even as his camp-mate arrived on the spot. It gave Freda sickening feeling to see the poor fellow threshing wildly with hislong arms, grasping at a floating chip, which, to his excited mind, wasmagnified into a log. 

Fred had made sure to be above the other when he arrived. He wanted thebenefit of the current in carrying out the plan he had in mind. 

One last look he took to locate Colon. Then he dove out of sight, sothat the other might not see him coming, and try to clutch him. Oncethose frenzied hands closed upon any part of his person, Fred knew thathe would have to strike Colon in the face, and stun him, before hecould break loose. 

But he had figured well, for he came up just behind the struggling boy, who was making one last effort to keep on the surface, ere going downfor the last time. 

Quick as a flash Fred threw his arm around Colon, who, just as heexpected, tried desperately to seize him. This the other prevented withall his strength. 

All he wanted to do now was to continue to hold Colon until some of theothers arrived on the scene, when altogether they might be able to workhim to the shore. 

Had he been alone with Colon, Fred feared he must have resorted toother tactics if he hoped to get the other out of the river alive. ButBrad and several more of the strong swimmers had by now reached a pointclose enough for them to ask what he wanted them to do. Even in thatmoment they recognized the fact that Fred was the one to whom theyshould look for orders, because he always knew just what to do in anemergency. 

"Each one of you get a grip on an arm; and be sure you don't let himgrab you, " was what Fred said. 

Brad readily carried out the instructions, and helped buoy up thehelpless boy; while Sid Wells took the other arm. 

"He's dead!" cried the latter, seeing that Colon no longer struggled, but lay like a log in the water. 

"Don't you believe it, " answered Fred, instantly. "He's swallowed awhole lot of water, and is pretty far gone; but let's get him ashore, and revive him!"

Others had by now come up, and between the lot poor Colon was hurriedto the bank, up which he was carried. 

"Lay him here, face down, so I can straddle him with my knees!" Fredcalled out. "Now, some of you begin, and work his arms back and forthregularly, while I press down on his lungs so as to induce artificialbreathing. That's the only way to get things started, you see. A littleharder, Brad, please. And don't the rest of you look so scared. He'sgoing to come out of this. He wasn't under the water any time at all, but just gave way because of the cramp and the scare. "

So Fred talked as he worked, and all the while he was building up thehopes of the fellows, who looked peaked and white, under the beliefthat they had seen the last of their chum, the good-natured Colon. 

And Fred was right. 

In a very short time one of the boys who were working Colon's arms likethe piston rods of a locomotive cried out:

"He moved a little then, fellows!"

"And listen to that, would you?" exclaimed another delighted chum, asColon plainly sighed. 

In five minutes Colon recovered enough to be helped back to camp, wherehe was rubbed down until his skin fairly glowed, and then hustledbetween a pair of blankets, to rest, while the others dressed, and gotbreakfast ready. 

Colon had learned his lesson. He would never again persist in remainingin ice-cold water when he was shivering, and his lips turning blue. Nature has a way of sending up a warning sign, that every intelligentfellow ought to heed. 

That day passed all too soon, and another night arrived, the last theyexpected to spend in camp up on the Mohunk. The following day the wagonbelonging to Judge Colon, an uncle of the tall boy, and put at theservice of the young campers, would come to "tote" all the stuff backto town again, and some of the boys in the bargain. 

Of course nine of them would go back, as they had come, in the boat. And this time there was no need of any secrecy, so they could expect toexcite more or less curiosity when they shot past Mechanicsburg. 

The mere thought inspired the boys with eagerness. In imagination theycould already see the wondering faces lining the bank, and the peoplerunning to see as the word was passed hurriedly along that the neweight-oared shell of the Riverport crew was sighted up the river. 

They had become very careful now about the boat, which was growing morevaluable in their eyes every hour, as they developed its capabilities. Catch any of them throwing torches around promiscuously now; no oneever touched the fire so that the sparks flew, but half a dozen pairsof anxious eyes followed the course they took, and speculation arose asto the chances of their doing any damage. 

During the morning another trial spin was taken, with Colon again inhis place, and pulling a strong oar. Brad and Fred both declared thatthe crew was coming on famously, and would be able to give a goodaccount of themselves when the time arrived to meet their old rivals ofMechanicsburg. 

Along about three in the afternoon the wagon arrived. As the tents hadbeen taken down, and all the camp things well packed, it took but ashort time to load up. Then the wagon started, escorted by the eightfellows who could not find places in the boat. 

The crew gave them a cheer for a send-off, and received as loud asalute in return. After which they took their places in the long, narrow boat, for the run of seven miles down the river home. 

Brad was keenly alive to every little thing that took place. Like awise coxswain he felt that he ought to know each man's weakness, if hehad any, so as to build him up into a perfect part of the wholemachine. For a boat crew must act as though it were one unit, at thenod and whim of the fellow who sits in the stern, doing the steering, and by his motions increasing or diminishing the stroke. If one cogfails to work perfectly, the entire thing collapses. 

"Fine! Great work, fellows!" Brad was saying again and again after theyhad passed over a couple of miles down-stream. "You're doing yourselvesproud; and honest now, I believe you could take a little faster stroke. We must be doing our prettiest when we spurt past Mechanicsburg. "

Brad had just finished saying this when he received one of thesurprises of his life. His eyes were the only ones that could see downthe river, and as he happened to glance over toward the left bank, where there was something of a neck of land shutting a large bay out ofsight, judge of his amazement when he discovered the pointed prow of aracing boat thrusting out, and headed toward the middle of the river. 

And as Brad sat there, almost petrified, as he afterwards declared, theboat shot into view, containing a crew of eight, and a coxswain, in thelatter of whom he recognized Buck Lemington. 

CHAPTER IX

A LUCKY WIN

"Listen, boys!"

When the coxswain said this, every fellow as the oars strained hishearing, under the belief that Brad had something mighty interesting tocommunicate. Possibly some of them, having their eyes constantly on thecoxswain, had seen by his manner that Brad must have discoveredsomething down-stream. But no one dared try and twist his head around, in order to see for himself. 

"Don't anybody try to look, " Brad went on; "but we're going to have alittle brush right now. Buck and his bunch have got that boat fromGrafton, and, finding out that we are expected to pass down the riverthis afternoon, they've been lying in wait for us!"

Every fellow gave utterance to an exclamation, or a whistle, toindicate both his astonishment, and pleasure as well. 

"Now, keep on working regularly as you are, and brace yourselves, everyfellow, for a furious spurt, if we have to make one. Might as welllearn what our boat can do, first as last. Take care how you dip in, because a crab would upset us all. They've struck the middle of theriver now, and are letting us catch up on them. I can see Whitey, ClemShooks, Jones, Jimmerson and Ben Gushing, anyway. And they're grinningas if they meant to make monkeys of the Riverport Boat Club boys. Shallwe stand for it, fellows?"

Evidently Brad knew just how to key his crew up to doing their best;for his question was instantly answered with a thunderous:

"Not much we won't!"

"Get ready, then, because we're bearing down on 'em fast now, " the warycoxswain continued, in a husky voice, caused by the excitement, nodoubt. "There, they've increased their stroke so that we will come upslower, and not take the advantage from them at the start. It's a race, fellows! Let's pitch in now, and overtake the outlaw crew!"

Brad knew that the greatest danger lay in one of the boys becoming soworked up that he would miss a stroke, and "catch a crab, " in boatinglanguage. This would cause him to break the stroke of the entire crew, if it did nothing more serious; and give the race to their rivals. 

And so he continued to speak warning words to them as he regulated hismotions, and the stroke in turn. 

"Easy there Sid, old fellow; don't try to rush things. Keep in linewith Fred, because he's the stroke oar, you know. That was a fine one. Again and yet again, boys! Now we're on even terms with 'em, and we'rebound to go ahead, believe me!"

"Like fun you are!" called out Buck Lemington, being close enough tocatch what Brad was saying. 

Perhaps Buck added just a little more speed to his motions, rendereddesperate by the fact that thus far he and his fellows had not beenable to keep the other shell from gradually cutting down the lead theyhad in the beginning. 

No matter what he did, he must have helped stop this gain on the partof Brad's crew. Now the two boats were rushing swiftly down the river, neck and neck, as it were, and going at a speed that seemed marvelousto these boys, unused to anything of the sort. 

For a short time both crews seemed to be working with clock-likeregularity; and it would have won the praise of an old boating man justto have watched them. Of course this could hardly last, for they wereboth sadly lacking in practice; and at almost any second one of thesixteen lads was apt to be taken with a sudden cramp, or miss hisstroke, throwing his crew into confusion, and perhaps upsetting theboat in the excitement. 

But they could all swim now, even Bristles Carpenter; so the worst thatcould happen, should such an accident overtake them, would be the lossof the race, and the consequent disappointment. 

To have those fellows with Buck Lemington crowing over them, would be abitter pill to Brad's crew. And they were really doing their level bestto avoid such a punishment. 

There was the town of Mechanicsburg right ahead of them. Brad hopedthat the river might be quite free of boats that would interfere withthe passage of the two fleet racers. To have to dodge any pleasurecraft would mar the sport, and give one or the other an unfairadvantage. 

It was a square race, and Brad wanted to see the best crew win. Naturally he hoped it would fall to his side to arrive at the Riverportbridge ahead; but it must be a clean, fair win to satisfy him; fortrickery and Brad Morton did not pull together very well. 

Of course the two boats did not always keep exactly on even terms. Asone or the other crew exerted themselves a trifle beyond the ordinarythere would be a little change. Sometimes it was the outlaw crew thatmade this gain; and then, on the other hand, Brad would do something tonot only even up, but take them a quarter of a boat's length ahead. 

It was what might be called a heart-breaking row, and seemed to beanybody's race at the time they shot past Mechanicsburg. 

A few score of people were seen running to the river's edge, shoutingtheir astonishment and delight. Nobody paid the slightest heed to them, however, for the warmth of the race occupied their attention. 

And now there were only three more miles before they would arrive atthe railroad bridge, which must be accepted as the final goal. 

Going down-stream, and at the amazing speed they were now traveling, three miles could not take much time. 

"Keep it up, fellows, and we win!" Brad said, again and again, almostunconsciously; for he was watching the river ahead closely for signs ofa rock which he knew lay under the surface at a certain point, with aneddy betraying its presence. 

He hoped Buck was also aware of its being there, for really it would betoo bad if the other boat, with such a history back of it, should befinally wrecked. Brad was almost tempted to shout out a warning, whenhe saw with one look behind, that, judging from the change in course, Buck was fighting shy of the dangerous quarter. He had been brought upon the banks of the Mohunk, and ought to be acquainted with every footof ground and water in the vicinity. 

The pace had now reached the limit. Neither of the young crews seemedcapable of doing any more. But Brad made a discovery that appalled him. Colon was weakening! The boy had received such a shock on the previousday, when he came so near being drowned in the river, that he was notin as good condition for bearing the tremendous nervous strain as thebalance of the crew. 

Brad recognized the signs, and feared the worst. Unless they couldrelax presently Colon would have to give up exhausted. And, of course, that would lose them the race. 

It was too bad, and Brad, being a high-spirited lad, would feel thedefeat keenly; but he was determined not to take too great chances. When he saw that Colon had reached the limit he meant to slacken thepace, no matter what happened, nor how much the crew shouted at him fora "quitter. "

Buck's boat was coming on again now. Brad doubted whether they had beenable to put any fresh vim into their efforts, for that seemed next toimpossible, since already every fellow was straining his muscles to thelimit. It must be that the growing weakness of Colon was beginning tomake itself felt. 

Well, what they could not cure they must endure. Colon was too good afellow to take chances of doing him an injury that would put him offthe crew indefinitely. They needed his strong back in that real racewith Mechanicsburg. 

The others had by now discovered that the outlaw boat was slowlyforging ahead, and that, despite all their efforts, the gain continued. Slowly they could see each opposing oarsman creeping along; and it wasdiscouraging to feel that after all Buck seemed to have the better"stayers" in his crew. 

Already they could hear the low, taunting remarks which the others werecalling out, and they stung. Defeat is hard enough to stand, whenpitted against honorable, high-minded fellows, whose first thought isto give an encouraging cheer for their whipped rivals; but it is doublypainful when forced to listen to all manner of insulting remarks fromrough lads devoid of decent feelings, and only bent upon "rubbing itin. "

Brad had really lost all hope. He was even about to throw up thesponge, and slacken the pace to such an extent that the people ofRiverport, seeing the two boats coming down the river so far apart, would never think they had been racing. 

Then something happened, unexpectedly, as it always does in a boatrace. 

Brad heard a sudden loud snap. He saw that the crew in the other boatseemed to be floundering around in the utmost confusion. One felloweven toppled overboard, though he immediately clutched hold of thespeeding boat, and was dragged along with it. 

Like a race horse, the boat containing the regular Riverport crew shotpast the disabled outlaw craft. Buck was shouting in his disgust. Heeven shook his fist at his rivals as they went on speeding down theriver; and they caught the tenor of his remarks. 

"We had you beat good and plenty, never fear, only for that peskyoutrigger bustin' on us! Next time we'll rub it in all the harder. Youfellers had all the luck to-day. Just wait, that's all!"

And so good fortune saved the day for Brad and his crew, when allseemed lost. 

CHAPTER X

FRED'S HOME-COMING

"We win! We win!"

The shouts of the fellows who wielded the oars in the leading boat camefloating back to those who were still scrambling around in the crankyoutlaw craft. 

Buck put his hands to his mouth, in order to make his voice carry thebetter, and yelled disdainfully after them:

"Yes, you win, but only through a foul! Run into us, and broke one ofour outriggers to flinders! But just wait till we get a new one made, we'll beat you to a frazzle! Wait!"

"It wasn't so, was it, Brad?" demanded Corney Shays indignantly; "wenever touched his boat, did we?"

"Well, I like his nerve!" cried Sid Wells, for all of them were takingthings easy, now that the race was over, and the victory won. "Why, hang it, I don't believe we were within thirty feet of their old boatany time. "

"And you're right, Sid, " added Brad. "I ought to know, because I was ina position to see everything. When that outrigger smashed they were aquarter of a length ahead. Anybody with half an eye can see that it wasthe second oar that got in trouble. And boys, believe me, thatoutrigger was away up opposite our stem, far out of reach of our oars, end on end. It's too silly for anything!"

"But I think, from all I know of the fellow, that it's just like Buckto say a thing like that?" suggested Fred. 

"You're right there, Fred, " declared Dick Hendricks; "he never yet losta game but what, quick as a flash, he made it a point to claim that itwas a foul, and the beat an unfair one. Isn't that so, fellows, all youwho've known Buck since he was a kid, and always a fighting bully?"

"You never said truer words, Dick, " declared Sid. "And I ought to know, because I've had a dozen fights with Buck in as many years. Fact is, they say we went at each other before we were able to walk, and that hepulled the only tuft of yellow hair out that I owned about then. Heused to joke me, and boast that he had that yellow lock at home, tiedwith a string, just like an Indian would an enemy's scalplock. Oh!we've been at it, hammer and tongs, ever since. And just as you say, Dick, he never yet lost a fight or a race or a game but what he set upa howl that the other fellow cheated, or took an unfair advantage ofhim. "

"But by this time the people of Riverport ought to be on to Mr. Buck, and know how little truth there is in his whine, " remarked Fred. 

"Well, a lot of them do, " answered Brad, scornfully, for he wasindignant over the small trick of the beaten coxswain; "but you knowhow it is, Fred. You'll always find a certain percentage of people inevery place only too willing to think the worst of you, given half achance. "

"Oh! well, we don't have to bother our heads about it, I suppose, "remarked Sid. "It's the same old story, nine-tenths believing in ourside, and the others backing up Buck. But, fellows, we know what weknow. That race was won through a streak of luck for our side, perhaps, and I'm sorry to even admit that; but there wasn't the first hint offoul play on our part. "

"And given half a chance, " said Corney Shays, "Buck would have easilypunched a hole in our boat, if he really believed he was going to belicked. I've known him to do things twice as bad as that, and get awaywith it too, in the bargain. Accuse him of it, and he'd laugh in yourface, and ask how you could prove anything. "

"Let's drop Buck and his ways for a while, and think of our chanceswith those husky Mechanicsburg chaps, " observed Brad, as they came insight of the outlying houses connected with the home town, scatteredalong the river front. 

"Oh! I know what you mean, Brad, all right, " spoke up Colon, sensitiveto anything like criticism; "every one knows that I weakened toward theend, and that's what threw us out of gear. Couldn't help it, if youkilled me. That little trouble I had with the river yesterday must havestill bothered me. Never had such a queer feeling grip me before, andhope never to again. "

"Oh! I wouldn't bother myself about that, Colon, " Brad hastened to say, consolingly; "given a few days to rest, and you'll be as tough as ever. That strain was heart-breaking, and nobody could blame you for wiltingunder it, after what you passed through yesterday. If I'd known we weregoing to meet that bunch, all primed to give us a race, perhaps I'dhave thought it good policy to put Joe in the crew for the run home. But it all turned out right after all. "

"And we won, which was the best part of it!" crowed Corney. 

"I differ with you there, Corney, " declared Brad. "To me the best partof it was the game quality the whole crew showed. That was aneye-opener to me. I know now what you can stand; and next time won't beso much afraid to push you to the limit, if I feel that every fellow isfit. "

"Another thing, " remarked Fred, "that is pleasant to know, is the factthat luck broke in our favor. It's been my experience always, in nearlyevery game, when the teams are about even, that when luck takes toturning one way, that side always wins out. Everything comes their way. It's begun to like us, boys. "

"And we sure have no kick coming, " remarked Corney, with emphasis. 

There were quite a few people waiting to see what was going to happen. They had known of Buck and his outlaw crew going up the river in theirboat; and since the regular crew was expected down that afternoon, byputting things together, they rather guessed a race might result. 

Some of these people had field glasses, and from the wild way theycheered Brad and his interested spectators of at least the conclusionof the race; for the river ran about straight for some distance uptoward Mechanicsburg. 

"Hello!" Brad called out to a party of five or crew, it might besuspected that they had been six schoolboys who seemed to be trying tocrack their voices yelling, as they waved their hats, and one of them apair of glasses; "did you see us trim Buck's bunch, Lossing?"

"You just bet we did, and you showed 'em up handsomely too, " came thereply; "but what happened in their boat when they were in a dead heatwith you?"

"Why, they were a quarter of a length ahead at the time, " answeredBrad, frankly. "We'd been sea-sawing it all the way down, first oneleading, then the other. All at once one of their outriggers snappedoff short, and that threw them into all sorts of confusion. "

"Oh! that was it, eh? I had the glasses, but couldn't make out justwhat happened. But you _did_ beat them anyhow, Brad?" called the other, jubilantly. 

"You'll hear a howl from Buck, all right, Lossing, " Brad went on, asthey came in to the shore gently enough, this being their landingplace. 

"Well, we reckoned on that, " laughed the other. "It wouldn't be BuckLemington if he didn't make a kick. What was he yelling out after you, Brad?"

