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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1436da0 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68459 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68459) diff --git a/old/68459-0.txt b/old/68459-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8540068..0000000 --- a/old/68459-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7889 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Rambler Club's motor car, by W. -Crispin Sheppard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Rambler Club's motor car - -Author: W. Crispin Sheppard - -Release Date: July 4, 2022 [eBook #68459] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The - Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S MOTOR -CAR *** - - -[Illustration: A CHORUS OF GOOD-BYES] - - - - - The Rambler Club’s - Motor Car - - BY W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD - - - AUTHOR OF - - “THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S WINTER CAMP” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB AMONG THE LUMBERJACKS” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S GOLD MINE” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S AEROPLANE” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S HOUSE-BOAT” - “THE RAMBLER CLUB’S BALL NINE” - - Illustrated by the Author - - [Illustration] - - THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY - PHILADELPHIA - MCMXIII - - - - - COPYRIGHT - 1913 BY - THE PENN - PUBLISHING - COMPANY - - - - -Introduction - - -The various adventures which have befallen Bob Somers and his fellow -members of the club which the boys formed at Kingswood, Wisconsin, are -related in “The Rambler Club Afloat,” “The Rambler Club’s Winter Camp,” -“The Rambler Club in the Mountains,” “The Rambler Club on Circle T -Ranch,” “The Rambler Club among the Lumberjacks,” “The Rambler Club’s -Gold Mine,” “The Rambler Club’s Aeroplane” and “The Rambler Club’s -House-Boat.” - -Bob Somers, Dave Brandon and Tom Clifton, three members of the club, -have reached Chicago, homeward bound after a trip up the Hudson. The -characters of the boys are widely different. Bob Somers is strong and -athletic, while stout Dave Brandon, inclined to take his ease on all -possible occasions, can be remarkably active when circumstances demand. -Tom Clifton, a trifle self-conscious, and sometimes allowing his -enthusiasm to carry him away, is really not so vain as many think. - -Dave Brandon, poet and historian of the club, who is chronicling the -various incidents and adventures that befall them, feels that their -present motor car trip will add but little to his book. A series of -unlooked-for events, however, quite reverse this idea. - -In the next book, “The Rambler Club’s Ball Nine,” is told the story of -certain incidents at the Kingswood high school. Several of the best -players have graduated, and in their attempts to reorganize the team -the Ramblers find themselves involved in a stormy and exciting struggle. - - W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD. - - - - -Contents - - - I. OFF TO WISCONSIN 9 - - II. THE FIRST LAP 20 - - III. THE “FEARLESS” 31 - - IV. THE CIRCUS 38 - - V. GEORGY, THE GIANT 45 - - VI. JOE RODGERS 59 - - VII. DESERTED 74 - - VIII. TOM AT THE WHEEL 88 - - IX. SPEEDING 104 - - X. THE CONSTABLE 112 - - XI. GETTING A JOB 125 - - XII. THE NEW BARKER 137 - - XIII. UNDER THE BIG TOP 150 - - XIV. THE WHALEBACK 169 - - XV. AN UNEXPECTED VOYAGE 178 - - XVI. TOM SCORES 189 - - XVII. ELEPHANTS 203 - - XVIII. A ROUGH TRIP 215 - - XIX. DAVE DOES SOME RIDING 229 - - XX. VIC TURNS UP 243 - - XXI. EXPLANATIONS 251 - - XXII. DAVE RESIGNS 259 - - XXIII. THE ARM OF THE LAW 279 - - XXIV. THE JUDGE INTERFERES 292 - - XXV. JOE’S CHANCE 301 - - - - -Illustrations - - - PAGE - - A CHORUS OF GOOD-BYES _Frontispiece_ - - “ARE YOU WORKING FOR THE CIRCUS?” 71 - - “STEAMER COMING,” HE ANNOUNCED 175 - - “LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELVES, BOYS” 201 - - HE SPRANG TO HIS PLACE 284 - - - - -The Rambler Club’s Motor Car - - - - -CHAPTER I - -OFF TO WISCONSIN - - -On the steps of a house on Michigan Avenue, Chicago, not far from -Thirtieth Street, Victor Collins stood gazing up and down the wide -thoroughfare. There was an expression in his eyes which seemed to -indicate an earnest and expectant state of mind. - -The steps belonged to a fine mansion with handsome columns on either -side of the entrance and an ornate balcony above. Everything suggested -that the neighborhood was the home of wealth and aristocracy. Even the -lad on the steps fitted perfectly into the picture. His rather small, -slight figure was dressed in a natty brown suit, while a cap--a very -large checkered cap--rested jauntily on his neatly brushed hair. Victor -Collins’ features were well proportioned, although the curves were -rather too dainty, perhaps, to suit the idea of some critical lads. - -Victor was becoming impatient. Impatience was one of his principal -characteristics. Waiting is tedious. So Victor tilted his cap far -back, the process revealing two frowning lines on his forehead which, -considering his age, should never have existed. - -Fortunately for the lad’s peace of mind, however, the vigorous honk, -honk of a motor car, rising above all other sounds in the street, -suddenly caused his gaze to become centered upon the approaching -machine. - -“Well, thank goodness, here they are at last!” he exclaimed, joyfully. - -Running down the steps he reached the curb just as a big touring car -swung up alongside and came to a stop. - -“All ready, Victor?” called the chauffeur, a broad-shouldered, -healthy-looking lad, leaping to the ground. - -There was no answer, because at the same instant three other boys, with -much noise and laughter, began climbing out. - -The youngest was very tall and thin, and this was accentuated by the -stoutness of a broadly smiling lad who stood close beside him. The -fourth member of the group, a slender, sandy-haired boy, appeared to -be about sixteen. His broad forehead and delicately chiseled features -suggested fine intellect. - -The first three, Bob Somers, Tom Clifton and Dave Brandon, were members -of the Rambler Club, who, having made a house-boat trip up the Hudson, -had reached Chicago en route to Wisconsin. Charlie Blake, their -companion, a classmate, often referred to as the “grind,” on account of -his studious habits, was on a visit to his friend, Victor Collins. - -It naturally followed that the Ramblers, happening to be in Chicago at -the same time, received an invitation to visit the Collins mansion. And -it also followed that, as the Ramblers were going to have the use of a -seven passenger touring car, Victor Collins was more than pleased to -meet them. - -Mr. Somers, Bob’s father, having motored to Chicago on business, -returned by train, leaving the car at a garage, so that the boys might -use it for the remainder of the journey to Kingswood, Wisconsin, their -home. - -When Victor Collins learned of this intention he instantly announced a -determination to go with the crowd as far as Kenosha. - -“You see,” he explained to Bob Somers, “my Uncle Ralph lives there; -and he owns the dandiest motor yacht your eyes ever looked upon. He’s -invited me to take a trip to Milwaukee. Talk about sport!” - -So the morning had come when Victor’s anticipations were about to be -realized. - -“You’re all as brown as a bunch of street cleaners,” he remarked, after -salutations had been exchanged. “I don’t believe that sun-tinting will -ever wear off, either. Hello, Hannibal, hello!” - -He turned and faced the house. - -A very dignified colored man, wearing an immaculately clean apron, had -opened the door and was standing with a large suit case in his hand. - -“Bring it down and chuck it into the car,” commanded Victor. - -“An awful lot of stuff for a short trip,” remarked Tom. “You ought to -throw out half.” - -“Fade away,” retorted Victor. “There’s another one coming.” - -“Mercy!” snickered Tom. “Why don’t you bring a department store along?” - -Hannibal made short work of depositing the heavy suit cases in the -tonneau. Then, grinning broadly, he drew forth a letter and handed it -to Charlie Blake. - -“It am just come, suh,” he explained. - -“The handwriting spells Kirk Talbot’s name as loud as those checks on -Victor’s cap, fellows,” cried Blake. - -“Kirk Talbot?” queried Tom, interestedly. “We met Kirk often on one of -our trips. Remember, Bob?” - -Bob did, and smiled. - -“I’m sorry that he and Nat Wingate won’t be back in the school this -term,” he remarked. “By the way, Dave, we’ll have to hustle to catch up -with our studies.” - -“Don’t mention it, Bob. Just think of how the doors of that school are -yawning for us even now.” - -“They’ll have to yawn a mighty big, wide yawn for you,” said Victor. - -“Go ahead, Charlie, read that letter out loud,” cried Tom. - -Blake was soon smiling broadly. - -“Kirk has a few interesting knocks to hand out, Bob,” he chuckled. -“Just listen: - - “‘DEAR CHARLIE:-- - - “‘Your last effusion is lying on my desk. So you are actually going - to meet Bob Somers and his chums! Say, don’t those chaps manage - to have the finest time ever, with their aeroplanes, house-boats, - automobiles and a dash of cowboy life in between! - - “‘And you are going to motor back to Kingswood with them! That’s - great. - - “‘But I’ve got a bit of news which ought to make Bob Somers sit up - and take notice. Nat Wingate and I have formed a football team. Yes, - it’s true. There’s a lot of good material going to waste here in - town. And the high school team has had its own way so long it’s time - somebody took them down a peg. And though we really hate to do it - those chaps are in for the worst drubbing of their career, and we’re - even talking about a ball nine next spring.’” - - “Are we going to stay here all day?” grumbled Victor. - - “Just a few moments, Vic,” laughed Charlie, resuming: - - “‘Now that Nat Wingate has gone those high school chaps are like an - army without a general.’” - - “Huh!” remarked Tom, frowning slightly. - - “‘Now, Charlie, here’s what Nat and I think. Bob Somers and his - Rambler crowd may be pretty good at bowling over grizzlies, - collecting panther skins, or busting bronchos, but when it comes to - either football or baseball----’” - - “Well, I like that!” broke in Tom indignantly. - - “Prepare yourself for the worst,” laughed Charlie. “Listen to this: - - “‘I guess they are simply out of the running?’” - - “Did you ever, Bob Somers!” cried Tom. “The nerve of him!” - - “Oh, don’t worry. I guess the high school eleven can take care of any - crowd