"Had the nerve to say we fouled his boat, and broke that outrigger, Lossing. "

"Hasn't he the colossal nerve though?" the boy ashore shouted. "Why, Iknow for a dead certainty that the boats were at least three lengthsapart at the time. That sure does make me snicker, Brad. "

And before evening it might be set down as certain that two versions ofthe race would be circulating all through Riverport, one believed bynearly all the better element, and the other taken as truth by a fewselect persons who, from various reasons, thought it policy to back upanything done by Buck Lemington; or his father, the rich Squire, whohad interest in several factories, and was moreover quite a politicianin the community. 

Fred waited around the boathouse until the Colon wagon arrived, bringing the rest of the boat club, and all their ordinary clothes aswell. 

Like the others of the crew, Fred dressed then, and along about duskstarted for home, knowing that it was well on toward supper time, andhis father must be in from his work. 

Once more Fred was thinking of his own troubles, and heaving more thanone sigh, as he found himself wishing again and again that somethingmight happen to bring a new joy into the lives of his mother andfather. They seemed to be losing hope; and the cares that gathered werebeginning to make them look old before their time. 

Oh! if only they could hear _something_ from Hiram Masterson, the minerfrom Alaska, who had been so mysteriously spirited away just when hehad determined to testify against his own rascally uncle, SparksLemington, and put the Fentons in possession of such information aswould enable them to win the suit for the mine. 

"But I suppose that would be too great happiness, " he mused, as he drewnear his home, in the window of which he could see the light placedthere by his mother. 

He opened the door, and then stood there transfixed, because of what hesaw; for his mother was in the arms of his father, her head pillowed onhis shoulder, and she seemed to be weeping. 

But when she raised her head at Fred's entrance the astonished anddelighted boy saw immediately that it must be great joy that broughtthose tears, and caused this deep emotion, for upon that dear face hecould read a new-born happiness. 

And again he remembered what he had said to his mates on the crew aboutluck having chosen to hunt them out as favorites; for it even seemed towait him at home. 

CHAPTER XI

NEWS FROM OVER SEA

"Oh Fred, it's come!" exclaimed his younger sister, Kate. 

"What, news from Hiram?" demanded the boy, his heart beating rapidlywith the sudden excitement. 

"That's it; and he says----" began the impulsive girl, when hermother's voice restrained her:

"Wait, and let Fred read the letter for himself, Kate; he willunderstand it much better, I am sure; for in your present condition Idoubt whether you are capable of making anything clear. "

Releasing herself from the arms of her smiling husband, she held out acrumpled sheet of paper to the eager Fred. He saw that there were onlya few lines of writing on it, and that even this was done unevenly, asthough the one who used the pen wrote under unfavorable conditions, perhaps on the edge of his bunk aboard a sailing vessel. 

This was just what Fred read:

 "On the way home by easy stages, and under an assumed name, so as not to arouse the suspicion of those who have kept me away. Determined to right a great wrong that has been done you. Willing to testify in your behalf. Be sure and keep secret, especially from the one you have to fear. 

 "You Know Who. "

"Where is the envelope this came in, mother?" Fred asked the firstthing; for he found nothing about the letter itself to indicate fromwhat part of the world it might have come. 

"I was very careful to keep it, Fred, " Mrs. Fenton replied; "for I knewyou would want to see it. "

No sooner had Fred glanced hastily at the postmark than he whistled toindicate his astonishment. 

"Why, it was mailed at Hong Kong, and a whole month ago, " he cried. 

"Yes, away at the other side of the world, " his father remarked. "Andfrom the tone of the letter I feel satisfied that our troubles willsoon be of the past; for Hiram Masterson is tired of being kept awayfrom his native land, just because he wants to tell the truth; and heis coming soon to testify for us. "

"This is great news, mother, father!" declared Fred, tears standing inhis eyes as he contemplated the joyous faces of those he loved so well, for the careworn expression had fled from the countenances of hisparents; and he thought both of them looked ten years younger, such isthe mission of happiness. 

"I'll never hear the name of Hong Kong again in school, but what I'lljust love it, " declared Kate, laughing and crying by turns; "because itsounds so good right now. "

"A month ago he wrote this, " continued Fred, reflectively. "Why rightat this time Hiram must be on the way to America on his vessel, and mayshow up here any old time. He says he is sailing under another name, sothey won't know him. After all, Hiram has turned out to be a goodfriend of ours, father, even if he does belong to that Lemington familythat has given us so much trouble. "

"Oh there may be good branches on even the poorest tree, " remarkedgentle Mrs. Fenton. "So it is with families. There's little Billy, now, Buck's brother; didn't you say he was as nice a youngster as you evermet, Fred?"

"That's so, mother; and I'll try and not forget again. But I suppose weought to do what Hiram says, and keep quiet about this latest news. Why, I believe that if people only knew we had a letter postmarked HongKong, they'd talk about it; and if that suspicious Squire Lemingtonheard, he'd put things together, so as to make out a true story. "

"How that imagination of yours does take wings, son, " said Mr. Fenton, with a laugh. "But you're right about one thing; we must tell no one. Remember, Kate, not a single word to your closest chum. "

"Oh! don't be afraid I'll tell, father!" declared the girl. 

"And I promise that not even Sid shall know, " Fred put in; "though I'dtrust any secret with him, for he's as close-mouthed as an oyster, Sidis. "

"But even Sid might talk in his sleep, or let a hint fall, " Kateinsisted; "and you know he's got a sister, Mame, who loves to gossip alittle--I kind of think all girls do, " she added, with a little giggle, and shrug of her shoulders. 

"Won't Hiram have a story to tell when he gets back again?" observedFred, who, boy-like, thought of the adventures the kidnapped miner musthave passed through during his long enforced absence. 

"I imagine, " Mr. Fenton observed, "that the harsh treatment he hasendured at the hands of those who are in the pay of the company hisuncle controls must have had just the opposite effect upon Hiram towhat they intended. He feels very bitter toward them, and is moredetermined than ever to beat them at their game. I was always told thatwhen evil men fall out honest ones get their due, and I believe itnow. "

"I don't believe Hiram can be so very wicked, " interposed Mrs. Fenton, gently. "When he came down here from Alaska to help his uncle by givingfalse testimony, he must have been laboring under some wrong notion ofhow things stood. Since then he has seen a great light, and his betternature has come to the front. "

"Then it was what Fred did for him when he first came, that opened hiseyes, " declared Kate. "You remember, mother, if it hadn't been for ourFred, Mr. Masterson would have found himself in serious trouble. "

"Yes, that must have been the entering wedge, " Mr. Fenton remarked, nodding his approval of the girl's idea. "It set Hiram to thinking; andonce a wavering man does that, the good in him gets a chance. But come, this doesn't look like supper. I didn't think I was one bit hungry; butnow I'm fairly ravenous. "

"And the splendid news has taken my desire to eat away, " Mrs. Fentonsaid; but she immediately started to get the meal on the table, herface radiant with the new happiness that had come. 

At the table Fred was seized with a sudden thought, pursuing which heturned to his sister to ask a few questions. 

"Do you remember who gave the letter to you at the office, Kate; was itthat red-headed clerk, Sam Smalling?"

"Why, to be sure; he always hands out the mail at the General Deliverywindow, " she replied, without hesitation. 

"He's an inquisitive sort of a fellow, I've found, " Fred went on; "andI've even seen him reading post cards that pass through. Stop andthink, Kate, did he mention the fact to you that you were getting a_foreign_ letter this time?"

"Why, yes, that is just what he did, Fred, " Kate answered quickly; "howcould you guess such a thing now?"

"Oh! I just remembered hearing him make remarks to several persons whenthey came for mail, which told me Mr. Sam Smalling kept tabs on aboutall that went on in Riverport. It must keep his brain working all thetime, trying to remember when Susie Green expects a letter from heraunt away up in Basking Ridge; and if Eph Smith has written home to hisma regularly once a month. But joking aside, sis, what did he say toyou about it?"

"Why, as near as I can remember, Fred, he only remarked that he noticedour far-away cousin in Hong Kong had finally taken a notion to write tous. I thought he was trying to be smart, you know; and to carry thejoke along I laughed, and said it was too mean for anything the wayCousin Jim had treated us for a long time; and that it was about timehe wrote. "

"Splendid!" exclaimed Fred, laughing. "And what did he say to that, Kate?"

"I didn't wait to hear, " she replied; "but when I went out of the doorI looked back, and saw Mr. Smalling patting himself, as if he thoughthe had the greatest mind ever, to be able to just guess everything. "

"Well, I reckon you've spiked his guns, then, " Fred went on. "You see, he has a younger brother who trains with that crowd of Buck's; and Ididn't know but that Sam might make some mention of the mysteriousletter we got to-day from the other side of the world. And then, insome way, it might get around to the ears of Buck, who would carry itto his father; because, I guess every little thing about the Fentons isof _some_ interest up there at the big house. "

"Fred, if you make up your mind to be a lawyer, I think you have afuture ahead of you, " declared his father, proudly; "because yourreasoning powers are first-class. But the chances of the post officeclerk mentioning the fact now are so remote, that we need not give it athought. "

The evening that followed was one of the happiest the Fentons had knownfor a long time. There was much to talk about, and a spirit of comingjoy seemed to pervade the very atmosphere of that humble cottage home, that certainly never brooded over the much more pretentiousestablishment of Sparks Lemington. 

And when, rather later than usual, Fred went up to his small room closeunder the rafters, where rainy nights he could listen to the patter ofthe drops on the roof just over his head, he believed that he must bethe happiest boy in all Riverport. 

And in his new found joy his thoughts turned to the chum who wasworrying so much over his troubles; so that Fred resolved on the morrowto try and do something to help poor Bristles Carpenter. 

CHAPTER XII

BRISTLES HAS AN IDEA

The following morning, as Fred was tinkering around, fixing up some ofhis traps, he heard the whistle of one of his chums outside. Poking hishead out of the window, and wondering why, if it should be Sid, he didnot come upstairs without any knocking at the door, he saw to hissurprise that it was Bristles. 

"Hello! Fred! Can I climb up, or will you come down here?" the lattercalled out. 

"Walk right into my parlor, said the spider to the fly, " replied Fred, being in rare good humor himself, and wishing he could do something tohelp Bristles. 

The other boy soon made his appearance in Fred's little den of a room;which, however, was mighty comfortable, and as neat as wax. Mrs. Fentonwas a good housekeeper, and she had always trained her children tonever leave things "at sixes and sevens, " as she termed it. 

Fred saw that Bristles was considerably excited over something orother. And of course the chances were that it must concern his ownpersonal affairs. Having made a confidant of Fred, and gained more orless benefit because of his sympathy and advice, Bristles was rushingover the first thing with further news. 

"You look worked up, Bristles, " Fred remarked, as the other threw hiscap on the table, and dropped down in the rocker. 

"Well, I am, for a fact, " the visitor replied, nodding his head toemphasize his remark. 

"Anything happened to make you feel better?" suggested Fred; "has therebeen another mysterious robbery over at your aunt's house, so that shecan understand you didn't do it, because you were far away this time?"

Bristles heaved a big sigh. 

"Huh! no such good luck as that, Fred, " he remarked; "I only wish itwas that way. P'raps it will be, just as you say. But an idea hit me inthe night, when I was a-lyin' there, trying to get to sleep again. Idon't like to be awake when it's only three o'clock, you know. Makes mefeel bad in the morning. And I was tired as all get-out last night, after what we did yesterday up at camp and on the way down, when webeat Buck's bunch so neat in that race. "

"Hold on, stick to the text, " remarked Fred; "you're the greatestfellow to ramble all over the lot when you start to telling anything. Now you said you had run across an idea; let's hear it, then; for Ireckon it must have something to do with your trouble, Bristles?"

The other actually grinned, showing that he was feeling more hopeful onthis bright, sunshiny, summer morning, at any rate. 

"That's right, Fred, it had a whole lot to do with it!" he burst out. "Say, I've discovered who's been cribbing all those pretty littlestones up at my aunt's!"

"You don't mean it?" cried Fred, really taken aback. 

"Yes, I do, now, " went on the excited Bristles; "and you couldn't guessit in a year of Sundays. It just seemed to pop into my head while I waslying there on my back, grunting because I couldn't get to sleep, ortake my mind off Aunt Alicia and her queer old house. "

"Now, don't stop like that, and chuckle, Bristles; but go on telling, if you want me to sit here and listen. " Fred prodded his chum with hisfinger as he said this, to bring him to his senses. 

"It's playing a mean game on the old lady, too, to take those opals soslick, and give her all that bad feeling; but if she _will_ keep suchtricky pets, why she's got to pay for it, that's all, Fred. "

"Pets!" burst out the other. 

"Sure thing, " laughed Bristles; "that wise old crow's the guiltythief!"

"The black raven that she brought over from England, you mean?" Fredwent on, rather staggered himself by what Bristles had said, and yetdiscovering an element of possible truth in it. 

"Yes, the old chap that cocks his head on one side when you come in, and examines you over from head to foot, just like he meant to say, 'Ifyou're not good looking you're not wanted here!' Oh! he's a gay oldvillain, I just tell you! And, Fred, mark my words, he's the scampwho's been taking Aunty's opals. "

"Why, I do remember reading, more than a few times, that crows andravens have been known to fly away with bright spoons, and all sorts ofthings that seem to catch their fancy; but I never heard of a birdstealing from its mistress, and opals at that. "

"Well, that's what this one is doing, you mark me, " Bristles said, positively. "Why, just see what a great chance the old boy has. Hefinds the door open into the parlor once in a while, and just hops in, takes up one of the shiny stones, and carries it away to some placewhere he keeps his treasures. I just bet you now he's been carryin' onthat way a long time, and Aunty never noticed that things weredisappearing till I began to come over to see her. "

"You think so, do you, Bristles?" remarked Fred, still pondering overthe matter, and wondering in his mind whether it could really be anexplanation for the peculiar little mystery that had given his chum somuch heart-pain. 

"Why, it's a dead open-and-shut cinch that the answer to the conundrumlies in that silly old black bunch of feathers, " declared the other, conviction in his voice. "I looked up all about ravens in our big'cyclopædia as soon as I got downstairs this morning; and the more Iread, the stronger my mind got that Black Joe _must_ be the guiltyone. "

"Will you go and tell your aunt, and ask her to make a search for hishiding-place?" Fred inquired. 

"Well--er--no; not just that, " answered the other, slowly, and watchingFred out of the tail of his eye; "fact is, I'm afraid she'd laugh atme, and say it was only another excuse for me to get inside her house. Now, if _you_ could drop in to see Aunt Alicia on some excuse or other, Fred, perhaps you might get a chance to look around, and find out whereBlack Joe keeps his little crop of treasures hid. "

Fred burst out into a laugh. 

"Oh! I see, you want me to be the one to take chances; is that it, Bristles?" he demanded. 

"Well, I didn't think you'd mind doing a little more for a poor fellow, as you've been such a help already to me, Fred; and then, she won'taccuse you of wanting to do anything wrong like she might me. Fact is, "he went on eagerly, so as to better carry his point, "she once said shekind of liked your looks, after you'd been in there with me. I surebelieve you made a hit with Aunt Alicia; because, as a rule, shedoesn't care much for boys, you know. "

"Hold on, Bristles, " said Fred, laughingly; "that won't wash a bit. You're giving me some taffy now, just to make me agree to visit youraunt. But, honest, I don't care to take the chances. My reputation ispretty good up to now; but it might go to flinders if anyone said I wastaking things that did not belong to me. "

"But, good gracious! Fred, she wouldn't have any reason to accuse you!"Bristles burst out, very much disappointed because his pet schemepromised to meet with a hitch so early in its development. 

"You forget one thing?" said Fred, soberly. 

"Perhaps I have, because, you see, I'm all excited; and it isn't apt toleave a fellow in decent trim for thinking. But what was it I forgot, Fred; tell me that?"

"Why, perhaps one or two of the balance of those opals might take anotion to disappear about the same time I dropped in to see your aunt, without any invitation to do it. And in that case she'd just naturallythink you'd put me up to keeping the queer business going. I'd hate tohave her think that of me, and much worse send word to my father andmother that I was a thief!"

"I should say so, " declared Bristles, gloomily. "Bad enough to have hersay that I was; and that's all in the family, you see. I never oncethought of that, believe me, Fred. Wouldn't have asked you to take suchchances, if I had. 'Course it wouldn't be fair, and I'm a selfishfeller for hinting at it. "

"I don't think so, Bristles, " Fred went on, consolingly. "It lookedgood to you, because you never thought of the chances of another raidbeing made on your aunt's opals. But perhaps you might have your mothergo over and see Miss Alicia. She could mention what you thought, andeven if the old lady did pretend to scoff at the idea, it would put aflea in her ear, so perhaps she'd keep an eye on Black Joe. "

"I'll think about it, Fred. I don't fancy dragging my mother into thegame if it can be helped. I'd like to lift the lid myself, and thenhave the laugh on Aunt Alicia. Some day, perhaps, she'll be sorry shethought so mean of me, and wouldn't listen to my defense. You wait andsee. I'm going to get at the bottom of this thing if it takes me allsummer. "

"Well, General Grant got there in the end, and let's hope you'll be aslucky, old fellow, " said Fred, cheerfully. "Anyhow, that was a brightthought about Black Joe; and it would be a jolly story to tell if itdid turn out that way. "

"Why, right now you more'n half believe it yourself, Fred!" criedBristles. 

"It's worth thinking about, " was the noncommittal answer Fred made. 

"Oh! by the way, " his visitor suddenly exclaimed, "while I was on myway over here I met Corney, who said he'd heard the Mechanicsburgfellows got their boat last night. "

"Good for that, " remarked Fred, with satisfaction. "Now both crews canget busy, and whip themselves in shape for that big race later on. Iexpect we'll do much better next time. Colon wasn't himself at all, after being nearly drowned only the day before. But he'll come aroundall right; and when he's in trim there isn't a huskier fellow in theRiverport school. "

"We practice again this afternoon, don't we?" asked Bristles. 

"That was the programme last night, Brad told us, " replied Fred. 

"Well, I only hope I get relief from this cloud that's hangin' over myhead all the time, " Bristles went on, sighing again. "It's just likethe toothache, Fred; you suffer, and know it means goin' to thedentist's chair; but how you hate to go and get her yanked out! Butonce you make up your mind, and the job's done, how glad you feel youwent; eh? Well, some bright day, I'm hoping, I'll feel just as happy asif I'd had a tooth drawn, " and Fred was compelled to smile at thehomely way his chum illustrated the condition of his feelings, thoughhe understood just how Bristles felt. 

CHAPTER XIII

A CALL FOR HELP

"I hope you take a notion to get your mother to go around there sometime to-day, " Fred went on to say, as his visitor got up to leave. 

"Perhaps I might, " Bristles admitted; though he shook his head as ifthe idea did not wholly appeal to him. 