he brings,” said Bob. - - “There are some pretty good baseball players, though, in Kingswood,” - said Tom. “I guess it’s up to us to take hold next spring and put a - little ginger into our crowd.” - - “You haven’t quite the shape for a ball player, Clifton,” remarked - Victor, with a critical stare. - - “Humph!” sniffed Tom. - - “For goodness’ sake, finish that letter, Blake,” continued Victor, - with a grin. - - “‘I hear that the Kingswood High has a chance to get an athletic - field,’” read Charlie. “‘Mr. Rupert Barry owns a large plot of ground - which ought to make a dandy ball park. But, so far, it is only a - rumor, and maybe a silly one, at that. You would think so if you saw - some of the playing the K. H. S. has done recently. - - “‘Tell Bob Somers what I said. Good-bye and good luck. - - “‘Your old chum, - “‘KIRK.’” - -“A nice long letter,” drawled Dave. - -“Is that all you have to say about it?” demanded Tom. - -“Well, Tom,” said Dave, slowly, “your suggestion needs consideration.” - -“You haven’t quite the shape for a ball player either, Brandon,” said -Victor. - -“Goodness--Dave’s turn now!” snickered Tom. “What kind of a figure must -a ball tosser have, anyway?” - -“Somers is about right,” answered Victor, calmly. “But a chap that is -either all bones or all fat won’t do.” - -“We’ll show you some day,” snapped Tom, hotly. - -Baseball was a rather sore subject with Charlie Blake. He had tried it -the season before, but lack of confidence in himself speedily caused -him to drop out of the game. - -Some of the boys who were not of a very considerate nature concluded -that Charlie had a yellow streak, and, at this point, Bob Somers earned -Blake’s everlasting gratitude by sticking manfully to him. - -“Say,” remarked the latter, rather dolefully, “I’m sorry I didn’t make -good on the nine last year. I certainly tried hard enough.” - -“Maybe you didn’t have the right kind of a figure,” said Tom, with -tremendous sarcasm. - -“A nice thing to waste all this time,” grunted Victor. “We ought to be -burning up some of those country roads.” - -“That’s right,” laughed Bob Somers. “Pile in, fellows.” - -His eyes sparkled as they ran over the graceful lines of the big -touring machine. It was finished in a deep, rich red, relieved by -touches of darker color. Polished lamps, steering gear and levers, in -places, shot back the rays of the early morning sun. - -It was something to feel that they were actually in possession of such -a magnificent car--theirs to command, theirs to take them where they -willed, and theirs to defy distance, time, and railroads. - -Mrs. Collins was looking out of a second story window. - -An instant later, Victor, from his place on the rear cushion, shouted: - -“Good-bye, mother!” - -“Have you all those warm wraps and the umbrella I told you to take?” -she called. - -“Yes, mother!” - -“And that bottle of beef tea, and your raincoat?” - -“Yes, mother!” - -“And will you be sure to use the cough medicine in case you catch cold?” - -“Yes, mother!” - -“Well, do be careful, Victor. And don’t fail to send a card home this -afternoon.” - -Victor promised, his face glowing with anticipation. - -“We are going to have a ripping time, mother!” he shouted. “Hooray! Let -her whizz, Somers!” - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE FIRST LAP - - -The crisp staccato notes of the motor suddenly drowned the sound of his -voice. From the exhaust poured a bluish haze of gasoline vapor. The car -apparently became vibrant with life and energy. Then, as the rapid-fire -roar quickly lessened to a low musical drone, Bob Somers threw in the -clutch. - -In the midst of a chorus of good-byes, the motor car began to glide -smoothly away, and, upon looking back, the boys saw the lady at the -window waving her handkerchief. - -“Oh, isn’t this just stunning!” cried Victor. “Hit it up, Somers.” - -Row after row of residences seemed to be drawn swiftly toward them and -sent slipping behind. At each street crossing Bob slowed up, allowing -the boys momentary views of Lake Michigan, only a short distance away. - -The few vehicles and pedestrians about appeared as mere crawling things -whenever the high-powered car leaped forward in obedience to the -summons of its master’s hand. - -Victor Collins experienced a delightful sense of ease and comfort as he -watched the passing show with all the zest and interest that novelty -often brings. - -“Go it, Somers, go it!” he urged. “Whoop it up like sixty!” - -“Restraint and caution should ever be the chauffeur’s watchword,” -drawled Dave. - -“That’s what I think, too,” approved Charlie. - -“In cities they always have so many laws to bother a chap,” grumbled -Tom. “Why, when we were in Wyoming----” - -“Oh, forget it, son,” interrupted Victor. “This beats all your old -cowboy business to pieces.” - -The residential section of Michigan Avenue had been passed. The motor -car was now swinging along by the side of Grant Park. Out over the -lake they could see that the stiff breeze was kicking up the water -into choppy waves and tossing about several small boats whose sails -cut crisply white against the background. The far-reaching stretch of -water, in the early morning light, became lost in a scintillating haze -which dazzled the eye. - -“The clouds are piling up,” remarked Dave. “I guess we’ll have some -stormy weather soon.” - -A succession of views passed so rapidly that the eye could take in -only their salient features. Almost before they realized it the boys -were being carried across the Chicago River. One look showed them an -insignificant tug struggling valiantly with a huge, clumsy barge, a -myriad of masts, a kaleidoscopic effect of hulls, docks and buildings, -with here and there clouds of smoke and steam. Then all was whirled -behind them. - -“What time shall we get to Kenosha, Somers?” demanded Victor. - -“About one o’clock, if everything goes well,” answered Bob. - -He put on his goggles, for occasionally the breeze brought with it a -shower of flying particles. - -“Good! Then we can slip over to Uncle Ralph’s motor yacht. Did you -speak, sir?” - -“I did,” answered Tom, with dignity. “I said it might be a good idea -for the bunch to stop over night at Kenosha.” - -“They might stand for you that long,” grinned Victor. - -“The question is: can we stand for it?” - -“Maybe we’ll see you at Milwaukee,” broke in Charlie. “Too bad, Vic, -you’re not going to stick with us all the way. You’d never catch me -going on any yacht.” - -“Why not?” - -“I can’t swim.” - -“Well, Uncle Ralph wouldn’t expect you to swim. Anyway, you ought to be -ashamed to admit it.” - -“Bet you can’t, either.” - -“Your remark is irrelevant, as the lawyers say,” laughed Victor. “I -never yet felt a bit nervous in the water.” - -“Where did you ever paddle about, I’d like to know?” - -“Oh, in a tub.” - -“Fellows, we’re coming to Lincoln Park, one of the finest in Chicago,” -laughed Charlie. - -“Nothing like having your own sightseeing car,” observed Dave. - -“I guess the people around here think they are seeing sights,” giggled -Victor. “With those glasses on, Somers, you look like the speed king -himself. Just wait till I get my hands on the throttle--if there’s a -mile of straight road in front I’ll drive her up to sixty.” - -“Huh! This car has to go all the way to Wisconsin,” sniffed Tom. “We -don’t want to have to telegraph any scrap iron dealer to hurry out and -shovel up the pieces--eh, Bob?” - -“Eh, Bob!” repeated Victor, “eh, Bob! How many times a day do you get -that off? The great chauffeur and his brave passenger, Clifton! Let -Charlie take the helm. He’ll drive slowly enough to suit you.” - -Tom’s eyes gleamed ominously. - -“Talking about speed! Why, in Wyoming, where we didn’t have any old -laws to think about----” - -“Oh, why is Wyoming!” chuckled Victor. “What a state it must be to have -no laws.” - -“Oh ho, this park is a refreshing sight,” broke in Dave--“a little -oasis in the midst of mortar, brick and stone. Slow up a bit, Bob, so -that we may have a better chance to enjoy the contemplation of nature.” - -“You talk like a botany book, Brandon,” grunted Victor. “See here, -Somers!” - -“Well?” - -“Never better, thank you. Let me try my hand at driving?” - -Victor’s tone indicated an expectation that his wishes would be acceded -to without objection. At home he had been so long accustomed to having -his own way that submission to his imperious demands had come to be -expected as a matter of course. - -Charlie Blake looked alarmed. - -“Going to do it, Bob?” he asked. - -“Of course he’s going to do it,” grinned Victor, satirically. “Aren’t -you, Bob?” - -“Not until we get eighty-six miles from nowhere,” Tom put in. - -“I hardly think so, Vic,” answered Bob, good-naturedly. - -Victor’s expression indicated his displeasure. - -“All right then--I’ll let it go now; but just wait till we get out in -the open country,” he grumbled. - -“There’s a coolness in the air,” remarked Tom. - -He looked quizzically toward Victor. - -“A storm is brewing,” said Dave, absent-mindedly. - -Presently the park was left behind. On and on sped the motor car. There -was so much to see and so little time to see it in that the brain of -each lad held only a confused impression of many buildings, of trees -and grassy stretches, and shining patches of lake. - -“What place is this we are coming to?” cried Tom, at length. - -“Evanston,” answered Victor. - -Some of the citizens were mildly astonished to see a great touring car -containing five lads whirling through the town. - -“Hi, hi! catch on to the joy riders!” yelled a small boy. “Where’d you -get it?” - -“No time to answer questions, sonny,” screeched Victor. “This is the -lightning express, the speediest wagon in the state, with Somers, the -slow-speed wizard, at the throttle. Whoop-la!” - -Evanston was quickly left behind. Then came a succession of small -towns along the lake front. The sky was now almost entirely overcast. -Near the horizon rested a mass of clouds of a murky, yellowish hue -which seemed to impart to the distant water some of its own threatening -aspect. - -At Waukegan the boys stopped for lunch. - -A curious look came over Victor Collins’ face as Tom, with an air of -much importance, sprang into the chauffeur’s seat. - -“Jehoshaphat! Get out of that!” he exclaimed. “You’re not going to -chauf.” - -“Of course I am!” snapped Tom. - -“Then it’s my turn next.” - -“But you don’t know how.” - -“What!” scoffed Victor. “Anybody can do it. How many lessons did it -take before you learned how to blow the horn?” - -Tom, uttering a snort of indignation, threw in the clutch, for by this -time the others were in their places. - -The car had traveled over a mile before Victor spoke again. - -“Say, Somers”--his tone was very mild and sweet--“you’ll let me drive, -won’t you--just a little way?” - -“A revolution is coming,” murmured Charlie. - -“I’m afraid not, Victor,” answered Bob. “It’s too risky.” - -“How about Clifton? He hasn’t run into anything yet.” - -“Tom took a course of instruction.” - -“Come now, Somers, what are you afraid of?” Victor’s eyes were -snapping. He leaned over and touched Dave on the shoulder. “See here, -Brandon, say a word for me. I want to chauf.” - -“It is not so written in the book of destiny,” laughed Dave. -“Experience and wisdom teach us that. Experience is sometimes necessary -before wisdom can be acquired.” - -“Oh, bosh!” - -Victor brought out the words with angry emphasis. There was nothing -in Dave’s expression to give him encouragement, and his eye caught a -twitch of amusement on Tom Clifton’s lips. - -It acted upon his impetuous nature somewhat after the fashion of the -spark that explodes the gasoline vapor. - -On the impulse of the moment, he seized Dave Brandon’s cap and hurled -it spitefully upon the road. - -“That’s what you get for sassing me, you big, fat Indian,” he howled. -“Go and pick it up.” - -The stout lad stilled a roar of protest which began to pour from Tom’s -lips. - -“Never mind, fellows.” His smiling face showed no sign of ruffled -feelings. “I wanted a chance to stretch my legs. Thanks, Vic.” - -As the motor car came to a halt, he laid his hand on the door. - -Victor Collins looked at him curiously. Almost on the instant he felt a -twinge of regret at his childish action. He heartily wished that Dave -had flown into a rage. Then, after a snappy exchange of compliments--at -which pastime he considered himself well able to hold his own--things -might have quieted down without so much loss to his dignity. - -Dave’s unexpected calmness, however, made him feel uncomfortably small, -so he did what he usually did when things failed to go in a way that -suited him--began to sulk. - -Dave “stretched his legs” for a good five minutes. Then the motor -car began to roll forward again. Tom didn’t scorch exactly--he knew -that Bob Somers’ watchful eye was upon him--but several times Charlie -Blake’s nerves received severe jolts, as trees and telegraph poles by -the roadside seemed to be whirled by with bewildering rapidity. - -“Kenosha, Wisconsin, fellows!” exclaimed Bob, at length, half rising -from his seat. - -“Kenosha!” echoed all but Victor. - -“The first lap of our journey is done!” cried Dave. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE “FEARLESS” - - -Leaving the motor car at a garage, the boys made their way to the -harbor. Down by the river they found a great deal to attract their -attention. Factories with tall chimneys sent columns of smoke whirling -upward; schooners, barges and a number of smaller craft were moored -along the stream; and these, together with picturesque buildings, big -lumber sheds or great pilings presented so many pleasing combinations -to the eye that the artistic soul of Dave was enraptured. - -The smell of fresh water was in the air, and along with it came a faint -odor of things belonging to shipping. The gurgle and splash of lapping -waves and the creaking of boats vainly tugging at their moorings formed -a steady accompaniment to the occasional puffing of passing tugs or the -hoarse blasts of whistles. - -Close alongside a big lumber schooner the boys, who had taken turns in -carrying Victor’s heavy luggage, finally discovered the motor yacht -“Fearless.” - -A big, burly man busy at some work on the wharf looked up as they -approached. - -Captain Ralph Bunderley had been successively the master of a barge, a -coastwise schooner and a windjammer on the Atlantic. Having been left -a comfortable fortune by a relative, he finally retired from the sea, -but, feeling that to get away from the sight of land occasionally was -as necessary to him as water to a fish, he had built a motor yacht some -sixty feet in length designed for speed, as well as to withstand the -rough weather on the lake. - -Victor, still in a surly mood, felt considerably embarrassed, for Uncle -Ralph, attired in a suit of faded blue overalls and a greasy cap, gave -more the impression of being a man out of a job than one of the richest -citizens in the community. - -The boy glanced slyly around to see if any of his companions were -wearing suspicious grins, but, to his relief, they were too busily -engaged in inspecting the graceful lines of the motor yacht to pay -attention to the captain’s appearance. - -Uncle Ralph cordially shook hands. His bluff, hearty way caught the -fancy of the crowd, and before long they were talking together like old -acquaintances. - -“There is certainly a lot of class to that cruiser, captain!” exclaimed -Tom, in his gruff tones, “and I’ll bet it can go some, too.” - -“Over twenty miles an hour,” answered Uncle Ralph, smilingly. “We’ll go -aboard now.” He raised his voice. “Hey, you Phil Malone!” - -Like a jack-in-the-box, a face popped quickly to one of the cabin -port-holes. - -“That’s Phil,” explained the captain. “My first mate, I call him--a -bashful young chap, especially among strangers. Consider yourselves -introduced.” - -The boys heard a few mumbling words. Then the face disappeared. - -The “Fearless,” a raised deck cruiser with a rakish bow, painted a -creamy white, and relieved here and there by touches of blue and gold, -made a striking appearance against the background of restless water. -Like a racer impatient for the start she strained and tugged at her -cables, occasionally rolling slightly as heavier onslaughts of choppy -waves gurgled and splashed against her hull. - -Before the crowd could set foot on deck Phil Malone appeared. He was -tall and angular, with red hair, a long, gaunt face and deep-set -eyes. He looked at his visitors with such a comical expression of -astonishment that Victor, forgetting his ill-humor for the moment, -burst into a hearty laugh. - -“You never expected to see a bunch of Indians like this, hey, Phil?” he -asked. - -“Naw--I--I sure didn’t,” agreed Phil, as he diffidently backed away. - -“Here now, don’t you run off. Give us a song.” - -“Let Phil alone,” commanded Uncle Ralph. “Singing isn’t his forte. He’s -better at polishing brass.” - -“Clifton has an awful lot that needs attention,” mumbled Victor. - -“Oh, I say, fellows, this isn’t seeing the yacht,” broke in Bob. - -“Let the inspection begin at once,” returned Captain Bunderley, with a -smile. - -They followed him to the companionway and then down into the dining -saloon. - -Standing in the cozy interior the boys with the exception of Victor -voiced their enthusiasm in words that brought forth chuckles of -satisfaction from the old salt’s lips. - -Never did woodwork, or door-knobs, or furnishings appear more -spotlessly clean than those revealed by the cold gray rays streaming -through the open port-holes. - -“These,” remarked Captain Bunderley--he indicated the ports--“are -provided with heavy plate glass and can be so locked as to make them -practically water-tight. With ordinary windows, after a heavy sea has -been pounding against the boat for several hours, the cabin would -probably be in a mess.” Walking across the floor, he opened a door. -“Let me introduce you to the engine room and galley.” - -“Phil’s the galley-slave,” confided Victor, in a loud whisper. - -“Who’s the engineer, captain?” asked Bob. - -“Jack Stubbs, a sailor I had with me on many a sea voyage. Martin Ricks -is the helmsman.” - -“Now, uncle, please show the bunch your stateroom,” put in Victor. - -The captain led them to a passageway abaft the engine room, presently -stepping into a compartment finished in enamel white. - -“This is enough to make even me feel like becoming a skipper,” -commented Dave. - -“If only it weren’t so dreadfully dangerous,” ventured Charlie Blake. - -“Certainly would be with him as skipper,” piped Victor. - -Out in the open air again the crowd found an awning extending from -the stern to a point where the raised deck began. Dave expressed the -opinion that it must be very delightful to sit there on a pleasant day, -with the water sparkling in the sunlight and a gentle breeze sighing -past. - -“I guess some howling blasts would make you the sigher, instead,” -laughed Victor. - -“Say, Bob!” - -Tom Clifton’s voice cut sharply into the conversation. - -“Let’s hear it, Tom.” - -“I’ve been thinking about that ball nine of ours. Kirk Talbot had an -awful nerve to----” - -“Ha, ha!” grinned Victor. “Can’t you get that off your mind, Clifton?” - -Tom tossed his head. - -“I don’t want to,” he snapped. “Besides, I’ve got an idea, and a mighty -good one. I’ll tell you all about it to-night.” - -“Don’t hurry yourself. We can wait.” Victor nudged Charlie sharply in -the ribs. “Say, Blakelets, don’t you wish you were going along with us -on the ‘Fearless’ to-morrow?” - -Charlie was one of those lads who possess a certain ill-defined dread -of the water. At almost every roll of the deck rather shivery feelings -coursed along his spine. - -“Gracious! I don’t see why in the world Victor wants to go to Milwaukee -by boat,” he thought, nervously. He took a long, earnest look at the -sky, then exclaimed, with considerable emphasis: - -“No, Vic, I most certainly do not!” - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE CIRCUS - - -The Ramblers and Charlie Blake secured quarters at one of Kenosha’s -principal hotels. As Captain Bunderley had some business to attend to, -Victor decided to remain with them until the hour for turning in. - -Immediately after supper the crowd gathered in Bob Somers’ room. - -Dave Brandon, the poet and historian of the club, was soon reclining -with his accustomed ease at the window. The dark, gloomy night -strangely stirred his imagination. Vague inspirations floated through -his brain. He thought of the lonely lake as the subject for a poem; -he cudgeled his brain to seize and hold fast the elusive words which -constantly flitted before his mental vision. - -Presently Dave sat up. A walk in the open air, he decided, might aid -him in cornering this near-inspiration. - -Bob Somers was busy writing a letter; Victor and Charlie were talking, -while Tom at a table all by himself kept scribbling on sheet after -sheet of paper. Tom’s face wore a tremendous frown, as though his work -were of a deep and absorbing nature. - -“Hello! Owing to the increased demand for paper the price must soon -advance,” chirped Victor, suddenly. “What’s up?” - -“You mean what’s going down,” laughed Blake. - -Tom seemed to hesitate. He glanced sternly toward Victor, then -exclaimed: - -“This is what I was going to tell you about. I’m getting up a set of -by-laws for our new Athletic Association.” - -The room was immediately in an uproar. Dave, fearful that all his ideas -might vanish, jumped up hastily and walked to the door. - -“I’ll be back soon, Bob!” he called, with a laugh. - -Out in the corridor, Tom’s voice, already raised in a hot argument with -Victor, still reached him. In another moment he was down-stairs and on -the street. - -A brisk walk in the cool air promised to aid Dave’s faculties, as he -had hoped. Already the vague phrases in his mind were beginning to -shape themselves into definite words. - -Here and there a swinging sign-board mingled a series of dismal -creaking notes with the crisp moaning of a gusty breeze. Autumn leaves, -ruthlessly torn from their resting places on the branches, occasionally -whirled helter-skelter through the air, to dance merrily along the -streets. Trails of dust, banging shutters, or flickering lights were -all tributes to the tyranny of the never-ceasing currents. - -Ten minutes later, in a sheltered position near an electric light, Dave -was writing stanzas at record speed. It was really delightful--the way -in which that near-inspiration had been finally conquered. - -Suddenly a voice broke in upon him. - -“Say, Brandon, owing to the unprecedented demand for paper in Kenosha -the mills will be compelled to work overtime.” - -Dave turned abruptly. Victor Collins’ dapper little figure was standing -close beside him. - -“Gracious; you here!” cried the writer, in astonishment. - -“No; I’m back there, still kidding the by-law committee,” chuckled -Victor. “Seriously, though, I finished him in about half a minute and -skipped after you. What have you got there?” - -“Almost a poem,” confessed Dave. - -“Read it,” commanded Victor, imperiously. - -“Never!” laughed Dave. - -Victor argued and coaxed. He even prepared to land a “good one” in the -neighborhood of the ribs; his little fists, tightly clenched, gyrated -fiercely. But Dave’s clever footwork more than balanced Victor’s speed. - -“All right, smarty,” grumbled the boy. “Bet it’s awful piffle, anyway.” - -“Come along, Vic,” laughed Dave, as he started off. - -Victor Collins’ wishes were not often so disregarded as they had been -during that day. It touched his pride. - -“If I don’t find a way to make these fine chaps drop down a peg or -two before to-morrow I’ll be much surprised,” he muttered grimly to -himself. - -Thereupon Victor set his thoughts briskly to work in an effort to find -a scheme for getting square. - -Down one street, or out another, the two wandered, often in silence, -for each had many thoughts to engage his attention, though on widely -divergent subjects. The busier, brightly-lighted sections began to be -slowly left behind. Electric cars no longer whizzed past them. - -Dave and Victor finally found themselves on a wide, tree-lined avenue. - -“What a delightful retreat,” murmured Dave. “Sitting on a nice, -comfortable porch I could get ideas for a dozen--eh?” - -Victor had clutched his arm. - -“Say, look straight ahead, Brandon!” he cried. - -“I declare, I see lights, and more lights!” exclaimed Dave. - -The pair began to stare earnestly toward a number of starlike points -which were moving about in a most erratic fashion. - -“What in the mischief are they?” asked Victor. “Think some of the stars -have tumbled poetically down through the clouds?” - -“Give it up,” laughed Dave. “We’ll know before the night is over.” - -Victor, whose curiosity was highly excited, now easily kept ahead of -his taller companion. But the lights had entirely disappeared, leaving -the street to end apparently in a void of blackness. - -“Looks like a jumping off place,” exclaimed Victor. “Hurry up, Brandon.” - -They began to walk rapidly, soon covering a number of blocks. - -Suddenly the cluster of lights flashed into view once more. Five -minutes later they heard a series of dull thuds, as of hammering, -accompanied at intervals by a low rumbling of wagon wheels. When an -open lot which faced the street was reached Dave and his companion saw -a number of flaming torches that sent weird streaks of yellow over the -ground, lighting up in their course groups of men busily engaged with -sledge-hammers. - -Dave Brandon’s eyes were instantly attracted toward a huge bill-board -which rose from amidst a tangle of weeds and grasses. The rays from a -gas lamp cast a flickering glow over its multi-colored surface. - -“Look, Vic,” he exclaimed, with a laugh. “The mystery is solved.” - -And Victor, whose eyes were bright with interest, read in letters that -almost took in the entire length of the board: - -“Ollie Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless Circus and Menagerie.” - -“By George--a circus! Isn’t this jolly good luck, Brandon?” he cried, -enthusiastically. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -GEORGY, THE GIANT - - -Victor Collins had not yet arrived at an age when a circus loses its -power to thrill the heart with joy. Each gilded chariot, each gaudy -menagerie wagon or gorgeous trapping still awoke within his breast a -responsive chord. - -“They’re driving in stakes, Brandon,” he exclaimed. “See--there’s a -wagon--a four-horser, and lots of others back. We’re just in time to -watch ’em put up the tent.” - -Over on the lot an odor of rank weeds and grasses filled the air. -It was all very black and forbidding, unpleasantly suggestive of -treacherous pitfalls or deep, stagnant pools of water, save where the -rays of flaring light streamed through the gloom. - -Heavy wagons drawn by four horses rumbled their way across the bumpy, -uneven field, occasionally becoming stuck in the yielding turf, -whereupon the yells of drivers and cracking of whips came sharply to -their ears. - -“Working like the dickens, aren’t they?” remarked Victor. “Let’s skip -around a bit.” - -The two, steering a course around various obstructions, made their way -toward the busy scene. Soon they caught a glimpse of a faint grayish -mass of canvas spread out over the ground, while towering aloft like -the masts of a ship were a number of poles. - -“That’s the big top, or main tent,” said Dave. - -“Heads up there--look out!” - -Above the sound of the jolting and creaking of a big red wagon and -crisp jingle of harness came the deep-throated warning. The leaders of -a four-horse team swerved sharply around. - -“Over here, you for the flying squadron,” some one hailed from the -distance. - -“Flying squadron! What in thunder is that?” cried Victor, wonderingly. - -“The commissary department,” answered Dave. “In all well-regulated -shows that is attended to first. Guess this wagon is full of stuff -they’ll need in a hurry for the mess tent.” - -A straggling procession, mainly of boys, soon began to arrive; the -lonely, dismal lot was fast becoming transformed into a scene of great -bustle and activity. More torches were flaring, and the echoing thuds -of the sledges increased in force and number. A bright glare from a -calcium light soon streamed over the field. - -A force of workers with pick and shovel were leveling the ground, while -still others spread thick layers of straw over tracts where recent -rains had formed puddles of considerable size. - -Presently a murmuring chorus from the crowds of excited children burst -into a loud hubbub of joyous shouts. - -“Oh, look!” laughed Victor, attracted by the commotion. - -Some distance ahead, amid the wagons, a huge form was looming up, now -dim and scarcely seen in the gloom, then brought sharply into relief by -the flaring lights. - -“Hurray, here’s the elephant, as I live,” shouted Victor. “Gee, -Brandon--what was that? Didn’t you hear something?” - -The boys were threading a dark, gloomy passage between two great -wagons, now horseless, their tarpaulin-covered tops seeming to tower to -a great height above them. A strange sound, suggestive of a deep sigh, -had cut into Victor’s sentence, and when it came a second time the two -looked about them with interest. - -They saw several bales of hay, showing dimly against the field, another -deserted wagon, and an indistinct figure. - -“Hello!” exclaimed Victor. - -As he spoke the form began to rise, and, to their utter astonishment, -continued to rise until it stood high above the bales, and so high that -both uttered an exclamation. - -“Great Scott!” breathed Victor. “Why--why----” - -“Say, who are you?” - -A shrill childish treble came from the towering figure, which -immediately began to move around the barricade of bales toward them. -The boys watched him with breathless interest. - -“Say, who are you?” - -They craned their necks to look up at the face that gazed into theirs, -but the obscurity was so great that neither could determine the age, -the character, or the appearance of the singularly tall being whose -voice resembled that of a fourteen-year-old boy. - -“I say--what’s the matter? Who are you, anyway?” - -The third inquiry came in petulant, piping tones. - -“If we could find a step-ladder,” began Victor, struggling -unsuccessfully to repress his mirth, “it----” - -“That’s always the way. I’m the most miserable chap in the whole world.” - -Victor lighted a match, and, shielding the fluttering flame in the -hollow of his hand, deliberately directed the rays into the face of the -giant. They saw a small, well-shaped and extremely boyish head crowned -with dark brown hair. - -“Well, now, I hope you are satisfied.” The shrill treble held a note of -resignation. - -“Goodness gracious! How old are you?” demanded Victor. - -“Fifteen. And I’m the most miserable chap in the----” - -“Why--what’s the matter?” inquired Dave. - -“You’d better ask me what isn’t the matter,” answered the young giant, -with a long, deep sigh. “Come on--sit down. I do so want to talk to -somebody before Peter Whiffin gets here.” - -“Peter Whiffin! Who’s he?” - -“General manager of Ollie Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless Circus -and Menagerie. He doesn’t allow me to talk to people. You see”--the -giant, leading the way, paused until he had settled himself on a bale -of hay, where, after a great deal of difficulty, he managed to dispose -of his long legs in a comfortable fashion--“well, it’s this way,” he -went on, dolefully: “Peter Whiffin doesn’t believe in giving anything -for nothing. I belong to the show--see? People must pay to look at the -giant; so I’m smuggled around in the dark. It’s awful. Mustn’t talk -to strangers; mustn’t do this, or that. An’ when anybody does see me -outside the tents I’m followed an’ stared at, an’ made fun of. Oh, but -I’m so sick of it! An’, do you know----” - -The young giant’s