"She could smooth things over a whole lot, you see, " Fred continued;"and then, if by some luck, another of the little gems has disappearedsince your aunt sent that note over, your mother would be able to showAunty how unjust she had been when she hinted that you'd taken theothers. "

"Yes, it looks that way, Fred; and I'm obliged to you for giving me thehint, " said Bristles. "But I want to think this over again. I'm goingback home and stay there the whole morning, doing some high and loftywork with my head. What's the use of having brains if you can't make'em work for you. So-long, Fred. You're sure the handy boy when itcomes to making a feller see things in a new light. But I still believeit's old Black Joe, the little villain!"

After he had gone, the matter was often in Fred's mind, and he reallybegan to grow quite excited while thinking about it. 

"It may be stretching things a whole lot to believe a bird could be sosmart as to take those stones, " he said to himself, seriously; "butanyhow, the opportunity was there before Black Joe, if he wanted to tryit. I remember that when the old lady showed me those opals, and toldme how they were taken from a mine in Mexico where she had sunk a heapof money, she put them back on the cabinet shelf, and they were justlying in a little bowl with some other curiosities she had. Yes, BlackJoe could fly up there, and pick out what he wanted, sure enough. "

Somehow the thought was still strong in Fred's mind when, later in themorning, he started out to go over to see what Sid Wells might bedoing. And it even took him out of his way, so that instead of makinghis usual short cut across lots to his chum's house, he passed alongthe street where Miss Muster (the boys called her Miss Mustard onaccount of her peppery temper) lived. 

He even turned his head while passing, and looked in toward the ratherexpensive building (for a small place like Riverport) where the oldmaid lived alone with her colored "mammy" and her several pets. 

He could see the big bulldog that was chained to his kennel, placedunder the windows of the room the maiden lady slept in. Yes, Beauty wasasleep on the top of his box then, curled up as if not "caring whetherschool kept or not. "

"Boy! boy, come over here! I want you!"

Fred at first thought that it was the talking bird calling to him inthis way, for he had heard Black Joe rattle along just like an educatedpoll parrot. Then he recognized the shrill tones of Miss Muster; and atthe same moment caught sight of the maiden lady. 

She was standing on her broad porch, and beckoning to him. 

Being close to the gate, he pressed the latch, and passed through intothe yard, where there were a great many flowers. Possibly Fred felt aqueer little thrill as he walked toward the porch, where Miss Musterawaited him. He remembered the proposal Bristles had made, and which hehad seen fit to turn down. 

The old lady was peering at him through her glasses. 

"Oh! you are the boy who was in here with my--er--nephew that time?"she remarked; and at first Fred thought she was about to say she had nouse for anyone who would keep company with Bristles, but she did not, much to his relief. 

"Yes, ma'am, I remember being in here with Bris--er--Andy Carpenter, once, " Fred remarked. "And you were kind enough to show me a lot ofmighty interesting things, too, Miss Muster. What can I do for you thismorning, ma'am?"

The sharp face softened a little, and the faintest shadow of a smilecrept over the old maid's features. 

"Let me see, what's your name?" she asked. 

"Fred Fenton, ma'am. We have not been in Riverport much more than ayear. I think my mother said she met you a while ago, down in thegrocery, and had a nice talk with you. "

"I remember, and a fine little lady Mrs. Fenton is, to be sure. If sheis your mother, boy, you've good cause to be satisfied. And I wouldn'tsay that about many women, either. But I was just wanting a littleassistance, and called to the first person who happened to be passingalong the street. My old servant is laid up to-day with an attack oflumbago; and the gardener is off on an errand that will take him twohours. Could you give me a few minutes of your time, Fred?"

"Why, yes, ma'am, sure I can. I was only going over to look up a chum, and talk about the chances we have in a boat race that is going to comeoff soon. What do you want me to do, Miss Muster?"

She looked at him again, with that suspicious gleam in her eyes. Somehow, Fred could not help feeling a little indignant. Because shechose to think the worst of her poor innocent nephew was no reason whyMiss Muster should believe ill of every fellow. 

He was almost tempted to say what he thought, and free his mind. Perhaps, then, she might understand that even a boy has feelings, andcan suffer mentally, as well as bodily. 

But on second thought Fred wisely kept his peace. There might be abetter way to teach the old maid a needed lesson than by sharp talk, which would only serve to make her feel more bitter toward "upstartboys" in general. 

Evidently Miss Muster must have gained a favorable impression from hersurvey of the lad, whom she had called inside. 

"I guess after all there _is_ a difference in boys, " she muttered, muchto the secret amusement of Fred, who could easily imagine that she wascomparing him with poor Bristles, and evidently much to thedisadvantage of the latter. 

He waited for her to speak, and wondered whether she wanted him to dosomething in the garden that possibly old Jake had neglected to lookafter, before going upon his errand; or if he would get an invitationto enter that big house again. 

And as he involuntarily glanced toward the spot where the ugly-lookingbulldog, called Beauty by his mistress, was now stretching hisbroad-beamed body, after his recent nap, Fred resolved to draw the linethere. If she wanted him to approach the defender of the manse, hethought he would be showing the proper discretion if he politely butpositively declined. 

"Are your shoes clean, Fred?" she finally asked, looking down at hisfeet while putting the question. 

"Why, yes, ma'am, they seem to be. There is no mud; and I'm in thehabit of keeping my shoes clean at home, " he replied, understandingfrom this remark that it must be the house, and not the garden, wherehis task awaited him. 

"Then come into the house with me, " she continued, as if thoroughlysatisfied with her scrutiny. 

Fred took off his cap and walked up the steps leading to the broadveranda. He would not have been a real boy had he not speculated as towhat the lady wished with him. And it was in this frame of mind that hefollowed her into the wide hall of the house, which was to Bristles thehome of mystery and the seat of all his trouble. 

"Come right into this room, Fred, " said Miss Muster, leading the wayinto what he remembered to be her living room, where she sat most ofthe time she was home, reading, writing letters, and paying attentionto her business matters; for she had considerable money invested, andinsisted on looking after the details herself, rather than trust alawyer with them. 

The first thing Fred saw upon entering was the pet cat, a big Persian, with long hair, and a handsome face. Then a restless movement fromabove called his attention to the raven, perched upon a curtainfixture, or pole, close to the ceiling, and, looking down wisely atthem as they entered. 

Fred immediately wondered whether he could be looking at the sly thief, who had been secretly making way with the old maid's treasures, as henoted the cunning aspect of Black Joe. 

Miss Muster shook her finger angrily at the bird. 

"Now we'll see whether you can defy me so impudently, you sly baggage!"she remarked, in rather a tart tone; and it burst upon Fred that, singularly enough, his unexpected visit to the mansion of the rich oldmaid was evidently in connection with something that had to, do withBlack Joe. 

Why, it really looked as though the luck that had come to the Fentonsonly the day before might still be following him, even in his desire todo his chum a good turn. 

Perhaps the golden opportunity to find out something about Black Joe'stricks might be close at hand. How little he had dreamed of this whenleaving his home only a few minutes before. 

"Once in a great while, " the lady went on to explain, "Joe gets astubborn fit, and refuses to mind when I tell him to come to me. Italways exasperates me; and twice before I've sent for the gardener tocome and get the step-ladder, so that he can chase the rascal frompillar to post until finally he would fall into my grasp. I punish himby chaining him fast to that perch for a week; and as a rule he seemsto amend his ways for a long time. But the last occasion failed mostmiserably, I must confess. Do you think you are strong enough to carrythe step-ladder up from the basement, Fred?"

Fred had some difficulty in keeping his face free from a smile. Theidea of her doubting his muscular ability, after all the athleticexercises he practiced; but then of course Miss Muster would not knowthat; so he only replied that he believed he would have no difficultyin doing all she required. 

CHAPTER XIV

THE MISSING OPALS AGAIN

Following out the injunctions of Miss Muster, Fred easily found wherethe step-ladder was kept in the basement. Nor did he have the slightestdifficulty in carrying it up the stairs after he had discovered it. 

He noticed that the lady was very particular to keep the door of theliving room closed; and remembered that it had been in that conditionat the time of their first arrival. 

"The artful rogue, " Miss Muster explained; "would be only too glad tofly out, and scour the entire house, laughing at me, and mocking me asthough possessed of the spirit of evil our great poet Edgar Allan Poegave to the raven. But now that you have succeeded in getting theladder, we shall soon corner him. "

Fred was highly amused at the comical way the old raven watched thepreparations being made, looking to his capture. He would cock his headon one side, as he looked down, and occasionally utter some droll wordthat seemed to fit the occasion exactly. 

Having had considerable experience in chasing the mutinous bird allover the big room, Miss Muster seemed to know just how to manage thingsin order to get results with as little waste of time as possible. 

"Fred, you take the ladder, and place it under this picture, " she wenton to say; "he always comes back there after each little flight. Then, with the broom I will shoo him off that curtain pole. He does get soexcited, and goes on at such a terrible rate. Why, I sometimes seem tosuspect that some of those strange words he uses may be what thatPortuguese sailor, from whom I purchased him while over in England, taught him. "

And indeed, once she started the bird flying wildly about, Black Joedid shriek out all manner of phrases, some of which Fred couldunderstand, while others he was able to make nothing out of. 

Fred knew the part he was expected to take in capturing the rebelliousraven. He crouched there on the step-ladder, waiting for his chance. Trust a lively, wide-awake boy for being able to outwit any raven thatever lived. Black Joe may have believed himself smart, but he could notmatch wits with an up-to-date lad. 

Fluttering his feathers indignantly, and still giving vent to a volumeof angry cries, the raven presently, just as his mistress had saidwould be the case, settled on the top of the big picture frame. 

Instantly a hand shot upward, and there was a squawk that seemed to bechoked off, as Fred's fingers closed around the body and neck of wilyBlack Joe. 

"Oh! please don't hurt him any, Fred!" cried the lady, dropping thebroom, and hurrying over to take the bird from Fred's hands. 

Indeed, the boy was not sorry to get rid of the savage creature, whichwas trying its best to give him vicious pecks, and struggling withwings and claws to break away. 

Once in the possession of Miss Muster, however, it seemed to becomevery meek. She stroked it, murmuring endearing words, and proceeded tofasten a nickeled chain about one of it's legs, so that it could notfly away from the perch over in the corner by one of the windows, thatwere covered with wire mosquito netting. 

"That was very cleverly done, Fred, " remarked Miss Muster, in a tonethat rather caused the boy to alter the opinion he had formedconcerning her. "Poor old Jake is so clumsy he makes half a dozenattempts before he is able to catch the speedy bird. Once he upset thestep-ladder, and sprawled all over the floor. And upon my word, I havealways believed that sad wretch there laughed at him. It sounded likeit, at any rate. "

She was beginning to thaw out, and Fred found himself wondering if, after all, under the surface, Miss Muster might not have more feelingthan she chose to let people believe. 

He actually began to like her. And more than ever did he hope thatsomething might come along to enable him to bring about a betterunderstanding between the rich old maid and her once favorite nephew, now under an unmerited cloud. 

"Sit down a few minutes, Fred, " she continued. "And get your breathback after all the exertion of lugging that heavy ladder up here. ThenI'd like you to take it back to where you found it. And I think I'vegot a book you'd like to own. I did mean to give it to Andrew on hisbirthday next week, but I have changed my mind. "

Fred did not exactly like the way she pursed up her thin lips when shesaid this. She was doing Bristles an injustice, he felt sure. Of coursehe could not decline to take the book she meant to present him with, aspay for his services; but in his mind, as he was carrying back theladder, Fred was determined that he would consider that it belonged toBristles, and not himself. 

Once more he entered the living room, where he found Miss Musterwaiting for him, seated in her easy chair. The raven sat on his perch, with all his feathers ruffled up, as though he knew he was in disgracewith his indulgent mistress. 

"Here is the book I want you to accept from me, Fred, and I hope youwill enjoy reading it, " and as she said this she held out a volume, which he saw was just such as a boy who loved athletic games would mostenjoy. 

"Thank you, ma'am, " he hastened to say, seeing his opening. "I know Iwill like it; but I feel bad because you meant it for Bristles--I meanyour nephew, Andrew. "

She frowned at once. 

"Please forget all about him just now, Fred, " she said, decisively. "It's hard work for me to keep him out of my mind; but I never couldbear deception; and, as for a sly little rascal, who looks you in theface, and denies everything, when you know he is _positively_ guilty, bah! I wash my hands of him forever. I could never believe him again, never!"

"But Miss Muster, he is innocent, " said Fred; at which she startedviolently, and looked keenly at him. 

"Then he has fooled you as well as me, " she snapped. "I warrant you heis chuckling in his sleeve right now because he managed to deceive meso handily. Much he cares about my feelings, when I was beginning tohave a foolish old woman's dreams about Andrew inheriting all my money, and making the name of Carpenter famous one of these days. Oh! it didhurt me cruelly, boy. "

"But you are mistaken, ma'am, when you think he doesn't care, " Fredwent on hastily. "Why, he can't sleep nights, thinking about it. "

"Well, that doesn't prove anything, " Miss Muster remarkedsarcastically. "A guilty soul often writhes when being punished; and Isuppose my last note to my niece, his mother, brought him into a peckof trouble. I suppose now he does lie awake nights, thinking. Perhapshe wonders what he can do with my lovely opals, now he's got them. Orhe may be scheming how to lay hands on the balance. "

"He was in to see me this morning, ma'am, " Fred observed. 

"Oh! is that so? And do you think, Fred, that nice little mother ofyours would like it, if she knew you were keeping company with a boywho was suspected of abusing the confidence of, his fond aunt, andhelping himself to her possessions. "

"I think, " said Fred, stoutly, "that if she heard all Andy had to say, and saw how he suffered, she'd believe just as I do, that he isinnocent, and never touched your opals, Miss Muster. "

"Well, somebody did;" the old lady snapped; though evidently more orless affected by the staunch way Fred stood up for his chum; "does hehave any idea who could have done it? Perhaps he thinks my old blackMammy did; or poor, but honest, Jake Stall. He was always a fancifulboy, and it might be he suspects I walk in my sleep, and go aroundsecreting my own property?"

"No, ma'am he has never hinted at any such thing; but he says, whilelying awake at three o'clock this morning, thinking and thinking how hecould prove his innocence, he suddenly seemed to guess who it might betaking your pretty stones. "

Fred turned and pointed toward the blinking raven as he spoke. 

"Well, now, " remarked Miss Muster, looking surprised, and then smilingdisdainfully; "if that isn't just like Andrew for all that's out, toaccuse my poor pet of doing so mean a thing. It is true, I know theywill steal, and secrete such things as they particularly fancy; but Iwatch Joe closely. Besides, there is another good reason why hecouldn't have taken those opals. "

"Yes, ma'am, " said Fred, when she paused as if for breath. 

"He has been chained to that perch for more than a week past, and Ionly set him free this very morning. So you see how Andrew's brillianttheory falls to the ground. He must think up something else, if hehopes to prove his own innocence. I wish he could, indeed I do. Myheart feels very heavy these days, for I was beginning to have somefaith in boys. But say no more. If you are going, Fred, please comeinto the other room with me. I want to show you a splendid specimen ofa saw, taken from a sawfish down in the West Indies, and sent to me. Itis more than three feet long. You will be interested, because nearlyall boys like everything pertaining to fishing. "

So Fred followed her across the wide hall. She opened the door of theparlor, in which he remembered he had been on that former visit, at thetime she showed him the little bowl containing the opals, and othervaluable curios. 

After opening the door Miss Muster passed in, Fred followed, butremained a respectful distance behind her, a fact for which heafterwards had reason to be thankful. 

Some sudden notion seemed to take possession of the old lady forquickly crossing over she took down the little Japanese bowl, as if tocount the opals remaining. Fred heard her give a startled cry. Then shehastily looked again, after which she set the bowl down on a table witha hand that trembled violently, and turning angrily upon Fred, shecried in her sharpest tones:

"He sent you here to follow up his miserable trick! All boys arethieves, and in spite of the lovely little mother you have, FredFenton, you are as bad as the rest of them!"

Fred could hardly believe his ears when thus accused. He stood therefor several seconds, no doubt turning red and white by turns, as hetried to restrain the indignation that swept over him like a greatwave. 

CHAPTER XV

FRED'S BRAVE STAND

"Excuse me, ma'am, but surely you do not believe that, " Fred managed tosay in another minute; and his voice may have trembled a little withemotion; though his manner was as frank and fearless as ever, as helooked straight into the snappy black eyes of the angry old lady. 

"Three more of the gems are gone, and they were here this morning, because I took them out in my hand, and counted them, " she declared, furiously; yet beginning to feel uncomfortable under his steady look. 

"But why should you even think that I took them, Miss Muster?" hedemanded. 

"Because--you are the only person besides myself who has been in thisroom the entire day. Mammy has been sick in bed since nine o'clock; andJake Stall did not put a foot inside the house to my personalknowledge, " but although she said this as if to signify that her mindwas made up, Fred could detect a little hesitation. 

She already began to realize the absurdity of the accusation. 

"Stop and think, ma'am, and I'm sure your own sense will tell you thatyou are wronging me when you say that, " the boy argued, with the samepositive air of conviction that had made his father declare he wouldmake a good lawyer, if ever he felt inclined to study for the bar. 

"In what way, boy?" Miss Muster faltered. 

"Because in the first place you called me into your house of your ownaccord, when I was passing. I wouldn't have come, only that you saidyou were in some sort of trouble, and needed help. Then, think again, Miss Muster--you opened this door which had been shut all the time; youhurried into this room, and over to that stand. You know, ma'am, I wasnever within six feet of that little bowl. Right now I am half waybetween the table and the door. My arms would have to be pretty long toreach over there, wouldn't they now, Miss Muster?"

She saw his point. And indeed, even before he clinched the fact in thisingenious way the old lady was ready to admit that she had beenunwisely hasty in making that passionate accusation. 

"I beg your pardon, Fred, " she hastened to say, holding out her hand, which he did not hesitate to take. "I was entirely wrong, and actedfrom a foolish impulse when I found that, in spite of all myprecautions, more of my opals had mysteriously disappeared. You couldnot have taken them had you wanted to; and I do not believe you wouldtouch them if you had a dozen chances. "

That was saying a good deal for Miss Muster; and Fred, who knewconsiderable about her sharp tongue, felt that he could hardly havebeen paid a higher compliment. 

"Thank you, ma'am, " he said, smiling in a satisfied way. "If youplease, then, we'll consider the thing closed. But that doesn't explainwhere the opals have gone to; does it?"

"Indeed, it does not, " she replied. "I have been deeply stirred by thismystery; but Fred, believe me, it was not the value of the jewels onequarter so much as the shock given to my faith in human nature. Ibelieved that the boy had been tempted beyond his power of resistance. Perhaps he wanted a certain sum of money for some purpose, andconceived the wicked idea that he could sell the stones, and get itthat way. Oh! I would have gladly given him five, yes ten times theirvalue, if only he had not given way to temptation. "

"But Miss Muster, " said Fred, quick to take advantage of his splendidopportunity; "you were just as sure, right now, that I was the thief;and yet how easy it was for me to prove my innocence. Wouldn't you beglad if I could do the same for my chum, Brist--I mean Andy?"

"Indeed, I would, Fred, " she replied, warmly. "Do that, and there willbe a whole shelf of boys' books come to your house, and an old woman'sblessing in the bargain. But I'm afraid you'll find it a harder taskthan clearing your own skirts. "

"But give me the chance, won't you, please, ma'am?" Fred insisted. 

"Do you want to speak now about it, Fred?" she asked, eagerly enough. 

"Why, yes, if you don't object, ma'am, " he replied. "You know there'san old saying that 'it's best to strike while the iron is hot'. "

"And you think that I'm pretty warm just now; is that it?" she asked, smiling a little in a way that made her thin face look almost friendlyto the boy's imagination. 

"Well, while we were on the subject I thought I'd like to call yourattention to just one thing, " Fred continued, persistently. "And afteryou've heard what I want to say, I think you'll agree with me thatBris--er, Andy, couldn't well have been guilty of taking these lastopals. Why, he surely hasn't been in your house this whole day, has he, Miss Muster?"

"N--no, not that I know of, for a fact, Fred, " she said, slowly. 

"You keep the doors locked, don't you, ma'am, so Bristles, or any oneelse for that matter, couldn't have come in this morning, _after_ youcounted those things?"

"Yes, the doors are always locked. I am very particular about that. When the grocer's boy or the one from the butcher, come for orders, they wait in the kitchen while Mammy comes to me here, and we talk overwhat we need. "

"Did that happen this morning, ma'am? Were both those boys inside hereto-day?" Fred asked. 

The old lady looked sharply at him when he said this. 

"Ah! now I see in what direction your suspicions lie, Fred, " sheremarked, her face lighting up. "And if you can prove to mysatisfaction that one of those boys took my opals, and they arereturned to me, I will say nothing, do nothing, to prosecute the guiltyone. Perhaps I was foolish to leave the door of opportunity open; thetemptation within their reach. In that case the fault was partly mine. "

"But I haven't accused anybody, ma'am; only I wondered whether one ofthose tradesmen's boys could have done it, " Fred went on. "I'm going tolook them up right away, and if I can recover the opals, and make thethief confess before you, then that will end the affair, will it?"

"So far as he is concerned, it will, " the old lady answered; "but Ishall never forgive myself for suspecting my niece's son of such athing. Fred, do you suppose he would come to see me if you took him amessage?"

"Who, Andrew?" exclaimed the delighted Fred. "Why, I'm as sure of itas that I draw breath. He'd almost fly here, he'd be that glad youbelieved him innocent. Do you want me to tell him, ma'am?"

"Wait, let it go for a little while. When I send you word, you may tellhim all that has occurred here to-day, and how a silly old woman hadher eyes opened to the truth by a clever boy. Meanwhile, please do notsay a word to any one, will you, Fred?"

He was a little disappointed, because it would have given him so muchpleasure to carry the joyful news to Bristles; but then, a little moredelay could not hurt. And besides, it would give him a chance to lookaround, find out just what the habits of both the grocer's and thebutcher's boy were, and possibly make the guilty one confess, onpromise of immunity from punishment. 

"I'll promise to do just whatever you say, ma'am, though I hope for thesake of poor Bristles you won't keep me waiting long, " he answered. 

"Fred, shake hands with me again, " said the old maid, surveying himwith kindling eyes. "I take back a lot of the mean things I've beenthinking about boys these few days. There _is_ something worth while insome of them. My better nature told me so right along. They're not allbad. I reckon now, you'd sooner do most anything than to break the fondheart of that fine little mother of yours; wouldn't you, Fred?"

"Oh! I haven't always been above suspicion, ma'am, " Fred hastened tosay, in confusion. "I'm no better than the average fellow, and I'mafraid I haven't always been just the boy I ought to be, either. Isuppose I've made her feel bad a lot of times. But as to doing anythingreal wicked like stealing things--the worst I ever did was to get insome neighbor's orchard at night, when we had plenty of good apples athome. "

Miss Muster laughed at that frank admission, as though she thought itquite an original plea for the boy in general. 

"Oh! I understand all boys have failings like that, " she said; "andsensible people wouldn't have them grow up like little saints. ButFred, I'm sure you'll never either as a boy, nor yet as a young man, doanything that would grieve your mother's heart. I'm ashamed of what Iwrote my niece, and when I can muster up enough courage I'm going rightover to her house, and explain. It makes me feel that it's worth whileliving, now that, through you, I've found that Andrew is innocent. "

The way she said that last word told Fred that she was near thebreaking-down point, and he thought he had better leave. He went awayfrom that place with a heart that was considerably lighter than when hefirst started to pass the fence behind which the property of MissMuster lay. He had had a wonderful experience, and from that time onmust feel differently toward the old maid, whom the boys of Riverportalways looked upon as hateful. She had shown him that, under thesurface, she was a lovable woman after all, and possessed of a woman'sheart, somewhat starved it is true, but still there. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE TRIAL SPIN

"Which way are we going this afternoon for a practice spin?" askedCorney Shays, as he came alongside Fred Fenton. 

There was a lively crowd around the long, low shed in which the newboat was temporarily quartered, while the new building, a start uponwhich had already been made, was being erected. 

Several score of persons had gathered to see the boys row, for it beganto look as if the whole community was going wild over the prospects ofanother school victory coming to Riverport. Baseball and football, itseemed, did not wholly satisfy the appetites of the now arousedRiverport athletes. They had beaten both of their rivals again thisseason on the diamond; and now, with Fall a long way off, this boatingfever had seized upon them in its full strength. 

Of course most of those present were boys and girls, enthusiasticbelievers in the fellows who carried the honor of good old Riverportschool in their hand. It goes without saying that every member of thecrew probably had at least one fair admirer present, who believed thatwithout _him_ the chances of victory must be mighty small indeed. 

"Oh!" replied Fred, turning to greet Corney, who was a bit late inarriving, but was now dressed ready for business; "down-river, ofcourse. "

"Why do you say 'of course, ' Fred?" persisted the other, who alwayswanted to understand everything he talked about, and who would go intodetails indefinitely until everything was plain. "There's a fine courseup-river. You remember we rushed it with Buck's crowd. And I understandthat it will like as not be made the official course when the greatboat race is pulled off. "

"That's true, Corney, " Fred continued; "but there are several reasonswhy Brad has picked out the other side of the town for all our trialspins. First of all, you know the big, broad channel the Mohunk has forthree miles between here and Paulding?"

"Sure I do; and a splendid place to make good speed, too, " the otheradmitted. 

"Then, again, if we kept going up the river we'd be apt to interferewith the practice of the Mechanicsburg fellows, who have no othercourse but that one between the two towns. "

"And they'd be more apt to get a line on what sort of time we weremaking; isn't that so, Fred?"

"Just what I was going to add, Corney. Now you know about all thereasons Brad has for going down the river to-day, and other days aswell. "

"And is it true that he's got a three mile course all marked off?"asked Corney. 

"Brad says he was down there with Colon on their wheels this morning, "Fred went on to say. "They carried a long tape line, and as the roadruns close to the bank of the river, they marked every eighth of amile. "

"How did they do it?" questioned the other. "You see I want to beposted, so I can get a pointer on our speed if I happen to look alongthe bank while we're making a spurt. "

"That's the time you'd better keep your eyes glued on the coxswain, andthe stroke oar, and not bother trying to find out for yourself what thespeed is. Brad will look out for all that, Corney. "

"But if you know, you're going to tell me, I hope?" pursued thetireless one. 

"Oh!" Fred replied, with a laugh, "if you really want to know, Iunderstand that every eighth of a mile is marked with a single smallwhite rag; each quarter has a blue one; while the mile shows a plainred one. I hope some meddlesome fellow doesn't go to changing thesignals on Brad, and make him think he's doing a record stunt. But Ibelieve he's got some other secret sign of his own to depend on besidesthe flags. "

He managed to break away just then; and as Corney saw that it was avery pretty girl who had beckoned Fred over, he made no attempt toquestion him further. In fact, Fred would have firmly declined to stay, because it was Flo Temple who had signalled. 

Flo was the prettiest girl in all Riverport. She and Fred had long beenthe best of friends. It was he who always took her to singing school inwinter, and to the school dances, sometimes given in country barns, where a long sleigh ride was necessary to reach the scene. 

Once Buck Lemlngton had aspired to keep company, girl and boy fashion, with Flo. She and Buck used to squabble frequently, and then cometogether again for a short time. But with the arrival of Fred Fenton intown all this had been changed. Which was another reason for the enmityof Buck toward Fred. 

Like some of the other girls Flo waved a little flag which was made ofpurple and gold silk, the adopted school colors for Riverport. This sheused to considerable advantage; and Fred thought that when it came upagainst her face the contrast with her rosy cheeks and sparkling hazeleyes made her look prettier than ever. 

"I suppose you will be getting away soon now, Fred?" she asked as hejoined her. 

"In five minutes we will launch the boat, and be off, " he replied; "yousee, all the subs are on hand, and ready to jump in if any one of theregulars fails to show up, or is taken sick. They'll wait around anhour or two while we're down-river. When we get back Brad's promised totake them off for a spin, and some exercise. "

"Yes, " she remarked, with a merry laugh, "I've been listening to someof them talking here. They do hope so much, poor fellows, that a chancewill come along to put them on the regular crew. Why, I fairly believethey'd be happy if some of the rest of you had to leave town onvacations. But Fred, take care!"

She raised her forefinger as if in warning, and looked about her inquite a mysterious way when saying these last words in a low tone. 

"What about, Flo?" he asked, not at all worried. 

"I understand that the other crew went down the river an hour or twoago, " she continued; and he could guess who was meant without asking. 

"Well, " he answered, "there's plenty of room for half a dozen crews topractice without interfering with each other. You remember the rivergets very wide between here and Paulding. In fact lots of people alwaysrefer to it as 'the lake. '"

"But it would have to be an ocean that would be wide enough to keepBuck Lemington from carrying out any of his pet schemes, Fred. Andsomehow he seems to have picked on you as his especial enemy. It seemsso strange, when I know you've never gone out of your way to do him theleast harm. "

The demure lassie looked at Fred out of the corners of her merry eyeswhen she said this, and it was hard for him to refrain from declaringthat she ought to know that Buck's hatred for him began when shestarted to bestow her favors on the new boy in Riverport. However, Fredheld himself in, and only remarked:

"It has happened that lots of times Buck and myself have been upagainst each other in what should have been friendly rivalry. Becausefortune was generally kind to me, and allowed me to carry offundeserved honors, he has made up his mind that I'm always trying to dohim out of everything he wants to win. And he never loses a chance tolet me know what he thinks of me. "

"You haven't been the one to suffer _very_ much, up to now, Fred, ifhalf that I hear is true, " Flo went on to say, with a pride in hervoice that somehow thrilled the boy, and made him very happy. 

"Oh! I've had lots of good luck, I must say. But there's Bradbeckoning, and I'll have to be going, Flo. Will you be here when we getback?"

"Perhaps, " she answered. "I've an invitation to go in Judge Colon's newauto, to watch the practice from the shore down below. If you happen tosee us waving, why please do your best to give us confidence. They saythose big Mechanicsburg boys are fearfully strong, and can pull aprofessional stroke. And they have a coach, too, you know, Fred. "

"We're going to have one too after to-day, for Corney's father used tobe on a big college crew, and has consented to train us. "

With this Fred had to hurry off, but he turned and waved his hand to_somebody_ in the crowd just as he took his place, a few minutes later, in the eight-oared shell; nor did any one seem to doubt for whom thegood-bye signal was intended; at any rate there was an unusual flutterto Flo Temple's purple and gold flag just about that time. 

The crew quickly fell into the swing, and the boat fairly flewdown-stream under their vigorous strokes. Brad, however, was keepingthem down. He did not want to let everybody know just what Riverportcould do. Doubtless more than a few of Mechanicsburg's admirers wouldbe ready to take every opportunity possible to time the rival crew, soas to get a pointer with regard to their capacity. That could not behelped; but Brad was determined to be as cautious as possible. 

Soon they were down to the broad stretch, where the little flutteringrags of various hues close to the edge of the water told the parts ofthe mile. 

Here the coxswain thought it good policy to increase the stroke, andthey were soon hitting up a lively pace. How splendidly the delicateboat flew over the water, just for all the world as a swallow skimsalong the surface of a pond! The boys were enthusiastic over theirwork, and Brad did not hesitate to give them the praise they deserved. 

"We'll turn here, and pull up-stream, " he said, as they rested for afew minutes. "That will come harder, and try you more. But it's all apart of the game. Once more, now, my hearties, with a will!"

They covered the distance up to what Brad had marked as the turningpoint, in better time than he had believed possible. A buoy had beenfloated to serve as the upper end of the course. Rounding this theyshot down the river with tremendous velocity, as though striving forvictory on the home stretch. 

For some reason Brad took them down further than before, so that theyeven drew near the sharp bend before he gave the signal to stop rowing. The boat continued to glide along with the current, though graduallyeasing up. 

And it was just at that moment, when the young oarsmen of Riverportwere breathing hard after their recent exertions, that they heard asudden crash as of splintering wood, immediately accompanied by aconglomeration of shouts, all in the plain, unmistakable voices ofboys. 

Startled, they stared at each other, as if not knowing what to make ofit; and thrilled by the knowledge that danger must be threatening somefellows around the bend just below. 

CHAPTER XVII

SNAGGED AND WRECKED

"What in the world's that?" exclaimed Dave Hanshaw. 

"Sounds like some fellows might be in a pickle. Listen to 'em howl;would you?" cried Corney Shays. 

"Isn't one of the lot whooping it up for help?" asked Fred. 

"You're right, Fred; and we've got to get a move on, and turn that bendyonder, when we can see what's what. Ready, boys!" called out Brad, atwhich every young oarsman dropped back into his place; for they hadbeen turning half around at the time, desirous of seeing what it allmeant. 

"Must be that Buck Lemington bunch!" sang out Sid, who perhaps hadrecognized one of the loud voices; for he and the bully of Riverporthad been in conflict so often in the last twelve years, that it wouldbe very strange if the excited tones of the other might not be knownwhen heard. 

"Then it's good-bye to that old college shell, " declared Corney. 

"You're right, " asserted Dick Hendricks; "because that smash must haveended its days of usefulness forever. "

As the signal to drop oars and pull was given, the boat once more tookon new life, and rushed down upon the nearby bend. When they shotaround this, of course the coxswain was the only one who immediatelysaw the exciting scene presented. And it certainly spoke well for thediscipline under which that novice crew labored that not a single oneof them tried to twist his head around, in order to gain advanceinformation. 

They left details to Brad, knowing that they would quickly be upon thescene, and able to see for themselves, without a breach of discipline. 

What Brad saw was just what he anticipated, but all the same it musthave given the boy a thrill. Sure enough, the delicate boat which hadonce won a big college race, and had been kept for some years by thegentleman over in Grafton, simply because his dead son had rowed on thewinning crew, was piled up on some sort of a hidden snag, or concealedrock, at a point where the swirling water must have warned any cautiouscoxswain to keep away. 

Several boys were clinging to the wreck. Others were swimming aroundlike rats deserting a sinking ship, two being already on the way to thenearest shore. And about every fellow was letting his lungs give fullvent to his feelings; so that the racket was tremendous. 

"Help! help! I can't keep up much longer! This way, fellers! Get holdof me!" one of those in the river shouted; spluttering over the words, as though he might already have swallowed a considerable quantity ofwater. 

"Aw! let up on that squawk, Clem Shooks; can't you?" shouted Buckangrily, as he swam toward the fellow who declared that he wasexhausted, and sinking. "Want any of that bunch to give you a hand? I'dsee myself asking favors of Brad Morton or his crowd. We'll get youashore, all right, never fear. Hi! there, Whitey, this way, and youtoo, Oscar. Give this ninny a helpin' hand and tow him to dry land. "

Apparently Buck was in a towering rage. He had been steering the boatwhen it struck the snag, and hence must be held responsible for theaccident that would deprive the outlaw crew of a racing craft for theremainder of the season. 

There was not one of Brad's chums, however, but who felt sure thatsooner or later the bully would try to put the blame on one of hiscompanions. That seemed to be the natural way with him; a scapegoat wasas necessary to Buck's manner of doing things as it was for him to takeall the credit when success came along. 

Some of those who clung to the wreck were, however, not averse toaccepting assistance from the regulars of the Boat Club. Brad directedthem how to hang on, and in this way towed them close to the shore. 

When the water shoaled enough to admit of their standing up, with itonly waist high he stopped the boat. 

"That'll do for you, fellows, " Brad said, pleasantly; "and we'll goback now for the other pair. "

"Aw! you needn't bother yourselves about them, " broke out Buck, who hadmanaged, with the assistance of Whitey and Oscar, to get the weak-kneedClem Shooks in the shallow water; "they're on the way right now. "

It turned out to be as Buck said. The last pair, realizing that theywould be apt to incur the anger of their leader if they waited toaccept favors from those Buck hated so bitterly, had indeed abandonedthe wreck, and were even then swimming toward the shore. 

None of Brad's crew laughed, though the aspect of the wrecked ones wasmost forlorn, and doubtless they wanted to make merry. 

"We're sorry for your accident, Buck, " Brad ventured to say, in aspleasant a tone as he could ever use when addressing the boy hedetested so much deep down in his heart. 

"Nobody wants you to be sorry!" grated the other, in an ugly humor. 

"We've been talking about that race your bunch gave us yesterday, andhonestly we hoped it would be repeated, " Brad went on to remark; for hefancied he could understand how such a disaster must upset any fellow;and he tried to make excuses for the surly temper Buck was displaying. 

"Oh! let up on that sort of talk; won't you?" growled the other. "Is'pose you'd just want to use us as a practice crew; hey? Well, it'soff, anyhow; and all owin' to Clem Shooks here taking a crab, just whenI was starting to steer clear of that nasty snag!"

"Why, I nev----" the astonished Clem started to exclaim, though he hadswallowed so much water that it was difficult for him to get his breathas yet; when the irate bully turned on him like a flash, and shook hisbig fist threateningly. 

"Don't you go to denyin' it, now, Clem Shooks!" he roared, furiously. "I ought to know, hadn't I, when I saw the whole thing? And didn't youget throwed further than any of the rest? That was because you didn'thave any oar left to hold on to. You ought to be made to pay for theboat, that's what. No back talk now, or else I'll show you who's bosshere. Button up your lips, d'you hear, Clem Shooks?"

And poor Clem, who was doubtless as innocent as he claimed, dared notspeak further. By degrees the blame would be settled on his shoulders, without his venturing to protest in the hearing of the bully. 

Fred and his chums exchanged significant looks. It was as much assaying: "Didn't I tell you Buck would fix it all right?" They knew theways of the bully to perfection. And if Buck noticed the nods and slygrins, he thought it good policy to pay no attention to them just then. 