wailing notes ceased, and he peered eagerly around. - -“Well?” questioned Dave. - -“I’m still growing.” - -“Goodness gracious!” - -“Yes; it’s a fact--an’ most seven feet now.” The giant seemed almost on -the verge of blubbering. Then, with an effort, he controlled his voice. -“But say, who are you?” - -“One member of the Rambler Club, and one near-member,” grinned Victor. - -“There it goes again--always the same; every one has to guy me. Oh, I’m -the most miserable chap in the whole----” - -“Avast there, my hearty!” laughed Dave. “I’ll explain.” And he did, -while the giant listened with rapt attention. - -“Oh, if I could only do something like that, too,” he murmured, when -Dave had concluded. “What a dandy lot of fun you fellows are going to -have. But it’s no use!” - -“Hey, Georgy--oh, Georgy! Where in thunder are you?” - -“There’s Peter Whiffin.” The giant raised his voice. “Over here, Mr. -Whiffin.” - -The circus manager, scarcely seen in the gloom, and coming from -the direction of the lights, increased his pace, scrambling around -obstructions, and giving vent to his displeasure at the weeds and -inequality of the ground by emphatic exclamations. - -“Well, what’s all this?” - -Peter Whiffin had a querulous voice and a manner which went singularly -well with it. He was a small man, and Victor’s method of throwing -light on the subject by means of a match immediately disclosed sharp -features, a pair of shifting gray eyes, a face lined with hollows and -wrinkles, and a yellow moustache which drooped despondently at the -corners. - -“Well, blow me--if you ain’t ’bout the coolest I ever see!” exclaimed -Peter Whiffin, when the fluttering flame had vanished. “You’ve got your -nerve with you, hey?” - -“Always carry plenty of it in stock,” said Victor, calmly. - -“See here, Georgy, didn’t I tell you not to gab with every stranger -that comes along?” - -“I have to talk to some one, Mr. Whiffin; I’m so miserable.” - -“Well, well! Says he is miserable! Did you ever hear the like o’ it!” -The manager’s tones bespoke the deepest disgust. “Why, ain’t he makin’ -more money in a week than most people in a month? Well, well!” - -Mr. Peter Whiffin’s emotions seemed to rise to such a point as to -almost choke his utterances. He strode to and fro for a moment, then -exclaimed: - -“I’ve a good mind to fetch you one right in the ribs. It’s -ingratitood--it’s worse. An’ his pap a-gittin’ paid every week as -reg’lar as the clock ticks! I’ll plunk you for that, I will.” - -“But I don’t want to get plunked,” wailed the giant, with a catch in -his voice. - -“Well, then, don’t git off no more sich nonsense. Miserable, indeed! -That ’ud be somethink for your pap to hear ’bout, eh? Ain’t there no -thanks in that nature o’ yourn?” - -“What have I to be thankful for, Mr. Whiffin? If I was only like these -boys here I’d give anything in the world.” - -Peter Whiffin snorted with indignation. He did more. Seizing the giant -roughly by the arm, he commanded him to move, and move fast, under -penalty of receiving an assorted number of hooks, straight lefts, -and right uppercuts, and accompanied his remarks with an exhibition -of these same blows, all coming perilously near the person of the -complaining giant. - -“If this here chatter ain’t a bit more’n the limit,” he growled. “An’ -me not knowin’ what I’m a-goin’ to do for a barker to-morrow!” - -“What’s the matter with Jack Gray?” asked George, forgetting his -troubles for an instant. - -“He’s went an’ took sich a cold that his voice sounds like a frog -croakin’; that’s what’s the matter. If I ain’t in a mess for a spieler -my name ain’t Whiffin. I can’t do it meself; an’ there ain’t nobody -worth shucks in the hull shootin’ match.” - -The voice of the unhappy manager gradually grew faint in the distance, -then, presently, became lost altogether amidst the medley of noises -that arose on all sides. - -“Say, Brandon, think of that poor little giant standing for all of -Peter Whiffin’s fresh talk,” said Victor, disgustedly. “Why, if he’d -just start falling----” - -“And if Peter got caught beneath him it would make a mighty sad story,” -grinned Dave. - -The two walked out beyond the grim shadows of the wagons, directing -their course toward the light and activity beyond. Already the canvas -of the “big top” was looming high in the air, a dim, shapeless patch of -ghostly white. The rumble of vehicles had given place to the clink and -rattle of harness, as teams were unhitched and driven across the lots. - -A crowd of shouting children surrounded three elephants, while others -flocked around closed cages, uttering comments which revealed their -curiosity regarding the strange and savage inmates. Boys carrying -buckets of water passed and repassed, straining their little arms to -an alarming extent, but feeling sure that they were having the time of -their lives. - -Dave and his companion soon found themselves in the thick of the fray -watching a pair of sturdy horses hitched to the end of a long rope -which led to a block and tackle. - -Crack! The driver’s whip echoed sharply. Away they went. The center -of the big top was drawn slowly up to its highest point on the middle -pole, and, within a short time, the limp canvas began to straighten -and assume the form of a circus tent. - -“Jolly well done, that,” commented Dave. “Spudger’s Great Combined -Peerless Circus and Menagerie looks like a winner to me. And the mess -tent is all up, too.” - -They moved off toward it, each occasionally halted by piles of rubbish. -Twice Victor put his foot into an unseen hole, then cracked his shin -against a piece of board. - -“Makes a pleasant variety, doesn’t it?” said Dave, as he heard his -companion’s howl of disapproval. - -“Pleasant?” snapped Victor. “It’s a wonder something hasn’t risen up -off the ground and broken my legs. Are we about to fall into the town -ash-pit, or what?” - -“We may escape such a fate as that.” - -Victor laughed. - -“Well, Brandon,” he said, “if it hadn’t been for your encouragement to -the paper industry my ankle wouldn’t be aching like the dickens.” - -“Or we shouldn’t have seen the circus, either,” returned Dave, “which -shows that some good has come from my poems, after all.” - -At the mess tent they found preparations for feeding the workers going -on briskly. But their attention became speedily attracted toward -several tents in which the horses were being stabled. - -“Makes me think of Wyoming and old broncho days,” went on Dave, softly. -“Guess I won’t do any more riding, though, for a mighty long time.” - -“Oh, fade away with such boasting,” said Victor. “Nothing could make me -believe that you ever rode a broncho.” - -“Why, I----” - -Dave didn’t get far with his protest. - -“Fade!” roared Victor. And the stout boy concluded to abide by the -command. - -It was not until half an hour later that the two turned away from the -noise and chaotic confusion in which Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless -Circus and Menagerie was still involved. - -“I shouldn’t mind seeing the show,” remarked Victor, “but at ten -o’clock sharp to-morrow morning Uncle Ralph’s yacht pulls out.” - -“And our motor car will leave about two P. M.,” said Dave. “So, -unless something happens mighty soon, the adventures of the Rambler -Club in this part of the country will add only a few dozen pages to my -history.” - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -JOE RODGERS - - -Early on the following morning the crowd was sitting in Bob Somers’ -room at the hotel. Tom Clifton, at first just mildly vexed, threatened -to become real angry. Victor’s saucy face and ready tongue promised, -before very long, to call down upon his head a storm of wrath from the -future physician. - -“I tell you these by-laws and Bob Somers’ ball nine will make a fine -stir among the chaps at the Kingswood High,” he snapped, sternly. - -“Read your old by-laws,” challenged Victor, with an aggravating grin. - -“I’ll not read ’em,” Tom flung back in icy tones. - -“It’s all a pipe dream. Don’t believe the club will ever be formed, -anyway.” - -“Then don’t!” - -“All right--I won’t!” - -“But I’ll bet that before you’re three-sixteenths of an inch taller, -just the same, we’ll have played half a dozen games.” - -“Oh my, oh my! Is that so?” jeered Victor. - -“Yes, it is so!” - -“Come, come, boys,” interposed Dave, smilingly. “No joking, now. -Remember to-day is the day when our paths will be separated by a waste -of water.” - -“A little of it sprinkled on that flowery remark wouldn’t be wasted,” -chirruped Victor. “See here, Clifton!” - -“Well?” - -“Going out with us now?” - -“No! I haven’t finished yet. You chaps skip along. But don’t forget to -come back in time.” - -Victor was ready with a parting shot. - -“Just suppose I should shanghai the whole bunch on board the ‘Fearless’ -and take ’em clean to Milwaukee?” - -“That’s the way I’d expect them to go, unless they got all smeared up -with cylinder oil,” growled Tom. - -“Listen to the smart Aleck! I mean, wouldn’t you be some scared?” - -“Hey?” Tom’s usually gruff voice took on an odd note of shrillness. -“Hey?” he repeated, with a rising inflection. “Scared of what?” - -“Why, to take that big car out alone.” - -Tom’s forbearance was not proof against such insinuations. - -“Well, I should rather say not!” he exclaimed, hotly. “I’d drive from -Kenosha to Kingswood without the quiver of an eye.” - -“Hear--hear!