"Well, since we're not wanted here any longer, let's be going, boys, "remarked Sid, as usual thoroughly disgusted with the actions of thebully. 

"Good-bye then!" sneered Buck, and Bristles noticed with a suddenthrill that he looked at the trim boat belonging to the regulars with amalicious gleam in those black eyes of his. 

They once more backed into the deeper water, and were soon alongsidethe wreck. 

"Shall we tow it ashore for them, boys?" Asked Dick. 

"What say?" Brad remarked. 

"Better leave it alone, if you know what's good for you, " Sid spoke up. "Once you touch it, and there's no telling what Buck will try to tellpeople. Perhaps he'd even say we ran into him, and did the damage. ButI reckon some people ashore saw it all; for there's Judge Colon's auto, standing up yonder; and they've got their field-glass leveled this way. It's Flo Temple, too, who's doing the looking. "

"Better leave it alone then, fellows, " Brad went on to say, beingconvinced by the logic of Sid that it was dangerous business meddlingwith anything belonging to Buck Lemington, even in a spirit of sportingfairness. "It's so smashed anyway, that it'll never again be worthfixing up. Too bad, too, for it was a boat with a history. "

"How d'you reckon it happened?" asked Colon; "for of course Clem Shocksnever caught that crab, or some of the other fellows would have jumpedon him? Didn't you all see how silly they looked when Buck was accusingClem? They knew, as well as he did, that it wasn't so, but not a singlefellow had the grit to declare the truth. "

"Oh!" Brad went on to remark, "Buck may have heard us coming around thebend, and forgot for a few seconds to keep as bright a lookout forsnags as he ought. So they ran on this one at full speed. Say, wasn'tthat a fierce crash, though?"

Once more rounding the bend that shut out all sight of the wreck, andthe forlorn members of the outlaw crew, who would have a walk of fivemiles and more before they could get to town with their sad news, theregulars put in some time in diligent practice. 

"You're rounding out in fine shape, fellows, " Brad declaredenthusiastically, as they finally started up-river, bound for home. "To-morrow we're promised the valuable assistance of Mr. Shays, whoknows the ropes from beginning to end. He'll be apt to give us a heapof valuable information, and correct a lot of our blunders; for I knowwe can do better work than this, once we get on to the right swing. "

It was in this happy frame of mind that they came in to the littlefloat that had been made by using a number of empty water-tight oilbarrels; and from which the boat was to be launched, as well as takenfrom the water. 

Every one of them felt thankful it had not been their craft that hadmet with disaster on this sunny afternoon. 

Of course, when the startling news was told to the crowd that lingeredaround the boat shed, it created a big sensation. As Buck really had noadmirers present, few felt very sorry for him. He had long been theterror of the town, and every decent boy and girl went in his companyas little as possible. 

CHAPTER XVIII

LYING IN WAIT

Fred, after some time, saw that Bristles was lingering nearby while hechatted with Flo and some of the others. He fancied that the boy withthe mop of hair was trying to catch him alone, as though he wanted tosay something in private. 

That caused Fred to remember that he knew something which Bristleswould give considerable to hear; and it also pained him to think thathis promise to Miss Muster would prevent him from telling, until shegave the word. 

But then perhaps it might be something not so personal that Bristleswished to say to him. Fred had noticed the way the other looked, at thetime they were leaving Buck and his shipwrecked crew down the river. And perhaps he had made the same discovery that Bristles had. 

Flo Temple, about that time, declared she must be running home, andleft, accompanied by some of the other girls, her chum, Cissy Anderson, whom Sid liked; and Mame Wells, the little hoyden sister of Sid, whoseemed to be more than, half boy, because she dearly loved to playbaseball, ice hockey, go fishing, and even aspired to go hunting whenshe got older, and her father would buy her a gun. 

Thus Fred saw no reason why he should any longer hold aloof fromBristles, who immediately came bustling up to him, with a mysteriouswink, and drew him aside. 

"I made up my mind I ought to say something to a few of the fellows, Fred, " he began, by remarking; "and you're one of the select. Colon andCorney I've seen already, and they're of the same opinion as myself. "

"Well, what's all this row about, Bristles?" asked Fred, somewhatamused; and at the same time pleased because the other did not seemabout to put questions to him which he might find it difficult tododge, without arousing suspicion. 

"Why, about Buck, to be sure, " replied the other, confidentially. 

"But since his boat has gone to flinders, isn't he out of the gamealtogether?" demanded Fred. 

"That's just it, Buck being out of business is the kind of a fellow whocan't bear to see anybody else prospering. He won't have a boat for thewhole summer; and we have. All the fun's going to come our way. Thatmakes Buck grit his teeth, and feel ugly. Are you following me, Fred?"

"Sure I am, and it might be I understand what you're going to saybetter than you think I do, " answered the one addressed, with a smileon his face. 

"Looky here, did you see how Buck glared at our boat when we startedoff, and did you notice the cunning expression, almost like a grin, that came over his face? Tell me that, Fred Fenton. "

"Yes, I saw all that, " answered Fred. 

"And what did you think it stood for?" queried Bristles. 

"Oh! I just kind of thought Buck was wishing we'd run on a snag, thesame way he did, and lost our boat, too, replied Fred, promptly; atwhich Bristles chuckled. 

"I see you're on, all right, Fred, " he continued; "but as you don'tknow Buck quite as well as some of the rest of us, you're not on to hiscurves as much. Now, I'm willing to risk my reputation on it that whenBuck eyed our boat, and then let that half grin come on his black face, he was thinking how easy it would be to make sure that something_did_ happen to upset all our calculations. "

"Do you mean he'd put a snag in the course, so that Brad would run onit, never dreaming there was such a thing there?" asked the indignantFred. 

"Huh! worse than that, " pursued Bristles with vehemence; "Buck wouldn'tstop a minute to hack our boat to pieces, or even set fire to that oldshed, if he believed he could do it on the sly, and not be caught!"

Fred saw that his chum meant every word of what he said. The idea wasstartling. 

"That's a pleasant lookout then, we've got before us, Bristles, " heobserved. 

"All right, it's what I believe, just the same, " the other went on, firmly. "If we let things just slide along I give you my word some finenight we'll be aroused by the fire whistle, and get down here in timeto find the boathouse ablaze, and our new shell ruined for keeps. "

"If that seems to be the opinion of several of the boys, we ought to dosomething to prevent it, " Fred declared, positively. 

"That just brings me to the point, " ventured Bristles. "Are you in withour little bunch--Colon, Corney, perhaps Sid, and me?"

"I'm ready and willing to do anything I can to defend the boat, if thatis what you mean, " came the ready response. 

"Shake on it, then. Wait here till I send the other fellers around. Then we'll just have a little confab, and see what we can fix up. I'llsound Sid while we're coming along; though if you're in, he's sure tosay yes, because he always sticks by you like a plaster. "

A minute later Colon arrived, wearing a serious look; and then Corneyfollowed. The three had just got started talking when Bristles hove insight, bearing Sid along with him. 

"Here we are, now, the whole big five, " Bristles said, loftily, as hecame up. "Now, let's go all over this thing, and see if we agree. "

He again told what he had seemed to read upon the malignant face ofBuck at the time they left him standing knee-deep in the river. Afterwards he called on Fred to describe what he had seen, and theimpression it made on him at the time. 

"You see!" Bristles cried, triumphantly, in conclusion; "both of usthought about the same thing. Buck is up to some meanness. He would bejust delighted if we lost our boat, because he doesn't like to seeanybody having a good time when he can't be doing the same. And as itisn't likely we'll hit a snag, or set fire to the old shanty ourselves, why, he might think to save us the trouble. "

"Then there's only one thing to be done, " said Colon, with set lips. 

"We five must guard the boat each night!" declared Bristles. 

"Right along?" exclaimed Corney, with something like dismay in hisvoice; "sure I'm willing to do all I can, but I must sleep once in awhile!"

At that the others laughed. 

"Don't be silly, Corney!" burst out Bristles. "Of course we'll take thejob by relays. We can draw for to-night, the two getting the shortstraws bunking out in the house. After it gets dark blankets can besmuggled down here. Don't say a single word to anybody, not even Bradjust now. Fred, you've got the key to the door; haven't you?"

"Yes, Brad asked me to keep it at our house for the present, " repliedFred. 

"Now, let's draw, and see who has the honor of keeping the firstwatch, " and as he spoke Bristles hunted around until he had found fivestraws, which he broke off until they were all different lengths. 

Each of the other four drew, after Bristles had concealed one end inthe palm of his hand. 

"Now measure and see. Oh! slush!" he continued, eagerly; "you left methe longest, after all, when I was hoping it'd be me. And it turns outto be Colon and Fred. Well, fellows, here's wishing you luck. To-morrownight I'm just bound to do the camping-out act, anyhow. "

When Fred got home he explained to his folks the necessity of some ofthe crew guarding the boat. His father quite agreed with him, andreadily gave permission that he spend the night out. 

So, a little later, Fred bundled up a blanket, and made his way downalong the river bank unseen. In due time he came to where the oldbuilding, squatty and dilapidated, stood under the bank. 

A dark figure arose in front of him. He heard the low whistle that heand Colon had agreed upon as a signal each might recognize in the dark. 

"Glad you came along, " Colon declared; "was just getting tired waiting;been here half an hour, 'cause I heard the church clock strike; but itseemed like five times as long. "

Fred opened the door carefully, and they entered the shed. A lanternhung on a hook nearby, ready for use. They would need its light so asto get things in readiness for passing the night. Besides, Colon had alittle idea of his own he wanted to put into practice; and which hadbeen suggested by the sight of a big empty hogshead that stood outsidethe door, on the shelving beach. 

"I'm going to lay a neat little trap, and see what luck I have, " hechuckled as Fred asked why he wanted the lantern, after they had fixedtheir blankets and made ready for taking things easy. 

Colon was gone quite some little time. Fred could hear him working awaylike a beaver at something. And as a rope seemed to figure in theaffair he felt a little curiosity to know what sort of a trap theingenious fellow could be constructing, all by himself. 

Finally tall Colon came in again. 

"It's all fixed, and the door locked once more, Fred, " he said. 

"Then the quicker you blow that glim out the better, " remarked theother; "for you see, one of those fellows might come around to spy outthe land, and noticing a light in here, he'd be suspicious. "

Colon took the hint, and put out the lantern, which, however, was keptnear, so that in case of a sudden alarm it could be quickly broughtinto use again. 

After that the two lads made themselves fairly comfortable, though theydid not remove their shoes. In case of trouble they wanted to be incondition for active and immediate work. 

Fred had filled several old buckets, so as to be ready to fight fire. And for a little while they lay there, occasionally whispering to oneanother. 

Finally Colon went to sleep. Fred knew this from his steady breathing;and since he was feeling more or less tired himself, after thestrenuous labor of rowing in the afternoon just passed, he too allowedhis senses to be lulled into the land of Nod. 

How time passed Fred had not the remotest idea, when he was suddenlyawakened by a terrific clamor, that, to his excited imagination, sounded like a railroad train running off the track, and smashing intoa kitchen, where the walls were lined with all manner of tinware. 

Both he and Colon sat up suddenly. 

CHAPTER XIX

NIPPED IN THE BUD

"Hear that, Fred?"

Of course it was foolish of Colon to ask such a question as this of hiscompanion. That racket was enough to awaken the soundest sleeper. Butthen he was so excited he just felt that he had to say something. 

Fred threw his blanket aside. Then he reached out for the lantern, andhis handy match-safe, so that they could get some light on the subject. 

As soon as this little task had been accomplished, he and Colon startedfor the door full-tilt. Opening this, they passed out. 

The noise of falling tinpans had by now entirely ceased. Of course theartful Colon had piled up all the waste cans he could find, so that ifthey were toppled over they would make considerable racket. Once upon atime there had been some sort of manufactory connected with the shed;and back of it Colon had discovered a regular mine of what he wanted inthe way of rusty cans, large enough to suit his purpose, and make allthe noise heart could wish. 

"Look! I got one!"

Colon pointed excitedly as he said this, and as Fred looked he burstout into a loud laugh. Evidently Colon's trap had worked. A boy wasdangling by the heels, held up in the air by the loop of a rope, whichseemed to pass over a post connected with the building, and then extendto the hogshead, partly filled with stones, and which was now half waydown the beach, the rope taut, and holding the victim in his elevatedposition. 

"It's Conrad Jimmerson!" exclaimed Colon, as they arrived close to theboy, who was kicking furiously, and groaning dismally. 

His coat hung down over his head in such fashion that he could not seewhat was going on; Colon must have recognized him by his clothes, orthrough some boyish instinct. 

"Oh! get me down, quick!" moaned the trapped prowler. "All the blood'sagoin' to my head, and I'll be a dead one soon! Please cut me down, fellers! I won't run!"

"I'm right sure you won't, " remarked Colon, drily; "but while I've gotyou held up so neat, I might as well make it doubly certain. "

With, that he secured the other flourishing leg so that when Conrad waslowered to the ground he could not move without their permission. 

"Give us a hand here, Fred, and we'll get him out of the trap, "remarked the proud inventor of the running-barrel game. "You see, hestepped right up on this box, just as I figured, and touched thetrigger. With that he started the heavy barrel rolling down-grade; andthe loop caught him by one leg, instead of both, as I meant it should. "

"But what was all the fierce noise that woke us up?" asked Fred, as heassisted Colon to take the victim down, by dragging in on the rope, soas to slacken the loop around the leg of the trapped one. 

"Oh! shucks! just a pile of tin cans I built up, to be knocked overwhen the barrel got to turning around. You see, I was a little afraidthat we mightn't hear when the trap was sprung, and I wouldn't want tomiss this funny sight for anything. Here, you are, Conrad; lie therenow, till we can drag you inside the house. "

The boy was evidently very much frightened. He had thought his ankle inthe grasp of some unseen giant, when the loop tightened, and snatchedhim upwards. No wonder he trembled and wheezed as he cowered there. 

"We'd better go in right now, then, " remarked Fred. "Some of that crowdmight take a notion to come back and see what has happened to Conrad. Take hold of him on that side, Colon, while I look after this one. "

"Oh! what you a-goin' to do with me?" queried the prisoner. "I haven'tdone a single thing, fellers, cross my heart if I did. Just wanted tosee if anybody was a-sleepin' in the old shed. Buck told me to be sureand not hurt the boat. He says that its bad enough because we lostours, without anything a-happenin' to yours. I wouldn't do a littlething, sure I wouldn't. Hope you believe me boys. Don't lick me! I gotabout all I ought to have already. I'm shiverin' to beat the band. Quitjerkin' me that way, Chris Colon; I ain't hurt you!"

"Oh! come along, you silly!" said the tall boy, who had a contempt forso great a sneak and coward as Conrad Jimmerson. 

Fred closed and locked the door again after they had entered. The soundof the key being turned in the lock started the frightened boy intoprotesting again. He judged others by Buck's standard, and the barethought of finding himself alone and a prisoner, in the power of thosehe would have injured, seemed to give him a case of the "trembles, " asColon called it. 

"Now I want you to take a look into his pockets, " the tall boyremarked. 

Immediately he uttered a triumphant exclamation. 

"See here, Fred, he had a whole lot of matches with him!" he calledout. "Looks like he was ready for business, all right. "

"Say, I always carry matches with me, and you know it, Chris Colon, "protested the alarmed prisoner, vigorously. 

"Perhaps you do, but never so many as these, " Colon went on. "I kind ofreckon you thought you'd have good need of 'em this night. But what'reyou carrying under your arm that way, Fred? Saw you step over, and picksomethin' up outside there. Find anything worth while; another feller'scap, maybe?"

"No, it was this, " and Fred held an object up. 

"What's that? Looks like a bundle of old rags!" remarked Colon, quickly; while the prisoner gasped and shivered worse than ever. 

"There was something more; what do you think of this?" and for thesecond time Fred elevated his hand, containing an object that madeColon utter a cry of rage. 

"A bottle!" he ejaculated. "What's in it, Fred? Three to one I c'nguess. Kerosene!"

"That's just what it is, " returned the other, gravely. "Some fellowscame here to-night prepared to throw this stuff over one end of the oldshed, and start a fire going. Perhaps they even meant to break in, andscatter the oil over the boat, so nothing could save it, once the firegot started. We've nipped as mean a little game in the bud as I everheard about. "

Colon turned on the prisoner with a black face, and gritting teeth. 

"Who set you on to this thing, Jimmerson?" he demanded. "You neverthought of it by yourself, because you haven't got the brains. Tell menow, wasn't it Buck Lemington who got you to come here, and try to setthe shed afire?"

Conrad tried to look defiant, but somehow he lacked the spirit. He sawthose two frowning lads on either side of him, as he stood thereleaning against the wall of the boathouse, his ankles tied with therope; and he began to weaken. 

"I never would a' thought of coming here to spy if it wasn't for----"he had just started to say, when there came a loud whistle, twicerepeated, from outside, which must have been recognized by the fellowas a terrible threat of what would happen to him if he opened his lipsto betray his cronies; for he shivered as if he had been showered withice water, nor could they influence him after that, either by threatsor promises, to say another word. 

Fear of what Buck would do seemed to have a greater influence over himthan the possibility of punishment because of what he had tried to do. One was sure, while the other might be set down as only a chance. 

Besides, perhaps the fellow began to realize that Fred and Colon reallycould not prove that he had been carrying that bundle of old rags, aswell as the bottle containing the kerosene. No court would decide thatbecause they had been found there on the ground, he had brought them. 

Fred understood this and it was what made him say presently:

"Well, we might as well let this fellow loose, Colon. After all, theproof, if there is any, must rest in these rags and this bottle. If wecan find out just where they came from, we'll be satisfied in our ownminds whom we have to thank for this midnight alarm. "

"Just as if there could be any doubt about it!" scoffed Colon. "Didn'twe hear that whistle, and don't I know who gave it? Buck carries alittle silver whistle and likes to communicate with his bunch that way. They've got a regular code, I've heard tell. And didn't you notice howquick Conrad, here, buttoned up his lips when he heard that order tokeep mum?"

"Another night, " said Fred, threateningly, "we'll have a shotgun handy;and it'll go hard with prowlers, if we get a sight of them. Unfastenhis legs, Colon, and then show him the door. "

The prisoner seemed to regain a little of his lost courage upon findingthat they did not mean to hurt him any. 

"And you just stop pinching me when you do untie this rope, ChrisColon, " said Conrad. "I want you to know you don't own the earth. Afeller what lives in Riverport all his life ought to have the right towalk along the river here without having tricks played on him, andbein' yanked head-down up in the air. You'll pay for your fun yet, seeif you don't, Chris Colon. "

"Shut up!" roared the exasperated Colon, shaking the other, whom he wasnow escorting to the door, with the intention of ejecting him, just asFred had directed. "You ought to be tarred and feathered, if you gotyour dues. Like to see our boat go up in smoke; would you? And Buckaims to keep us from using the river, just because he was foolishenough as to smash his own boat? You tell him to come himself the nexttime. We'll be glad to see him; and perhaps he might meet with asurprise worse than the one I sprung on you, Conrad. Now don't forgetto tell him; you hear me!"

Colon had managed to get the door open while speaking. Then he gave theother a little push, as if to start him going. Conrad somehow seemed tosuspect what was coming, for he tried to hug close to the tall boy, who, however, gave him a shove. So Conrad, thinking he had a chance, made a bolt; but that long leg of Colon shot out, and caught him fairlyand squarely, sending him flying. 

The boy who was thus thrown out picked himself up, and thinking heheard his enemy coming toward him, fled into the darkness, howling inmingled pain and fear. 

Colon, laughing heartily, closed and fastened the door, after which herejoined his watch-mate, to see out the balance of the eventful nightin Fred's company. 

CHAPTER XX

IN THE HOLLOW OAK

After that there was no further alarm, and the two watchers securedquite a fair amount of sleep before the coming of dawn warned them tohie away home. They left the blankets at the boathouse, for they hadpurposely brought old ones; and hence, when it came time for the nextwatch to take up their duties, there would be no occasion for them toduplicate. 

On second thought the boys had come to the conclusion that it might bewise for them to tell Brad what had happened. The fact that thevengeful Buck had not stopped at such a grave thing as setting fire tothe shed, worried them both. 

So a little later they both met again, having had breakfast. Togetherthey hunted up the other three who were in the game; indeed, Bristleswas meanwhile searching the whole neighborhood for Fred, having calledat his house after he had gone. 

"Well, " he remarked, after he had caught up with Fred, Sid and Colon, on their way to get Corney and himself; "seems to me you fellows are ina big hurry this same morning. "

"We are, " replied Fred. "We wanted to get the entire committeetogether, and go in a body to see Brad. He ought to know that the boatis always going to be in danger unless something is done to curb BuckLemington. "

"Say, was I right?" cried Bristles, exultantly. 

"You were, " replied Colon, solemnly. 

"Then he _did_ try to break in, so's to cut the boat, and injure her?"the other went on, eagerly. 

"Worse than that!" said Colon. 

"Far worse!" Fred added, looking mighty solemn himself. 

"Oh! come, let up on that sort of thing; open up and tell me whathappened!" the excited boy demanded. 

When they did give him the whole story he could hardly contain himself, between his natural indignation because of the meanness of the act, andhis delight over the success of Colon's little trap. 

"Caught that sneak Conrad Jimmerson, and strung him up like a trapped'possum, did you?" he cried, clapping his hands in glee. "Gee! whattough luck that I wasn't around to see it. Always my bad fortune, seeing lots of game when I haven't got a gun; and never a thing whenI'm heeled for business. "

"You see Colon and myself got to talking it over, " said Fred; "and wemade up our minds that it was hardly fair to keep the thing from Brad. He's our head in the boat club, and ought to know all that's going on. Besides, when toughs begin to want to burn down houses just for spite, that's going pretty far. Something ought to be done to stop it. "

Brad was of course duly impressed when he heard the story. He laughedheartily at the comical element connected with Colon's man-trap; buttook the other part seriously. 

"I'm going over and see my uncle about it, " he declared in the end. "Being a lawyer, and a judge at that, he'll tell me what to do. I thinkhe'll say he wouldn't mention a single name; for you know all lawyersare mighty cautious how they give cause for a suit for slander. Buthe'll tell me we ought to scatter the story all over town, and also letit be known that from now on there'll be somebody in that house everynight, armed, and ready to fire on trespassers. See you later, fellows. "

Fred found a chance a little later to get away from his other chums. Hereally did have an errand for his mother in one of the stores, but heremembered something besides that he had intended doing at the earliestopportunity, and it was this that swayed him most. 

Now, it chanced that the place he had to visit to leave an order wasthe largest grocery store in Riverport. And one of the boys employedthere was Toby Farrell. Fred knew that he was generally sent out eachmorning on a wheel, to visit a line of customers, and take down theirorders; though most of them had telephones for that matter, and couldhave wired in their necessities. 

Still, this grocer was enterprising, and instructed his boy clerk totell each customer just what new and attractive goods they had receivedfresh that morning, possibly strawberries, vegetables and the like. 

And in the course of his wheeling about Toby was accustomed to visitthe establishment of Miss Alicia Muster each and every day. In fact, Toby was one of the two boys hired by trades-people whom Fred suspectedof being the person guilty of taking the old maid's opals from theparlor. 

Both of them were allowed to cool their heels in the kitchen forpossibly ten minutes at a time, while the aged "mammy" consulted hermistress in her private room. And an inquisitive half-grown boy mightbecome so familiar with the premises that, in a spirit of curiosity, orfrom some other reason, he would look around him a little at suchtimes. 

Mr. Cleaver, the grocer, was in a good humor, and when Fred mentionedthat he knew someone who had shown an interest in his young clerk, heimmediately broke out in Toby's praise. 

"Best boy, barring none, I ever had, Fred, " he declared. "Never late inthe morning, neat in his work, obliging in his manners to my customers, and willing to stay after hours if there is a rush. In fact I'm so wellsatisfied with Toby that I expect to add a couple of dollars to hiswages this very next Saturday. And I'm told he's the idol of hismother's eye. She's a widow, you know, with three small children, Tobybeing the eldest. He shows signs of being like his father; and MatthewFarrell was one of our leading citizens up to the time of his death. Ihope she gets his pension through; it'll mean several thousand dollarsfor her. He died really of wounds received long ago in the war. Neverwould apply for the pension he was entitled to. Toby's all right, youtell your friend; and he's promised to stick right here. Some day hemight be a partner in this business, who knows?"

Well, after that, Fred was ready to throw up his hands in so far asToby was concerned. He felt that he could never strike pay dirt in thatquarter. There never was, and never would be again, quite such aparagon as Toby Farrell. It would be wasting time to try and bark upthis tree. The scent had evidently led him in the wrong quarter. 

Accordingly, he turned toward the butcher's, and here he fullyanticipated getting on the track of something. Gabe lived in anoutlying quarter, and when he went home in the evening, or at noon, hetook a short-cut through Ramsey's woods, where there was a convenientpath. 

Now it happened that Fred knew this fact, for he had many a time seenthe butcher's boy going and coming. Gabe had a big whistle, and used toamuse himself as he walked to and from home in trying to get the airsfrom the popular ragtime songs of the day. 

Fred had heard it said that the boy who whistles is generally an honestfellow, and that guilt and this disposition seldom, if ever, go hand inhand. How much truth there was in this saying he did not know; but itwas on his mind now to try and find out. 

Perhaps the fact that it was about ten minutes of twelve influencedFred in what he set out to do. 

First he passed all the way through the strip of woods. It was not verythickly grown, and there was really only a stretch of about one hundredfeet where he did not find himself in sight of some house or other. 

Fred secreted himself about midway here. It was rather a gloomy spot, considering that it happened to be so near a town. The trees grewpretty thick all around the rambling path; and one big, old, giant oakin particular caught Fred's attention, on account of the fact that itseemed to be rapidly going into decay, being full of holes, whereperhaps squirrels, or it might be a raccoon, had a den. 

Then he heard the whistle from the factory in town, immediatelyfollowed by the ringing of the church bells. Noon had come, and if Gabecarried out his regular programme he would soon be coming along thetrail. 

Yes, that must be his whistle right now, turning off the latest airthat had caught his fancy. Fred wanted to see him at close quarters. Perhaps he even had some faint idea of stepping out, and walking withGabe, to judge for himself whether the other had a guilty air or not. 

But if such were his plans he soon found cause to change them. Gabecame whistling along, looking behind him occasionally, and then allaround. Fred became deeply interested. He fancied that this must meansomething; and it did. 

Suddenly the whistling stopped. Looking, he saw Gabe hurry over to theold tree trunk. He seemed to thrust his hand in, and draw somethingout. Fred, watching sharply, noticed that the boy was deeply interestedin what he had taken from the hollow trunk; and he could give a prettygood guess as to what this must be. 

But Fred did not move from his place of concealment. Lying snuglyhidden he saw Gabe replace the little package, after which he steppedout into the trail, picked up the ragtime air just where he had droppedit, and came walking smartly along, a satisfied grin on his face. 

Waiting until he had passed out of sight around a bend in the path, andhis loud whistle began to grow fainter in the distance, Fred hurriedover to the big tree. 

He had noted that particular crevice in the hollow trunk too well tomake any mistake now. A minute later and he had fished up a littlecardboard box, not over four inches in length, and secured with arubber band. 

With trembling fingers Fred took this fastening away, and raised thelid; just as Gabe had recently done, no doubt being consumed by adesire to feast his eyes once more on the contents. 

Fred gave a satisfied sigh. It was all right, and Bristles' reputationhad been cleared; for in that little cardboard box which Gabe Larkinshad secreted so carefully lay seven milk-white opals, doubtless ofconsiderable value. 

CHAPTER XXI

A PLAN TO CATCH THE THIEF

"That settles it!"

Fred was saying these three words over several times to himself as hestood and stared at the seven little opals. They had appeared ratherpretty when he looked at them in Miss Muster's best room, on theoccasion of his visit there in company with Bristles. They gave him ashiver now; just because he knew that they had tempted weak GabeLarkins to commit a terrible wrong. 

What had he better do about it?

Fred had, in fact, about made up his mind that there was only onecourse open to him in case he found the opals. This was to go to MissMuster at once, and let her know what had come to pass. 

She would be glad, for the sake of Bristles and his parents--yes, Fredbegan to believe the old maid really had a heart of her own, and wouldherself rejoice over the vindication of her nephew. 

But should he take the opals along with him? He decided against this asunwise. To fully prove his case, he should be able to catch Gabe in theact of handling the precious stones, and with a witness present. 

So he put the small cardboard box back into the cavity of the hollowoak, just as near where he had found it as he could. Then, with acautious look along the trail, to make sure Gabe was not alreadyreturning, Fred hurried away. 

He was unusually quiet at lunch time, his mother and sister noticed. They even asked him if he felt unwell; but Fred laughingly replied thathe never was better in all his life. 

A little while later Fred took his way to the large house in which MissMuster lived. His heart beat high with satisfaction, because of thefact that he had in so brief a time fully proved the innocence ofBristles. 

At sight of Fred it was remarkable what a sudden look of expectationflashed over the thin face of Bristles' aunt. Apparently, then, she hadcome to place considerable confidence in the boy, whose manly bearingmust have impressed her, as it did nearly everyone with whom Fred camein contact. 

"You are bringing me news, Fred!" she exclaimed, as she put out herhand toward him. "Your smiling face tells me that, for you cannot hideit. Oh! I hope I am not mistaken. Have you found my opals?"

"Yes, ma'am, the whole seven that you said you'd lost, " he answered, promptly. 

"That is good news, " the lady went on; "but tell me more; have youlearned who the thief is, Fred?"

A vein of anxiety might have been noticed now in her voice; for shecould not help fearing that after all it might prove to be her nephew. 

"I saw him take a little cardboard box out of the hollow of a tree, "Fred started to say, "look at what it held, and then stick it back. After he went away, ma'am, I examined that same box, and found theopals there. "

"W--who was the boy?" she faltered, her hands shutting tightly as shekept her eyes fastened on Fred. 

"Gabe Larkins, ma'am!"

"Oh! the butcher's boy!" and she gave a great sigh, as of relief. 

"Yes, ma'am. On the way home from the shop to get his lunch, he had tostop and take a look at his treasures, " Fred continued. 

"He did not see you watching him, I suppose, Fred?"

"Oh! not a bit of it, " replied the boy, smiling. "I looked out forthat. "

"Have you the opals with you now, my dear boy?" she asked. 

"No, ma'am, " replied Fred. "You see, I thought it would be better ifyou could see Gabe handling the things, and know by the evidence ofyour own eyes he was the guilty one. "

"That sounds very clever of you, Fred, " Miss Muster remarked, with alook of sincere admiration. "Perhaps now you may even have figured outsome sort of plan that would allow of my doing such a thing?"

"I have; that is, if you don't think it too much bother, " he answered. 

"Too much bother?" she echoed; "after what I have done in my haste tobring sorrow into the happy home of my niece, nothing could ever be toomuch trouble for me to attempt. And, besides, I should really like toface that unhappy boy, to reproach him for his wrongdoing. I know hismother, and she is a very good woman. Yes, tell me, Fred, what is yourplan?"

"It's simple enough, to be sure, " observed the boy. "Just give Gabe anextra chance to-morrow morning to slip into that parlor again. He's gotthe habit, I guess, and can't resist, if he sees an opening. Then, atnoon, on his way home, why, of course, he'll stop at the big oak to addwhat he took to the others. You will be hiding right there with me andwe can give Gabe the surprise of his life. "

"I should think that would be a splendid idea, Fred, " Miss Muster said, nodding her head approvingly. "I suppose that it would be what they sayin the newspaper accounts of an arrest in the big cities, 'caught withthe goods on!'"

"Then you'll agree to do it, ma'am?" asked Fred, eagerly. 

"Yes. I will give Master Gabe the finest chance he ever saw to slipinto my best room; and then about half-past eleven will meet youwherever you say. And, Fred, after it is all over, you will have fullpermission to tell Andrew; for my part, my first duty will be to go tohis home, and ask his mother to forgive a foolish old woman because ofher unjust suspicions. "

The particulars were soon arranged. Fred mentioned a place where hewould be on hand the next day, rain or shine, at eleven-thirty; andMiss Muster promised just as faithfully to keep the appointment. 

After that they separated. Just as luck would have it, as Fred came outof the house he heard his name called; and looking up saw his chum, Bristles. Surprise was expressed upon the face of the other, todiscover Fred issuing from his aunt's home. A dozen questions couldalso be seen there; but Fred put a damper on all these. 

"Don't ask me a single thing, Bristles, " he remarked mysteriously. "I've taken hold of your case, and things are working splendidly. AllI'm going to tell you right now is that there's great hope you'll hearsomething, say by to-morrow afternoon. You ask me when we meet, abouttwo or three, and perhaps I'll have some; news that'll surprise you. Now let's talk about the race that's going to be pulled off prettysoon. Have you had a line about what Mechanicsburg's doing?"

In this way, then, he closed his chum's mouth. Bristles was puzzled toaccount for the actions of his friend; but at the same time he had somuch confidence in Fred Fenton that he accepted his explanation, andeven began to take on a more cheerful appearance. 

That afternoon the boys had the benefit of a coach; for Corney'sfather, the old college grad. And oarsman, gave them an hour of histime. He corrected numerous little faults that, as amateurs, they hadnaturally fallen into, and when finally Brad took his crew for athree-mile working-out spin, he was tremendously pleased at hearing thecompliments bestowed upon them by Mr. Shays. 

"You are doing finely, boys, " declared the coach, in a tone as thoughhe meant all he said. "The improvement in your style of rowing isdecidedly worth seconds to you; and they count big in a race, you know. I shall come out again the next time you want me, and show you somemore little faults in the way you recover after giving the stroke. Ican save several of you more or less unnecessary exertion, which inturn means a concentration of energy for the final spurt thataccompanies every boat race. "

The boys thoroughly enjoyed having so pleasant a coach, and went homethat evening convinced that their chances for victory in the comingstruggle had been increased fully twenty per cent. 

"Don't forget your promise, Fred, " said Bristles, rather pathetically, as he parted from his chum where their ways separated. 

"Depend on it, I just won't, Bristles, " answered the other, positively. 

It seemed a very long time until eleven o'clock the next morning; andFred kept around the house, for he did not want to run upon Bristles, and have the other look at him in that eager way. 

When he reached the place appointed for the meeting with Miss Muster hefound her there, a heavy veil hiding her face. Together they made theirway along the path that Gabe was accustomed to take as a short cuthome. 

"Do you think he took another of the opals, ma'am?" Fred asked, asthey drew near the big hollow oak. 

"I really had not the heart to look, " she replied. "I gave him all theopportunity he could ask; and when he talked with me later on, Ithought the boy looked confused; but I felt so sorry to think he had amother who would be heart-broken, that I would not go into the parlorto examine. But guilt was written large on his face, or I am a poorjudge of boy nature. Perhaps I am, after the mistake I made about myown nephew. "

Fred soon found a spot where both of them could hide, and yet be veryclose to the big tree; indeed, a few steps would carry them alongsidewhen the time came for action. 

Then they settled down to wait. After a time the sound of bells toldthat noon had come. A few minutes later, and Fred touched the arm ofhis companion. 

"That's Gabe coming now, " he remarked. 

And the trembling old maid could distinctly hear a very boisterouswhistle that kept getting louder and louder as the butcher's boy strodejauntily along the path, heading in their direction. 

CHAPTER XXII

TELLING THE GOOD NEWS

Gabe Larkins' big whistle suddenly stopped. The boy was lookingcraftily around him, up and down the winding path, as though anxious tomake sure that no person was in sight. 

Convinced of this act, he quickly stepped over to the big oak, andthrust his arm into the hollow. Miss Muster fairly held her breath withexcitement as she saw him take out the little cardboard box, andopening it, drop something in, which he had drawn from the depths of apocket. 

Fred arose; and the lady, taking this as a signal, did likewise. Together they began to advance upon the crouching Gabe. The boy seemedto be so intent upon his business of admiring the gems that he wasunaware of the presence of others, until possibly the rustle of thelady's dress startled him. 

Then Gabe looked up, and his face turned ashy pale when he saw MissMuster. In that one terrible moment he knew that his thievery had beenfound out. Nobody could ever know the thoughts that flashed through theboy's mind with the rapidity of lightning. 

"Give that to me!" said Miss Muster, holding out her hand toward Gabe. 

He dared not refuse; and as she received the little cardboard box theold maid, glancing in, counted ten of her opals there, just half of theentire collection. Gabe had increased his "take" that morning, andadded three to his plunder. His apparent success was making him dailybolder. 

He tried to face the indignant, yet sorrowful, lady, but his eyesquickly fell before her look. 

"Have you ever stopped to think where you are going to land, if youkeep on this way, Gabe?" she asked slowly. 

The boy made no reply. Perhaps he was inclined to be ugly and sullen;but, on the other hand, as he was a young offender, It might beconscience began to awaken. And Miss Muster believed that, since shemeant to let him off this time, she at least ought to impress a lessonof some kind on him. 

"It means the penitentiary for a boy who begins to steal, as you showsigns of doing, Gabe; yes, and a broken heart for your poor mother. Oh!I do hope this will be a warning that you will keep before you always. Because of that mother I am going to let you off this time, my boy; butunless you mend your ways there is only one end before you. Fred herewill keep your secret also; you can depend on him. And make up yourmind, Gabe, that even though you think you have succeeded in doing someevil deed in secret, the truth will sooner or later come out, Now youcan go. I shall not speak to your employer, nor tell your mother; butfrom time to time I am going to have something to say to _you, _ my boy. I want to be your friend. "

Gabe had never opened his mouth to utter a single word, and when hehurriedly took his departure Fred was not sure but what it was a widegrin that appeared on his face; as though he fancied that he had gottenoff cheaply after all. Whether Gabe would take his lesson seriously andreform, was a question in Fred's mind. 