--A new way to propel a motor car just discovered by -Chauffeur Clifton: no clutch; no gasoline required; ‘without the quiver -of an eye’ runs a car three hundred miles.” - -“Oh, you’re mighty brilliant,” snapped Tom. - -“Then don’t try to light on me. Are you going to be a flopper, Clifton?” - -“A flopper! What in the mischief is that?” - -“Well, it’s just like this----” Victor grinned in his most irritating -fashion. “If the boys shouldn’t happen to turn up you’ll know they’ve -gone to Milwaukee with me--see? Now, to flop would mean that----” - -“I hadn’t the nerve to take a flyer alone, I suppose?” supplemented -Tom. For an instant he scowled almost savagely. Then, catching a wink -from Dave Brandon, the expression of his face suddenly softened. He -gave a quiet laugh. “Can’t string me, lad; oh no!” - -An approving nod from the historian rewarded this remark. - -“Hope it doesn’t rain,” observed Bob, carelessly. - -The boys glanced through the window-panes at an even gray expanse of -cloud against which the opposite buildings cut sharply. - -“Looks mighty threatening,” admitted Dave. “Isn’t any worse than -yesterday, though.” - -“Come ahead, fellows. We’ll start out, anyway,” cried Bob. “So-long, -Tom. Good luck!” - -“Say, you Indians, he’s the easiest chap to jolly I ever came across.” - -Victor opened the conversation in this agreeable style the moment the -four had stepped into the street. - -“You’d better leave Tom alone,” cautioned Bob. - -“He might take the law into his own hands,” drawled Dave. He smiled -whimsically. “When Tom gets started----” - -“It must be something awful,” finished Victor, with a gurgle of mirth. - -“Clifton’s a mighty fine chap, Vic,” declared Charlie, reprovingly. -“Wait till you know him a bit better. Where away, Bob?” - -“It’s Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless Circus and Menagerie for me.” -Victor spoke in tones which admitted of no argument. He poked Dave -playfully in the ribs. “How about it, Brownie?” - -The historian grinned complacently. - -“I’m willing. What do you say, fellows?” - -“Well, I wanted to take another look at Captain Bunderley’s yacht,” -answered Bob, slowly. “Still----” - -“Run along, then,” grinned Victor. “Brandon’s on my side. Where do you -stand, Blakelets? Don’t hesitate. He who hesitates is lost.” - -“No one ever could be in a nice little place like Kenosha,” said -Charlie, with a faint smile. - -“Very good--that is for you. Which is it--circus or boat?” - -The “grind” had long since outgrown such amusements as the circus. -Thoughts of the sawdust arena conjured up before his mental vision -nothing but frivolity and foolishness, so a prompt, “I’m with Bob, -Vic,” answered the query of the lawyer’s son. - -“My name isn’t Bob Vic,” smiled Victor. - -The smile presently grew into a laugh of such proportions that he began -to slap his knees in the paroxysm of mirth. - -“Well?” demanded Bob, somewhat astonished. - -“For goodness’ sake, what is the matter now?” asked Charlie. “You’re -the funniest chap I ever saw. Cut it out. People are looking.” - -“Let ’em look,” gurgled Victor. “Something rich just struck me. Ha, ha! -Maybe Brandon could get a job as clown. Ha, ha! Wouldn’t that round -face of his look swell touched up with a little powder and paint, eh? -He could read some of those famous poems, too!” - -“I’ll give the matter careful consideration,” said Dave, -good-naturedly. “And you might try for the position of animal tamer.” - -“I’m an Indian tamer, now,” piped Victor. He seized Dave’s arm, jerking -him around. “You and I are going this way, Brownie. So-long, Boblets. -In about an hour we’ll meet you and Blakelets at the wharf.” - -“All right,” laughed Bob. “I guess you’ll find us swapping land tales -for the sea tales of Captain Bunderley. So-long.” - -Victor’s delicate fingers closed tightly around Dave’s wrist. - -“Come ahead fast,” he ordered, imperiously. “Must be an awful lot to -see around that show.” - -In a short time the two turned a corner where they came in sight, far -ahead, of a group of dull gray tents and tarpaulin-covered wagons. - -On the lot the two boys found, despite the early hour, a scene of great -activity. Stock was being watered or fed, while performers and other -employees crowded the men’s tent. Huge wagons cast blurred shadows over -the ground. One lone chariot, left outside to whet the appetite of the -curious, stood before the main entrance. Its gilt ornamentation, of -wondrous curves and twists, framed a painting in which the artist had -allowed his fervid imagination full sway. A hunter, in the African -wilds, lay in the midst of tall, tangled grass with the paws of a -gigantic lion planted on his breast. The animal’s mouth, astonishingly -wide open, revealed a row of glistening teeth. - -“That artist was certainly great on the dental work,” pronounced Victor. - -To another school of art, according to Dave, belonged several huge -canvases which flanked the main entrance. These were painted with a -bolder, broader touch, and represented “Adolphus,” the world-renowned -boy giant, “Zingar,” the celebrated dwarf, “Monsieur Ormond de -Sylveste,” wizard of bareback riders, in his speed-defying and -world-stupefying exhibition, “Tobanus,” the apparently jointless -wonder, a contortionist and sword swallower, and, lastly, “Colossus,” -“Titan,” and “Nero,” the three great African elephants whose stupendous -feats had amazed the whole civilized world. - -“Some show, this,” laughed Victor, his eyes roaming over the scene with -great interest. - -They crossed the lot, peeped into the mess tent, then wandered from -place to place, sometimes walking in the shadow of monster wagons or -long trucks whose heavy wheels were often sunk deep in the turf. - -“Looks as if Spudger’s was here for life,” commented Victor. - -“And yet the circus will probably leave to-night,” said Dave. “A -strenuous life, indeed--positively makes me weary even to think of it. -Oh ho! Come on, Vic.” - -A nice, comfortable-looking stump a few yards away had attracted -the historian’s attention. Its call was altogether too strong to be -resisted. Unheeding the loud expostulations of Victor, he walked over, -and, with a sigh of satisfaction, seated himself upon it. - -“A fine place to get a good perspective of the show, Vic,” he -exclaimed. “I’d like to make a sketch.” - -“It won’t be done while I’m here,” said Victor, in positive tones; -“unless,” he added, mischievously, “you can work while your neck is -being tickled with a blade of grass.” - -“Tyrant!” laughed Dave. He raised his finger warningly. “I give notice, -however: no power can budge me for at least five minutes.” - -Victor looked displeased. - -“That’s a challenge. We’ll see about it,” he snapped. - -The lad immediately made an attempt to convince Dave that his opinion -on the subject was an entirely mistaken one. But all his pushing -and tugging merely resulted in Victor making himself quite hot and -uncomfortable. - -It annoyed him very much indeed. - -A second and more strenuous effort to dislodge the stout boy brought -forth a mild protest. - -“Quit it!” commanded Dave. - -“Humph; I don’t have to!” - -The next instant Victor found his wrists being held in a grip of steel. - -“Let go, Brandon; let go!” he stormed. “I’ll punch your head if you -don’t.” - -“Promise to stop, Vic?” - -“No; I’ll promise nothing, you big Indian, you large spot in the -landscape! Let go!” - -“Only when I have your word, Vic.” - -Victor struggled furiously to free himself. - -“How dare you grab me like that, Brandon?” he howled. “Ouch! It hurts -like fun. Gee, if I don’t get square with you for this I never saw a -senator--and my father’s best friend’s a senator!” - -“Hello, Jumbo, what’s up?” - -This salutation, uttered in very loud tones, put a stop to further -hostilities. - -Both instantly turned. - -A lad--and a very odd-looking lad indeed--had just stepped from behind -a wagon and was surveying them with a curious mixture of amusement and -surprise. He appeared to be about fifteen years of age. His round, -chubby face was liberally besprinkled with freckles; a mop of thick -yellowish hair, supporting a dilapidated cap, straggled across a broad -forehead, the wind occasionally blowing it in his eyes. - -Dave found it difficult to repress a laugh. - -“Looks like a real little character,” he said, softly, to himself. - -“Hello, Jumbo, what’s up?” repeated the boy. - -He shuffled forward, his movements being somewhat impeded by a huge -bucket of water in one hand and a broom in the other. - -“Say--if ye’re abusin’ that little kid I won’t stan’ for it. Do you get -me?” he exclaimed. - -Victor, already angry, bristled up. - -“Why, we were only fooling, you silly duffer,” he retorted; “and----” - -“Good-morning!” put in Dave, politely. - -“Mornin’! Weren’t no scrap, then? Say, Jumbo, you’re too late; -Whiffin’s hired a fat man a’ready. You lookin’ for a job, Buster?” - -Victor swelled up with hot indignation. To be addressed in such -slighting terms by a boy whose rough attire and general appearance -indicated a very low status in society was more than his nature could -stand. - -“Get away from here, boy,” he snapped. “We didn’t say anything to you.” - -The freckle-faced lad’s mouth flew open. He set down broom and bucket. - -“Well, by gum, I said somethin’ to you.” - -“And you needn’t say any more. Go on about your business.” - -“If yer wasn’t so small I’d fetch you a clip for that.” - -Victor’s anger rose to the boiling point. - -“Chase him away, you Indian!” he shouted to Dave. “See here, Freckles, -my father is one of the biggest lawyers in Chicago.” - -“I wouldn’t keer if he owned a whole sideshow, an’----” - -[Illustration: “ARE YOU WORKING FOR THE CIRCUS?”] - -“Come, come!” interposed Dave. “This won’t do.” A touch of authority -in his tone stopped a hot reply from Victor. “Are you working for the -circus?--Yes? Well, what is your name?” - -“Me name is Mister Joe Rodgers.” - -This answer, accompanied by an expansive grin and a wink, to Victor’s -utter astonishment and disgust, brought forth a low chuckling laugh -from the stout boy. - -“Come on, Brandon,” urged Victor, stiffly. “You’re keeping the -water-carrier from his job.” - -“Say, ain’t them clothes o’ hisn somethin’ fine? Bet he never did a -lick o’ real work in his life. D’ye know what a pay envelope looks -like, bub?” - -Victor brandished his small white fists furiously and dashed in front -of the circus boy. But Dave, quickly springing between the two, -prevented actual hostilities. - -“Cut it out, Victor,” he said, sternly. - -“Get away, you big lump!” howled young Collins. “Take his part--that’s -right. You’ve got a yellow streak a yard wide.” - -“By gum, him an’ Peter Whiffin ’ud make a fine pair this mornin’,” -exclaimed “Mister Joe Rodgers,” with a long, critical stare at the -lawyer’s son. “Ha, ha! Whiffin can’t find no barker; he’s up ag’in it -bad. Him an’ him”--he indicated Victor--“is sure like cats that’s had -their tails trod on hard. I’d like to cool ’em off with this bucket o’ -water. I’m a purty good feller, I am; I ain’t a bit perwerse. But don’t -nobody rile me.” - -“All of which relieves our minds,” remarked Dave, gravely. “Hold on, -Vic!” - -Victor, however, thoroughly disgusted, had no intention of waiting. -Only a week before the hand of a senator had patted him on the shoulder -in a fatherly way--and now! Well--“Mister Joe Rodgers” evidently didn’t -know to whom he was talking. It was outrageous; and, what was more, -Dave had calmly permitted both of them to be insulted without even -putting in a word of protest. - -“I wish I’d never heard of this confounded bunch of wonders,” he said -in audible tones. - -A glance over his shoulder showed Dave looming up close behind and the -water-carrier tramping across the lot with his heavy burden. - -“Oh, I’m mad clean through, Brandon,” snapped Victor. “Don’t take my -arm. No; I won’t listen.” - -He did, however. Dave had a way that was hard to resist. The -historian’s job was not an easy one, but there were so many interesting -sights and sounds connected with “Spudger’s Peerless” that the angry -look on Victor’s face gradually faded away. - -After every portion of the grounds had been visited Victor spoke up. - -“It’s time to get over to the wharf, Brandon,” he said. “Guess by this -time Somers has talked Uncle Ralph off his feet.” - -“Then, to save him from serious injury, we’ll hurry,” laughed Dave. - -“Aren’t you going to say good-bye to your new-found friend, ‘Mister’ -Joe Rodgers?” - -“A queer little chap,” mused Dave. “Guess I’ll never see him again.” - -“And I certainly hope I never shall,” voiced the other, with a growl. - -When the two arrived at the wharf an amazing howl of dismay from Victor -was Dave Brandon’s first intimation that something extraordinary had -happened. - -The “Fearless” was nowhere to be seen. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -DESERTED - - -Victor stared at Dave in unconcealed astonishment. - -“Hello! What do you think of that, Brandon?” he gasped. “The yacht has -actually gone off without me.” - -“Of course not, Vic!” - -“Perhaps it’s right before my eyes--only I can’t see it?” exclaimed -Victor, witheringly. “Or maybe you think Uncle Ralph is putting the -‘Fearless’ through some funny capers a mile up in the sky?” - -“It’s a kind of puzzle, I’ll admit. But----” - -“I don’t like it a little bit,” broke in Victor, beginning to pace the -wharf. “Uncle Ralph intended to leave at ten. It’s nine-fifteen now.” - -“Very likely he has taken Bob and Charlie on a short cruise,” suggested -Dave, consolingly. - -“What for, I’d like to know?” - -“So should I.” - -“Looks mighty queer to me.” A heavy scowl rested on Victor’s face. -“Let’s get off this old pile of boards, and----” - -“Go back to the hotel, I suppose?” - -“You suppose wrong, as usual. In the mood I’m in I might give the -by-law committee what I almost handed to Joe Rodgers. Back to that fine -combination of Spudger and Whiffin.” - -“But there’s three-quarters of an hour to spare, and the yacht is -almost sure to be back within that time,” objected Dave, glancing at -his watch. - -“I won’t wait.” - -Dave’s resourcefulness was called into play. By means of a vigorous -argument he managed to prolong their stay for a few moments, at the -expiration of which he found himself alone. Laughing softly, he sat -down on a box on the edge of the wharf. - -Ten o’clock arrived. Dave took another careful survey of the river, -but, seeing no signs of the motor yacht, he accordingly walked off to -join the figure loitering in the distance. - -“I knew it wouldn’t be there,” was Victor’s greeting. - -“Perhaps in a quarter of an hour----” began the stout boy. - -“Nix,” interrupted Victor. “Uncle Ralph has kept me waiting; I’ll keep -him waiting. I’m going to the circus.” - -“Tyrant!” laughed Dave. “Lead on, Prince. I’ll follow.” - -“Here now: don’t you start any funny prattling, Brownie. My name is -Victor.” - -“Human nature is indeed a curious study,” sighed the historian. - -After another trip to Spudger’s the boys started for the wharf again. - -“Gee, if Uncle Ralph isn’t there by this time I’ll give it up,” -remarked Victor. - -Uncle Ralph wasn’t there. And if Victor did give it up he kept right on -talking. - -The lad’s face reflected his keen disappointment. He was beginning to -feel very angry and disgusted. He was also extremely mystified. What -could it mean? - -“It looks as if I’m going to get cheated out of that dandy motor yacht -trip to-day, Brandon.” The scowling lines on his forehead deepened. -“By George, I never felt so mad in all my life. It’s after eleven, now.” - -The two were so busily engaged in conversation that they failed to -notice a little fat man who presently emerged from a shanty not far -away and ambled slowly out on the wharf toward them. - -With his face wreathed in smiles he approached, coughing in a sort of -apologetic fashion as he said, touching his cap: - -“I beg pardon, gents, but I’d like to speak to ye jist a moment.” - -Victor eyed his slouchy figure with a disdainful stare. - -“No--no; not even a cent!” he exclaimed almost spitefully. “You’re -husky enough to work. Go hustle after a job!” - -The humorous light instantly left the little fat man’s eyes, to be -followed by such a ferocious expression that Victor thought it wise to -walk briskly away. - -“Wal, if it don’t beat all,” growled the offended citizen. He struck -the palm of his hand a savage blow. “Wonder what the captain ’ud say to -that?” - -Finding no answer to this perplexing problem, he started to follow the -retreating lads; then, apparently reconsidering, stopped short. - -“They kin find out for theirselves,” he grunted, decidedly. - -When Victor, a few moments later, shot a glance over his shoulder he -saw the man walking slowly away from the wharf. - -“The idea of a husky lump like that asking for money!” he sniffed. - -“He didn’t,” returned Dave. - -“Well, he was going to. I’m glad I called him down. And I don’t -care what you say, Brandon, there’s something funny about this boat -business,” Victor almost screeched. - -“We’ll go right over to the hotel now, and see Tom,” said Dave, firmly. - -There was a significance in his manner which Victor had already learned -to comprehend--it meant that his wishes were to be obeyed. Fuming with -impatience, and feeling a deep sense of personal injury at the way -things had gone, he followed his companion. - -“The garage is on our way,” remarked Dave, a few minutes later. “I want -to see if that motor car has been made ready for our trip.” - -Benjamin Rochester, the colored lad, with an oily rag and a can of -gasoline in his hand, looked up quickly as their forms were silhouetted -against the open doorway. - -“Fo’ de land’s sake,” he gasped, “I thought you fellers had done gone!” - -“Hello!” cried Dave. - -He looked sharply around the garage. But the huge form of the Rambler -Club’s motor car was not revealed to his eager gaze. - -“What has become of our car, Benjamin?” he demanded, sternly. - -“De lan’ sake! You didn’t know?” - -“Now what’s coming, I wonder!” growled Victor. - -“Why, dat tall young gemman has jist took it away, suh,” answered -Benjamin, scenting a mystery, and beginning to show the whites of his -eyes. - -“Took it away?” exclaimed Dave, incredulously. “You can’t mean that our -Tom took the machine away?” - -“Fo’ de lan’s sake! An’ yo’ didn’t know?” - -“Well, this beats the Dutch, and the American, and the English, all -put together!” exploded Victor, so fiercely that Benjamin, somewhat -startled, side-stepped out of range. - -“And where was he going?” - -“To Milwaukee, suh.” - -“To Milwaukee?” echoed Dave and Victor, almost in the same breath. - -“Dat’s perxactly what he done said, suh.” - -The boys looked at each other in amazement. Victor clenched his small -fists and whistled shrilly, while Dave gazed thoughtfully at the -grinning countenance of Benjamin Rochester. - -“Tom gone to Milwaukee!” he murmured, in highly perplexed tones. “And -left no message for us?” - -“No, suh; de gemman didn’t say nuffin,” answered Benjamin. He wagged -his head knowingly. “But I had me s’picions, suh; ’deed I had. He acted -awful queer, like he were done skeered, suh; an’ kep’ a-lookin’ an’ -a-lookin’.” - -“Here, Brownie”--Victor Collins seized Dave’s wrist and fairly dragged -him toward the door--“come right along. I’ve got an idea.” - -The instant they were outside, Victor, his eyes sparkling, stopped by -the curb and began a broadside. - -“Say, Brandon, remember how I kidded Clifton this morning?” he demanded. - -“Yes,” answered Dave. - -“Well, I guess he was actually thin-skinned enough to believe I really -meant it. I’ll bet he went tearing over to Uncle Ralph and jollied him -into going off without me.” - -“What a ridiculous idea, Vic!” laughed Dave. “Why should Tom have done -such a thing?” - -Victor eyed him scornfully. - -“Just to get ahead of the game, that’s why. Don’t you see?” - -“No, I don’t, Vic.” - -“Then brush up your perceptive faculties a bit. Here it is a second -time: he was so afraid that I might get Uncle Ralph to take you chaps -to Milwaukee as a joke--see?--that he sets his wits to work, goes over -to the yacht to find out, discovers that you and I are at the circus, -and plays the joke first. See again?” - -“Bob and Charlie would never have stood for such a thing,” declared -Dave. - -“They would!” returned Victor. “And I know Uncle Ralph; he’s just the -one to fall for a game like that.” - -The stout boy raised his hand protestingly. - -“Why, Vic!” - -“Oh, don’t ‘why Vic’ me!” snapped Victor. “I tell you, Uncle Ralph -Bunderley probably sat down and roared.” - -“You won’t think so when you feel in a better humor,” laughed Dave. - -“I don’t care what you say, Brandon; that’s the way I figure it out. -Anyway, if that long-legged Indian did engineer it”--he flourished his -fists savagely--“he’ll stop a few of these!” - -“Let’s try and reason----” - -“There isn’t any reason to it. That Clifton fellow has just turned the -trick; he’s getting square for some of the true things I said about -him.” - -“Nothing of the sort,” said Dave. - -“Oh, I reckon you’ll stand up for that grand and perfect Clifton. -Honest, though, I didn’t think the sly, foxy Indian would do Brownie up -brown like this.” - -Dave, refusing to countenance such an idea, propounded theory after -theory, each of which his companion promptly rejected. - -“There’s no use talking, Brandon,” he exclaimed, at length. “I declare, -I’m mad enough to punch his head off. The yacht’s gone; the gasoline -tank’s gone; and we’re here in Kenosha.” - -“And I’m likely to stay for some time to come, unless the fellows turn -up.” - -The worried expression on the historian’s face gave place to a broad -grin. - -“Why?” demanded Victor. - -“Because I’m stranded--broke--cast into the seething vortex of life -without gold, silver, nickel, or even copper to lend me a helping hand.” - -“How in the dickens did such a thing as that happen?” - -“It’s this way, Vic: after I’d paid my way out to Chicago I didn’t have -a red cent left. So I was obliged to throw myself on the tender mercies -of the crowd until we reach Milwaukee.” - -“Isn’t this all another joke?” queried Victor, suspiciously. - -“Not a bit of it, Vic.” - -“Well, if they’ve been lending you cash how is it you’re broke?” - -“I was going to get another five from Bob this morning.” - -Victor’s eyes began to twinkle. Then, like a flash, his mood completely -changed. A wide grin merged into a laugh; his slender form shook with a -perfect storm of merriment, while Benjamin, from the