"That ends it, thank goodness!" remarked Miss Muster, after they hadseen Gabe turn the path in the direction of his own home. "And now, Fred, you get your lunch. After Ive had my own I shall drop in to seemy niece, and confess all my shortcomings. I fancy she will be toohappy at learning her boy is innocent to hold any grudge against herwretched old aunt. "

"Thank you, " said Fred, laughing; "I do feel kind of hungry now. Justknowing what bully good news I've got for Bris--I mean Andy--seems togive me an appetite. I'll get there just in time to sit down withmother and Kate; because father doesn't come home at noon from theworks. "

"And, Fred, believe me when I say that I'll never forget what you'vedone for me and mine, " were the parting words of the old spinster, asshe squeezed the boy's hand. 

"I'm glad, because I just know you'll make it all up with Bris--thatis, Andy, " he said; and she nodded her head in the affirmative. 

And at the lunch table, after making them promise that it should go nofurther than the head of the Fenton family, Fred interested his motherand sister by a recital of the strange case of the disappearing opals. 

"And remember, Kate, " Fred went on, shaking his linger at his youngersister; "you must never, under any circumstances, mention a single wordof all this to even one girl. Just forget you ever heard it I'm goingto make poor Bristles mighty happy this afternoon; and the thought ofit gives me so much delight that I guess I'll be off now to find him. "

He hurried out of the room, followed by the admiring glances of thosewho knew only too well what pleasure It gave Fred to be of value to achum. 

Bristles was not at home, it turned out, having gone down to the riverto hang around the boat-house, and wait for Fred to join him; becausesomething seemed to tell him the other was going to bring good news. 

But Fred did see Miss Muster coming down the road as he turned away;and from what she had said, he understood that the determined old maidmeant to "eat humble pie, " as Fred called it, by asking Bristles'mother to forgive her mistake. 

None of the other boys happened to be around when Fred came uponBristles. The latter was sitting on a pile of boards which were goingto form part of the new house being erected for the Riverport BoatClub. As he heard the sound of approaching footsteps Bristles lookedup, and smiled broadly to see Fred. 

"Now tell me what's on the bills, Fred, " he entreated. "I just feel itin my bones that you've got news for me. Have you found out where theopals went?"

"That's right, " replied Fred, promptly. 

"Say, you don't mean to tell me you've got 'em back for Aunt Alicia?"gasped Bristles, turning red, and then pale, by rapid turns, andleaning weakly against the pile of boards. 

"Every one, " declared the other; "your aunt says there isn't a singleopal missing. "

"And was it that cunning old bunch of feathers, Black Joe, after all;was my guess good, and did you find out where the old bird was hidingthem?" continued Bristles, possibly pluming himself a little on havingconceived a very brilliant idea. 

"'Not for Joseph, not for Joe, '" sang Fred, merrily. "Fact is, when Itold what you had in your mind to Miss Muster she said it was a finethought, but she was sorry to say in this case no raven need apply. 'Cause why--well, she'd chained Joe to his perch for a week because hegot sassy, and wouldn't mind; and so you see, if he had to stay thereall the time he couldn't hop or fly into the other room and get awaywith the opals every other day or so. "

"Shucks! I should say not, " replied the grinning Bristles; "but do takepity on a poor fellow, Fred, and tell me the whole story. Who stole theopals?"

"Gabe Larkins, the butcher's boy, " replied the other, soberly. 

"You don't say?" was Bristles' comment, after he had given a whistle toemphasize his astonishment. "And yet, after all, I oughtn't to be muchsurprised, because I happen to know he's always reading the sportingpage of the city paper his mother takes; and I've heard him eventalking about horse races and betting. But, however in the wide worlddid you get on to him; and does Aunt Alicia know it all?"

"I think she's with your mother at this minute, telling her how sorryshe is for suspecting you; and also what she means to do for you in thefuture to make it up. Now listen, and I'll make your eyes open alittle, I reckon, Bristles. "

"Never heard the like of it in all my life!" declared Bristles, whenthe narrative had reached its conclusion with the detection of Gabe inthe act of adding his morning's spoils to the balance of the plunderwhich he had hidden in the old hollow oak. "I'll never pass that treewithout thinking of what you've just told me. Gee! I'm glad I wasn't inGabe's shoes when Aunt Alicia caught him. I can just see the look offury in her snapping black eyes. "

"You're wrong there, Bristles, " said Fred, quickly. "Unless I'm mightymuch mistaken there were tears in her eyes, when she looked down atGabe cowering there. Your Aunt Alicia is a different woman these daysfrom what you used to believe her. She's seen a light. She knows thereare boys, and then again boys; and that not all of them are alike ineverything. "

"But what can I say to you, Fred, for getting me out of this pickle?"continued Bristles, with a quiver in his voice, as he squeezed the handof his chum. "Only for you, look what would have come to me? I owe youa heap, sure I do; and I only hope the chance will come some day toshow you how much I feel it. "

"Oh! let up on that sort of talk, Bristles, " said Fred, laughingly. "You'd have done just as much for me, or any of your chums, if thechance came your way; and you know it. "

"You just better believe I'm going to keep on the watch to pass thisalong, " declared the other, fervently. 

"That's the way to talk, " Fred remarked, looking pleased at being giventhe opportunity to bring happiness to one he thought so much of asBristles; "and perhaps you'll be able to pull a better oar, now thatthis load is off your mind. "

"Why, Fred, believe me, " said Bristles, soberly, "I feel right now asthough I'd be able to put more vim into my work than ever before in allmy life. Wow! if I had wings I could hardly seem more like flying, myheart is that light!"

CHAPTER XXIII

THE START OF THE RACE

The great day of the boat race between Riverport and Mechanicsburgopened with a clear sky. This made happy the hearts of the hundreds ofyoung people belonging to the two towns on the Mohunk River. 

Daily the husky crew of the town up the river had been busily engagedin practicing; and all sorts of ominous rumors were current among themore timid Riverport boys and girls as to the astonishing speed theyhad shown. 

But when those who had faith in the ability of their own crew to comein ahead heard these tales, they only laughed, and nodded, as thoughthey felt no fear. As to the ability of their rivals to "make circles"around the boys of Riverport, did they not realize that these storieswere being industriously circulated for the very purpose of making themcount the race lost even before it was started?

The clever coach, Corney Shays' father, warned them against believinganything of this sort. He said it was an old trick, and had been usedby college men as far back as he could remember. 

"Just believe you can do the job up clean, and pay attention toeverything your coxswain tells you; and it'll come out right, " hedeclared. 

Early in the afternoon crowds began to assemble along the banks of theriver, where the course had been marked off. Those in charge, being acommittee of older pupils from each school, had taken all necessaryprecautions looking to having a clear course. They had also marked theturning point, where the rival boats must start on the return triptoward the home goal. 

This latter was a boat anchored in the middle of the river, and bearinga large red flag, with the words "Stake Boat" in white. Each contestanthad to turn this, without fouling, in heading for home; and the onecapable of accomplishing this with as little waste of time and distanceas possible would gain an advantage that might count heavily in thefinal result. 

It was indeed a gay scene about half-past three that afternoon; thetime of the race being scheduled for four exactly. Thousands of peoplelined both banks of the river, for the entire country had become deeplyinterested in the result, and taken sides, one way or the other. 

While Paulding had no proper boat club as yet, evidently every boy andgirl attending school there, together with many older persons, hadflocked to witness the sight of a river regatta so near at hand. 

School flags were waving everywhere, and class cheers accompanied theirappearance, as the young people gathered in groups, the better to chanttheir patriotic songs. 

When the long shell from above came speeding down to the startingpoint, the occupants were given a rousing welcome from friends and foesalike. For everybody admired the game, sportsmanlike qualities of thoseMechanicsburg fellows. 

"Who are they all, Flo?" asked Cissy Anderson, as she cuddled downalongside her chum, who was using a field glass; the girls being in themidst of a group that had a particularly fine place for witnessing thestart and close of the race. 

"Oh! we know everyone of them, because they've figured in the battleson the diamond and the gridiron, " replied Flo. 

"Wagner, of course, is among them; they say he has been made thecoxswain of the Mechanicsburg crew; and then there must be Sherley, whowas such a dear captain in their football games last fall; yes, andWaterman and Gould, too. "

"That's right, Cissy, " the girl with the glasses continued; "andHennessy is stroke oar, for I can tell him by his big, bushy crop ofhair. He makes me think of Bristles Carpenter, who, they say, ispulling a wonderful oar these days. Let's see, there's Harkness, too, and Boggs--how many is that, Cissy? Just six oarsmen, you say? Well, Ican see Smith there, I'm sure; and the other, why, of course it's thatfussy Bob Jones. Don't they look splendid; and how evenly they pull. "

"You don't think now, for a minute, do you, Flo, that they can beat ourboys?" the other girl asked, somewhat fearfully. 

"Of course I don't, silly, " replied Flo, who had the utmost confidencein the sterling ability of Fred and his fellows to hold their own, nomatter whether on the football field, the baseball diamond, in a hotlycontested hockey match on the ice, a snowball battle, or in athleticsports; and consequently in aquatic matters as well. 

"There comes Sid and the rest!" exclaimed Cissy; just as though, in hereyes at least, the whole chance of success for the Riverport boys layin the stalwart figure of Sid Wells alone. 

As Brad Morton led his eight sparsely-clad young oarsmen from the newbuilding, bearing the glistening and carefully kept shell on theirshoulders, a cheer started that gained force as it ran along the crowdslining the banks of the river, until it died away far in the distance. 

It had been decided to use the up-river course. And as the stake boat, which was to mark both the start and finish, was directly oppositeRiverport, the turning point upstream must be just a mile and a halfaway; for the course was intended to represent exactly three miles, which was considered a long enough pull for young crews. 

The first half would be against the strong current of the Mohunk, nowpretty high for the beginning of summer; but when the two rival boatshad made the turn, they could come down with greater speed. It was thisrush along the home stretch that all of the spectators were mostanxious to witness. And this accounted for the throngs on both shoresof the river near where the boat containing the judges of the race wasanchored. 

It was now getting very close to four o'clock, and everybody began tobreathe with eagerness, and possibly a little anxiety. No matter howloud the adherents of each school may have shouted for their colors, when it came right down to a question of supremacy the opposing crewbegan to loom up as a very dangerous factor; and they felt a faintnesscome into their hearts while watching the splendid way the rival eightcarried themselves. 

"They're getting them placed in line!" shouted a small fellow, whocarried a megaphone almost as long as himself, and through which hisvoice carried as far as a mile, when he strained himself to give ayell. 

This was a cousin of tall, long-legged Colon, and whose name ofHarrison had long ago given way to that of Semi-Colon, to distinguishhim from his big relative. 

"Look at poor old Buck Lemington; would you?" remarked another, closeto the bevy of girls around Flo Temple and Cissy Anderson. "He's in anugly humor to-day, because he threw away his chance to be pulling anoar in our boat, and went off to get up a boat club of his own. "

"And then smashed his shell on a snag the first thing, " continuedSemi-Colon, who had heard what was said. 

"Wasn't it just like him to try and say poor Clem Shooks was to blame, when everybody knows it must have been only Buck's fault, because hedidn't remember about that stump under the water, " one of the girlsremarked. 

"And I even guess he'd have cared precious little if our boat had beenburned up, when some of those tramps, they say, tried to set things onfire, " a second girl broke out with; which remark appeared to amuseSemi-Colon very much, for he roared through his megaphone the word:

"Tramps! Ha! Ha!"

Evidently, while officially it had been decided to keep secret thefacts connected with the finding of the bottle of kerosene and therags, at the time Conrad Jimmerson was caught in Colon's trap, enoughhad leaked out among the boys connected with Riverport school to givethem a pretty fair idea Buck must have been the leading spirit behindthe miserable game. 

"Silence there! the referee wants you to keep still while he sayssomething to the crews!" roared a heavy voice through a megaphone. 

"He's going to advise 'em what not to do, " broke out Semi-Colon, forthe benefit of the girls; "and that a willful foul with carry apenalty. There goes Coach Shays in that little launch; he's going toget in that car belonging to Judge Colon, and be whirled along theroad, which keeps pretty near the river all the way. So you see, he canevery little while shout out his directions to the coxswain. "

"There, the referee is talking to them now, " said Flo Temple, plainlyexcited, since the critical moment was at hand. "Oh! don't I just hopeour boys will leave them away behind right in the beginning! Because, they say that the first one around the turning boat will have a bigadvantage. Every second on the down-current will put yards betweenthem, that the second boat may never be able to make up. "

"Brad Morton knows that, make up your mind, girls; and he won't letthose Mechanicsburg fellows turn first, if he can help it, " Semi-Colonadvised. 

"That's it, if he can help it!" mocked a girl near by, who was boldlywaving the banner of the up-river town right in the stronghold of therival school. 

"Watch, they're going to start!" cried Cissy Anderson, shrilly. 

Every sound seemed to cease like magic, as doubtless thousands of eagereyes saw that the decisive moment was at hand. 

Then suddenly there came the sharp report of a pistol, which they allknew was to be the signal that would send those two boats forward withall the power that sixteen pairs of trained and muscular arms couldbring to bear in exact unison!

Immediately a roar arose. 

CHAPTER XXIV

A GREAT VICTORY

"They're off!"

"Mechanicsburg leads!"

"Yes, she does, smarty; better look again! They're tied, neck andneck!"

"But watch that stroke, will you; did you ever see anything so fine?Oh! you poor Riverport, get your tear-rags ready to weep!"

"Wait a little. You'll be laughing out of the other side of your mouth, Crabtree!"

So the various backers of the two teams bantered each other as theykept their eyes fixed on the rival shells. Thef boats were pushing upagainst the strong current of the Mohunk, steadily biting into it, andincreasing the distance between them and the stakeboat that waspresently to mark the closing scene of the river drama. 

Steadily they kept on, nearing the bend that would shut them out fromthe sight of the great crowds gathered on either bank near the judges'boat. If the cheering diminished in volume at that point, it was takenup above, until one long wave of sound arose, every conceivable noisebeing used to create an uproar, from horns and whistles to megaphones, and class yells from the various schools. 

It was a time long looked forward to, and which would last for so shorta period that everyone seemed to think it necessary to exhaust himselfor herself as speedily as possible. 

"There they are, turning the bend now!" declared the anxious Cissy. "Oh! which one leads, Flo; tell me, please?"

"As near as I can make out, they seem to be running evenly, " the othergirl replied, with the glasses to her eyes, as though she could notdrop them, or even gratify the curiosity of her best chum by allowingher a peep. 

"And do you see Sid, and is he showing all the others how to keep cool, and hold himself in reserve against the last home quarter-stretch?"demanded Cissy. 

"Well, I like that, now!" exclaimed the indignant Flo, who, as wechance to know, also had someone she admired in that school crew; "justas if there didn't happen to be seven other fellows rowing alongsideSid Wells. I know one at least who plays second fiddle to nobody. "

"There they go around the bend!" cried another girl. 

"And listen to the roars above there; will you?" called a boy passingby, who was decked out in Riverport colors. "Why, there must be a wholemob of people up to see 'em turn the other boat. I'd like to be thereright now, if I could jump back here to see the finish. "

"Watch the signals!" now arose on every hand. 

Everybody knew what this meant, and consequently the eyes of the entiremultitude began to be fastened on a particular place up at the bend. Here arrangements had been made by those in charge of the race, wherebythe news would be flashed to those far down the stream which one of therival boats had managed to make the turn ahead. 

"Which are the signals?" one boy asked, as though he had becomeslightly confused, owing to the excited condition of his mind; andwhich, after all, was not to be wondered at, with all that racketaround him, and his pulses thrilled with the hope he hugged to hisheart that Riverport might win. 

"Red if Mechanicsburg is ahead, and blue if Riverport turns first!"someone obligingly called out. 

"There goes the flag up!" shrieked a voice just then. 

There was a tall pole at the bend, and they could see some dark objectmounting rapidly upward. The flag was bunched in some manner, to bereleased when it reached the top of the mast And how those few secondsdid seem like hours to the anxious hearts of the onlookers, who wereholding their very breath in suspense. 

Then a mighty shout broke out that was like the great billows dashingon a rock-bound coast:

"It's blue! Riverport turns first!"

"Oh! you Mechanicsburg, how we pity you right now!"

"A runaway! They'll never be in sight when we cross the line!"

"The easiest thing ever! Football, baseball, and now rowing; why, you're not in it at all, Mechanicsburg!"

"Sure they are--in the soup!"

However, in spite of all this brave talk, those who taunted theup-river boys understood that it was quite too soon to do much crowing. What if Riverport had succeeded in getting the inside track of theirrivals, so as to turn the upper boat first, that did not mean theothers would lie down, and allow their old-time enemies of many ahard-fought game to triumph over them. Mechanicsburg players had thereputation of being stayers, who would not admit defeat until the lastman was out, or the concluding yard been passed over. 

Doubtless both boats were even now coming down the river at a marvelouspace. The question remained to be seen whether Mechanicsburg couldthrow enough power into their strokes to cut down the lead their rivalshad obtained, and forge ahead as they drew near the goal. 

"Will Colon overdo himself again?"

That was the question one white-faced Riverport boy put to a mate asthey stood there, with their eyes glued on the bend above, around whichthe boats must come flying at any second now. 

"Aw! come off with you, Tatters, " was the immediate and scornful reply;"you know mighty well what made him drop that other time. Hadn't hebeen pretty near drowned the day before, so that his nerves shut up onhim like a jack-knife? He's fit as a fiddle now, they say; and BristlesCarpenter is pulling like a race-horse. You watch and see. We're boundto win this race in a walk. "

"There they come!"

The boats shot around the bend, and it was seen that while Riverportstill held the lead, it was only by a margin of part of a length. Asyet, then, it might be called anybody's race, since a very slight thingwould serve to turn the tables. 

On the river road could be seen the car belonging to Judge Colon, racing along from point to point; and above all other sounds thespectators could hear the sharp, shrill voice of Coach Shays as heshouted words of cheer to his crew; or warned them against somepossible fatal blunder. 

Despite the gruelling pull against the current that had marked thefirst half of the fiercely contested race, both young crews seemed tobe keeping in perfect rhythm with the movements of their coxswains. Anddoubtless those shrewd leaders were keenly on the alert for anyadvantage that might come to them through either a quickening of thepace, if they thought the rowers capable of standing it, or some otherchange in the existing conditions. 

Louder grew the shouts and songs as the two boats came flying down thestream, the young oarsmen pulling like mad to either retain or securean advantage. Hope flickered up again in the hearts of the loyalMechanicsburg rooters, who had well nigh taken a slump when theylearned that their favorites were behind at the half-way boat. 

How they did cheer their boys on! It was enough to almost make anyfellow try to perform impossibilities, and strain himself to thebreaking point, to hear how his comrades were banking all their hopeson him in particular. Loud and dear sounded each name of theMechanicsburg rowers through a megaphone, backed by a voice that hadSemi-Colon's put out of the running:

"Hennessy--Sherley--Harkness--Gould--Smith--Boggs--Waterman--Jones--Wagner--_everybody pull!_"

And they did certainly pull for all they were worth, desperatelyanxious to overcome that half boat-length that still lay between them. 

But, on the other, hand, an equal number of young athletes in the othershell were just as doggedly determined not to yield one inch, if itcould be held by any power of theirs. Brad believed he could call forjust one more little advance in the stroke, and he was only waitinguntil they reached a certain spot marked in his mind as the place wherethe final spurt must be made. 

"Now, Riverport, once more, and for the last time, _give way!_" came inthe shrill tones of the coach. 

Immediately the final spurt was on. Mechanicsburg, too, had beenholding just a mite in reserve for this killing last quarter of a mile. As a consequence, the two boats seemed to retain about the samerelative position as before, despite this change of stroke to a fasterone. 

The excitement ashore, as they drew rapidly nearer the line, wastremendous. Some fellows jumped up and down, waving their hats, andshrieking; while girls swung their colored banners frantically any way, in order to add to the confusion. 

But there was not a single one who would remove their eyes for even asecond from the stirring spectacle of those two shells, spinning sideby side down the river, with only the little space of a second, as itwere, marking the difference between victory and defeat. 

Now they were close on the line, and Mechanicsburg gave one mightypull, as if hoping to send their boat at least level with that of theirantagonists, so that the chances of a tie might be improved. 

"Look at Riverport, would you? They've been keeping it back all thetime!"

"Oh! my, what a spurt! See 'em go, boys! We win! we win! Riverporttakes the race! Hurrah! whoop! R-i-v-e-r-p-o-r-t! Siss! boom! ah!"

Amidst the roar of uncounted voices, the booming of several cannon heldin readiness for just this very purpose, the bleating of horns, andeverything else that could be utilized to create a racket, theRiverport shell shot pass the deciding stakeboat, fully a length aheadof their rivals. 

It had been a clean race, with not a single note of discord. Althoughbeaten, Mechamcsburg had carried their colors with honor; and a mightyshout from friend and foe alike attested to the satisfaction felt byall who had witnessed the close contest. 

CHAPTER XXV

BRIGHT SKIES

Riverport went fairly wild that night over the success of the schoolcrew in the race against the crack oarsmen of Mechanicsburg. Perhapsthere were a few fellows who took little or no satisfaction in thegreat victory. Buck Lemington might be set down as one of these;because, as a rule, Buck never enjoyed seeing his school win, unless hecould be the central attraction, the hero to whom the plaudits of thecheering throngs were mainly given. 

But no one cared much what Buck Lemington thought. Surely Fred Fentonwas of a mind that the Lemingtons, father and son, were soon to berouted, horse, foot and artillery, when the long missing HiramMasterson returned, as he had promised to do in that letter from faraway Hong Kong, and tell all that he knew about the scheme of those inthe syndicate to cheat Mr. Fenton out of his just rights. 

And Bristles, too, was a happy fellow those days. He had known what itwas to taste of the bitterness of having unfounded suspicion cast uponhim. The pleasure of feeling that his name was fully cleared made himsecretly resolve that if he knew it, his mother would never have toexperience the sorrow that was evidently in store for Gabe Larkins'parent, unless that tricky boy changed his ways. 

Nor was Bristles apt to forget that he owed most of his presentcondition of satisfaction to the earnest efforts of his good chum, FredFenton. Who but Fred would have taken it upon himself to interview MissMuster, and get acquainted with the facts in the case? And who but hecould have guessed the identity of the guilty party; which he later onproved so wonderfully well, in the presence of the old maid who had metwith the loss of her precious jewels?

Bristles never told what a siege of suspense he had passed through. Andif there were any curious ones among his mates, who took it uponthemselves to wonder why their usually lively, wide-awake comrademoped, as he had done for a time, they had to take it out in guessing. 

Fred did have one very pleasant little surprise sprung upon him, andwhich made him feel more drawn to the old maid than ever. 

On the very night of the boat race, when the atmosphere of allRiverport was vibrating with parading crowds, and bonfires were alreadyspringing up, to celebrate the great victory of the young oarsmen, Fred, returning home about supper time, found a little packet besidehis plate. 

It had not come by mail, and undoubtedly his mother knew somethingabout who sent or brought it; for there was a glow in her eyes as shewatched him handle it, with a questioning look in his own. 

"Suppose you open it, Fred, instead of trying to guess, " proposed hissister Kate. 

"Well, " he replied, laughingly, "that does seem like a sensible thingfor you to say, Kate. Perhaps I am a little dazed or rattled; whowouldn't be after taking part in such a grand race as that? You werethere, Mom; for I noticed you waving your pocket handkerchief; and Iwager now, you never saw anybody but the Fenton boy who was on thecrew. I say, now, what's all this mean?"

Father, mother, and sister all watching him, Fred had opened the littlepacket; and out upon the table rolled three handsome opals, that seemedto take on all the hues of the rainbow as the light of the evening lampfell upon them. 

He also unrolled a sheet of paper on which were a few lines in a rathercrabbed hand; which Fred would once have said was just like thecharacter of the whimsical old maid herself, but which he now knew mustbe caused by age. 

 "Dear Boy:--I want you to accept these few tokens of my esteem, to know that I shall never forget what you have done to show me how necessary it always should be to look well before you leap. You will make me happy by keeping these, and saying nothing about the folly of

 "Your Old Maid Friend, "Alicia Muster. "

"Just to think, she sends me these valuable opals, because I happenedto help prove that Bristles didn't take her gems, " Fred said, wonderingly, as he looked down at the handsome present that had beengiven to him. 

"Well, I think you earned them, " remarked Mrs. Fenton, proudly; "andwhen your father hears the whole story, which I have only kept fromtelling him because I wanted you to have that pleasure, I'm sure he'llagree with me. Yes, you ought to be a lawyer, Fred. You are cut out fora successful one. "

"And then to think that he was on the crew that beat those smartMechanicsburg fellows, " Kate declared, as though to her mind that factdwarfed everything else; "but, Fred, they are beginning to talk alreadyhow they mean to get even with Riverport this Fall. You know they had afine gymnasium given to them by a rich man, and already they havestarted to practice all sorts of track events. I understand they meanto challenge Riverport to a meet; and having the advantage of thatgymnasium, they expect to pay us back for the times we've beaten them. "

"Oh! they do, eh?" remarked Fred, as though not greatly worried; "well, there will be two who must have a say in that, Riverport as well asMechanicsburg. Perhaps they may turn out to have the better all-'roundathletes; time will tell. "

And time did tell; for the proposed athletic meet came to pass in theFall. What stirring things happened along about that time, as well asthe inspiring incidents connected with the great meet itself, will berecorded in the next story of this series, to be called: "Fred Fentonon the Track; Or, The Athletics of Riverport School. "

Of course the Fentons were looking eagerly forward to the time whenHiram Masterson would redeem his promise to return and testify againstthe overbearing syndicate that was endeavoring to get possession ofthat rich Alaska mine, which had once belonged to Fred's uncle. 

Days might pass, but each one meant in all probability that the missingwitness, abducted by orders of the powerful combination of capitalists, was drawing closer; and every night on his return home Mr. Fenton fullyexpected to find the man from Alaska sitting at the table awaiting hiscoming. 

True, he seemed to have so much knowledge of the almost unlimitedpowers of he syndicate, with which Squire Lemington was connected insome way, that Hiram had declared his intention of coming in some sortof disguise, so that he could give his evidence under oath before hisunscrupulous uncle even knew that he was on this side of the ocean. 

And so, on the whole, those summer days were times of almost unlimitedpleasure to Fred Fenton. After his unsuccessful attempt to burn theracing boat of the Riverport schoolboys, Buck Lemington had remained along time quiet. Possibly he feared that his crony, Conrad Jimmerson, when he was caught in Colon's quaint trap, might have told something ofthe truth before his mouth was closed by hearing that threateningsignal outside. And Buck was waiting now to learn if anything was aboutto be done, in order to bring him to punishment. 

Of course such a nature as his could not remain very quiet for anygreat length of time; and as the days grew into weeks doubtless hisresentment toward Fred would once more become hot. 

Then there would be more exciting times; for when Buck really workedhimself up to a certain pitch, things were apt to happen. 

The boys and girls of Riverport always did manage to have a good timeduring the summer holidays. True, there could be no singing school, anddances in the barn, such as winter brought along in its train; noskating on the river, sleighing over country roads with a pretty girlalongside, and the merry chime of bells in the air; but then picnicswere held every little while; and as for the group of boys who somehowlooked upon Fred as a sort of leader, there was hardly a weekday duringthe entire vacation that they did not go fishing, or at least pay avisit to the old "swimming hole. "

When together, Bristles and Fred often talked about the affair of theopals. The latter said that his aunt kept in constant touch with GabeLarkins, and seemed to be gaining considerable influence over the wildlad. 

"I don't just know whether he means to reform, or is only pulling thewool over Aunt Alicia's eyes, " Bristles declared; "but, anyhow, heseems to be walking a straight line now. Why, his mother told mine justyesterday that she didn't know what had come over Gabe, he was thatconsiderate of her feelings nowadays. She wondered if he could befeeling ill, and expectin' to die. But maw just told her not to worry;that she reckoned he was only feelin' sorry because he'd been so bad inthe past. "

"I hope he means it, " said Fred, with considerable earnestness in hisvoice. "It's a pretty hard thing for the leopard to change his spots, father says; but if Gabe does turn over a new leaf, he certainly oughtto be helped by everybody. "

"Oh!" said Bristles, quickly, "I stopped and shook hands with him thelast time we met. And say, Fred, there did seem to be something alittle different about his eyes; looked me square in the face, and youknow he used to be seeing somethin' over your head every time before. Iwonder now does it mean anything?"

But that again was another thing that only time could prove. WhetherGabe did really see a light, and mean to change his ways, or wasplaying a foxy game for some purpose, there could be no way of telling, until he chose to come out into the open. 

Here, with the horizon looking so bright for those in whose fortunes wehave come to feel such a deep interest, it may be as well for us to saygood-bye for the present, and leave a further recital of theiradventures and contests to another time. 

THE END

THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES

By CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. 

All lads who love life in the open air and a good steed, will want toperuse these books. Captain Carson knows his subject thoroughly, andhis stories are as pleasing as they are healthful and instructive. 

THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES _or Lost on Thunder Mountain_

Telling how the lads started out to solve the mystery of a great noisein the mountains--how they got lost--and of the things they discovered. 

THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON _or The Hermit of the Cave_

A weird and wonderful story of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, toldin a most absorbing manner. The Saddle Boys are to the front in amanner to please all young readers. 

THE SADDLE BOYS ON THE PLAINS _or After a Treasure of Gold_

In this story the scene is shifted to the great plains of the southwestand then to the Mexican border. There is a stirring struggle for gold, told as only Captain Carson can tell it. 

THE SADDLE BOYS AT CIRCLE RANCH _or In at the Grand Round-up_

Here we have lively times at the ranch, and likewise the particulars ofa grand round-up of cattle and encounters with wild animals and alsocattle thieves. A story that breathes the very air of the plains. 

THE SADDLE BOYS ON MEXICAN TRAILS _or In the Hands of the Enemy_

The scene is shifted in this volume to Mexico. The boys go on animportant errand, and are caught between the lines of the Mexicansoldiers. They are captured and for a while things look black for them;but all ends happily. 

CUPPLES & LEON CO. , Publishers, NEW YORK

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES

By ROY ROCKWOOD

Author of "The Dave Dashaway Series, " "Great Marvel Series, " etc. 

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. 

All boys who love to be on the go will welcome the Speed well boys. They are clean cut and loyal lads. 

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS ON MOTOR CYCLES _or The Mystery of a Great Conflagration_

The lads were poor, but they did a rich man a great service and hepresented them with their motor cycles. What a great fire led to isexceedingly well told. 

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO _or A Run for the Golden Cup_

A tale of automobiling and of intense rivalry on the road. There was anendurance run and the boys entered the contest. On the run they roundedup some men who were wanted by the law. 

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH _or To the Rescue of the Castaways_

Here is an unusual story. There was a wreck, and the lads, in theirpower launch, set out to the rescue. A vivid picture of a great stormadds to the interest of the tale. 

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE _or The Lost Treasure of Rocky Cove_

An old sailor knows of a treasure lost under water because of a clifffalling into the sea. The boys get a chance to go out in a submarineand they make a hunt for the treasure. 

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR ICE RACER _or The Perils of a Great Blizzard_

The boys had an idea for a new sort of iceboat, to be run by combinedwind and motor power. How they built the craft, and what fine timesthey had on board of it, is well related. 

CUPPLES & LEON CO. , Publishers, NEW YORK

THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES

By ALLEN CHAPMAN

Author of "The Tom Fairfield Series, " "The Boys of Pluck Series" and"The Darewell Chums Series. "

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. 

A line of tales embracing school athletics. Fred is a true type of theAmerican schoolboy of to-day. 

FRED FENTON THE PITCHER _or The Rivals of Riverport School_

When Fred came to Riverport none of the school lads knew him, but hespeedily proved his worth in the baseball box. A true picture of schoolbaseball. 

FRED FENTON IN THE LINE _or The Football Boys of Riverport School_

When Fall came in the thoughts of the boys turned to football. Fredwent in the line, and again proved his worth, making a run that helpedto win a great game. 

FRED FENTON ON THE CREW _or The Young Oarsmen of Riverport School_

In this volume the scene is shifted to the river, and Fred and hischums show how they can handle the oars. There are many otheradventures, all dear to the hearts of boys. 

FRED FENTON ON THE TRACK _or The Athletes of Riverport School_

Track athletics form a subject of vast interest to many boys, and hereis a tale telling of great running races, high jumping, and the like. Fred again proves himself a hero in the best sense of that term. 

FRED FENTON: MARATHON RUNNER or _The Great Race at Riverport School_

Fred is taking a post-graduate course at the school when the subject ofMarathon running came up. A race is arranged, and Fred shows both hisfriends and his enemies what he can do. An athletic story of specialmerit. 

CUPPLES & LEON CO. , Publishers, NEW YORK

THE TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES

By ALLEN CHAPMAN

Author of the "Fred Fenton Athletic Series, " "The Boys of PluckSeries, " and "The Darewell Chums Series. "

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. 

Tom Fairfield is a typical American lad, full of life and energy, a boywho believes in doing things. To know Tom is to love him. 

TOM FAIRFIELD'S SCHOOLDAYS _or The Chums of Elmwood Hall_

Tells of how Tom started for school, of the mystery surrounding one ofthe Hall seniors, and of how the hero went to the rescue. The firstbook in a line that is bound to become decidedly popular. 

TOM FAIRFIELD AT SEA _or The Wreck of the Silver Star_

Tom's parents had gone to Australia and then been cast away somewherein the Pacific. Tom set out to find them and was himself cast away. Athrilling picture of the perils of the deep. 

TOM FAIRFIELD IN CAMP _or The Secret of the Old Mill_

The boys decided to go camping, and located near an old mill. A wildman resided there and he made it decidedly lively for Tom and hischums. The secret of the old mill adds to the interest of the volume. 

TOM FAIRFIELD'S PLUCK AND LUCK _or Working to Clear His Name_

While Tom was back at school some of his enemies tried to get him intotrouble. Something unusual occurred and Tom was suspected of a crime. How he set to work to clear his name is told in a manner to interestall young readers. 

TOM FAIRFIELD'S HUNTING TRIP _or Lost in the Wilderness_

Tom was only a schoolboy, but he loved to use a shotgun or a rifle. Inthis volume we meet him on a hunting trip full of outdoor life and goodtimes around the camp-fire. 

CUPPLES & LEON CO. , Publishers, NEW YORK

THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES

By ROY ROCKWOOD

Author of the "Speedwell Boys Series" and the "Great Marvel Series. "

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. 

Never was there a more clever young aviator than Dave Dashaway. Allup-to-date lads will surely wish to read about him. 

DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR _or In the Clouds for Fame and Fortune_

This initial volume tells how the hero ran away from his miserlyguardian, fell in with a successful airman, and became a young aviatorof note. 

DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS HYDROPLANE _or Daring Adventures Over the Great Lakes_

Showing how Dave continued his career as a birdman and had manyadventures over the Great Lakes, and how he foiled the plans of someCanadian smugglers. 

DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP _or A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic_

How the giant airship was constructed and how the daring young aviatorand his friends made the hazardous journey through the clouds from thenew world to the old, is told in a way to hold the reader spellbound. 

DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD _or A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many Nations_

An absorbing tale of a great air flight around the world, of adventuresin Alaska, Siberia and elsewhere. A true to life picture of what may beaccomplished in the near future. 

DAVE DASHAWAY: AIR CHAMPION _or Wizard Work in the Clouds_

Dave makes several daring trips, and then enters a contest for a bigprize. An aviation tale thrilling in the extreme. 

CUPPLES & LEON CO. , Publishers, NEW YORK

THE WEBSTER SERIES

By FRANK V. WEBSTER

Mr. WEBSTER'S style is very much like that of the boys' favoriteauthor, the late lamented Horatio Alger, Jr. , but his tales arethoroughly up-to-date. 

Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated. Stamped in variouscolors. 

Price per volume, 65 cents, postpaid. 

Only A Farm Boy _or Dan Hardy's Rise in Life_

The Boy From The Ranch _or Roy Bradner's City Experiences_

The Young Treasure Hunter _or Fred Stanley's Trip to Alaska_

The Boy Pilot of the Lakes _or Nat Morton's Perils_

Tom The Telephone Boy _or The Mystery of a Message_

Bob The Castaway _or The Wreck of the Eagle_

The Newsboy Partners _or Who Was Dick Bost_

Two Boy Gold Miners _or Lost in the Mountains_

The Young Firemen of Lakeville _or Herbert Dare's Pluck_

The Boys of Bellwood School _or Frank Jordan's Triumph_

Jack the Runaway _or On the Road with a Circus_

Bob Chester's Grit _or From Ranch to Riches_

Airship Andy _or The Luck of a Brave Boy_

High School Rivals _or Fred Markham's Struggles_

Dairy The Life Saver _or The Heroes of the Coast_

Dick The Bank Boy _or A Missing Fortune_

Ben Hardy's Flying Machine _or Making a Record for Himself_

Harry Watson's High School Days _or The Rivals of Rivertown_

Comrades of the Saddle _or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains_

Tom Taylor at West Point _or The Old Army Officer's Secret_

The Boy Scouts of Lennox _or Hiking Over Big Bear Mountain_

The Boys of the Wireless _or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep_

Cowboy Dave _or The Round-up at Rolling River_

Jack of the Pony Express _or The Young Rider of the Mountain Trail_

The Boys of the Battleship _or For the Honor of Uncle Sam_

CUPPLES & LEON CO. , Publishers, NEW YORK