doorway, looked on -with wondering eyes. - -“My, oh my, but don’t I feel sorry for you, Brownie!” he gasped, -between another succession of outbursts. “Broke? Gee! I’ll bet you are -just shaking in your shoes.” - -Dave smiled calmly. - -“Maybe so, Vic,” he returned, good-naturedly. “Perhaps our stay in -Kenosha may add more pages to my history than I anticipated.” - -To Victor’s mind there was something extremely comical in Dave -Brandon’s unexpected situation. His face now actually beamed. Things -were at last breaking in a way to suit him. Without a move on his part, -events had so shaped themselves that at least one member of the Rambler -Club was likely to come tumbling down several pegs in a hurry. - -Victor wasn’t really such a bad chap. He simply possessed an -over-supply of the weaknesses of human nature, which had been -fostered--unintentionally, of course--by a too-indulgent parent. - -“I’ll lend the big Indian just as much of the cash as he wants,” -reflected the boy, “but he’ll have to get off his high perch and ask me -for it. Gee, won’t I laugh when the great depending-upon-himself fellow -hollers for help!” - -In a moment, slapping Dave on the shoulder, he said: - -“What are you going to do?” - -“Go back to the hotel. Perhaps Tom may have left some message for us.” - -“Well, I don’t believe it.” - -With a sigh, Dave started off. - -“Good-bye, Benjamin,” he called, catching sight of the wondering -colored lad. “I only hope this is ‘much ado about nothing,’ or----” - -“It won’t be any ‘Tempest in a teapot’ when I get hold of Wyoming Tom,” -said Victor, decidedly; “and don’t you forget it.” - -“Dar am sartingly somethin’ queer ’bout dat dar bunch,” murmured -Benjamin Rochester, shaking his head knowingly. - -When the two arrived at the hotel the clerk told them that Tom had left -no message. - -“Of course the tall Indian didn’t!” exclaimed the smaller lad. - -To his astonishment, Dave ambled slowly into the reception room and -took a seat. - -“I say, Brownie,” remarked Victor, “I’m going out to get some grub.” - -“Hope you’ll enjoy it,” came an easy response. - -“Why in thunder doesn’t he ask?” thought Victor. Then, aloud, he added: - -“Aren’t you hungry, Brownie?” - -“Sure, Vic; always am.” - -“Coming, then?” - -“Can’t!” - -“Why not?” - -“For obvious reasons, my dear sir.” - -“Humph! Wants me to offer it to him. Not on your life!” was another of -Victor’s reflections. “How are you going to manage, Brandon?” - -“Time will tell, Vic.” - -The Chicago boy stood, irresolute; his better nature prompted him -to offer assistance. But the slights Victor imagined he had suffered -suddenly flashed into his mind. - -“No; I won’t do it. If the duffer is too all-fired proud to speak up -he’ll get out of his fix the best way he can.” - -“No use to wait for me, Vic,” said Dave. - -“Just as you say, Brandon. So-long!” - -Once outside the room, however, Victor’s conscience smote him. He -walked back and poked his head inside the doorway. “I’ll give him -another chance,” he said to himself. - -“Say, Brandon, what’s your program?” - -“Time will tell, Vic,” responded the stout boy. - -With a snort of disgust, Victor turned on his heel. - -“This ought to teach the big Indian a jolly good lesson,” he muttered, -fiercely. “After a while he’ll be singing a mighty different tune.” - -When Victor Collins, refreshed by an ample repast, returned to the -hotel he received his third surprise of the day. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -TOM AT THE WHEEL - - -The moment the door had closed behind his friends Tom Clifton prepared -to make good use of the time. - -“Now I’ll be able to finish it up in great shape,” he said softly to -himself. - -He listened, his face wearing a very serious expression, until their -cheery voices were stilled by distance, then drawing a voluminous -collection of papers from his inside pocket he spread them out -carefully on the center table and set to work. - -Evidently the problems which confronted him were of a very profound and -complex nature. The lines on his forehead deepened; occasionally he -uttered a half sigh, as some particularly knotty point was encountered; -then, losing patience, he rose to his feet and walked toward an -armchair near the window. - -Picking up a book, the well-worn appearance of which indicated much -usage, he opened it at random and began to read a description of the -deltoid muscle, its origin, insertion and various functions. - -But a treatise on anatomy, just then, couldn’t hold Tom’s attention -long. - -“By George, that twenty-second article is a sticker,” he exclaimed, -aloud. “I’ll get it through.” He looked at his watch. “Gee, I’ll have -to hurry. Isn’t Victor the freshest little dub? Afraid to take the car -out alone, am I? He certainly does make me tired.” - -When the obstinate twenty-second article was finally conquered the lad -breathed a sigh of relief, and a good-natured grin replaced the scowl -on his face, as he began gathering the loose sheets of paper together. - -“It’s a dandy piece of work, all right--bet Dave’ll think so, too,” he -reflected. “We’re going to make some stir in the Kingswood High this -term.” - -Tom busied himself for a few moments in replacing his belongings in a -suit case. This done, he glanced at his watch once more. - -“It’s most time for ’em now,” he murmured. “Crickets! I’m anxious to -hop into that car again.” - -Thoughts of the pleasant journey before them and the sensation which -his by-laws were certainly bound to create were in his mind to the -exclusion of all else, but, as time passed by, the former steadily -gained the ascendency. - -“What’s keeping those chaps, I wonder?” Tom, in his impatience, paced -the floor. “They ought to have been here before this.” - -The next quarter of an hour was really a distressing period to the tall -boy. Every step in the corridor, every voice which penetrated into the -room, made his heart beat with hope. But as each faded away it left him -annoyed, even angry. - -“Never knew Bob Somers to fail in his word before,” he repeated several -times. - -Unable to stand the dreary task of waiting any longer Tom slapped on -his cap, and, in a moment, was down-stairs at the door. - -He looked searchingly along the street in both directions. But there -were no familiar faces in the ever-passing throng. - -“Hang it all,” he growled. “If we were in Chicago I might understand -it, because there’s a fire every few minutes, or some kind of a rumpus -going on. But here!--Why don’t those chaps come back?” - -No answer was suggested by the mental query which insistently -propounded itself; so, finally, with a last long look and grunt of -disapproval, Tom climbed back to Bob Somers’ room. The book on anatomy -reappeared, and the student, with an air of deep injury, once more -began to read. - -It was, at length, fully fifteen minutes beyond the time appointed for -the yacht to leave. - -Suddenly Tom sat bolt upright. He seemed as startled as though some one -had clapped him unexpectedly on the shoulder. - -Could it be possible? - -He drew a long, deep breath. A dreadful suspicion had entered his head. -He tried to cast it off with scorn; but, somehow, the thought would -not down. Were the boys testing his courage? Had they actually gone -away with Victor on the motor yacht? Did the crowd wish to find out how -he stood in relation to the “flopper” class? And yet it wasn’t like -honest, straightforward Bob Somers to act in such a way. - -The precious book of anatomy fell unheeded to the floor, as Tom -restlessly paced up and down, while conflicting ideas chased each other -swiftly through his brain. - -“I don’t--can’t believe it,” he said, aloud. “Of course not! What a -silly idiot I am. The crowd’ll be here soon. Mustn’t let ’em think they -had me aeroplaning.” He smiled grimly as an idea struck him. “I’ll just -sprint down to the wharf and settle it.” - -So Tom, with unseemly haste, again dashed down-stairs, and did almost -“sprint” through the streets in the direction of the river. It was -quite a long distance, too, but probably few had ever covered it in so -short a time. - -The moment his eyes rested on the familiar pilings at which Captain -Bunderley’s motor yacht was usually moored he stopped short and uttered -a low whistle. His suspicions were not without foundation, after all. - -The “Fearless” had gone. - -Yes, the “Fearless” had gone! There could be no doubt about it. Tom -Clifton felt a strange variety of emotions assail him. He eagerly -scanned the river, half expecting to see the yacht somewhere on its -surface. But his search was in vain. - -“Well, well! Victor must have actually managed to pull off that trick,” -he growled. - -Smarting with indignation, the lad covered the space between him and -the end of the wharf in record time. - -A small, stout man sitting on a barrel looked up as he approached. - -“Hey,” began Tom, “were you here this morning when that motor yacht -left?” - -The stout man, with a whimsical light in his eye, was gazing hard into -the boy’s face. - -“Yer hat is a great distance up from the ground, me lad,” he remarked, -casually. “Kin ye see acrost to the lake from there?” - -“Oh, cut it out. I’m no lighthouse!” snapped Tom, forgetting politeness -in his ruffled state of mind. “Were you----” - -The stout man stopped him. - -“I were, for sure,” he answered, emphatically. - -“See any boys on board?” - -“I did--sure ag’in.” - -“Been gone long?” - -“Yes, a right smart spell. Runned off without yer, did they, mate? Some -people is mean enough for anythin’.” - -Tom was too angry and disturbed to make any reply to this observation. - -“My, but wouldn’t I like to punch that little Victor,” he thought. “I -didn’t think it of Bob Somers; or Dave, either. Looks as though the -whole bunch is trying to have a big joke at my expense. Hey?” - -The little man was speaking again. - -“Ye oughter be real glad ye weren’t took along, mate,” he remarked, -pleasantly. “Ye look kinder peart now; but a right smart spell o’ -tossin’ about out there ’ud take that out o’ you. I always says, give -me seasoned water every time.” - -“Seasoned water?” queried Tom. - -“Sure, mate; some as has plenty o’ salt in it. I’ve sailed on both -kinds, an’ I know.” - -“Then I suppose the lake makes you feel a bit peppery at times, eh?” -grunted Tom, as he strode rapidly away. - -“Well, of all things!” he exclaimed, hotly, when out of hearing -distance. “Isn’t this the limit! A dandy trip bungled at the very -start; and all on account of that little spoiled kid. By George, they -certainly have put it up to me to take our car to Milwaukee all alone. -Think I’ll ‘flop,’ eh, as Victor calls it? Well, I rather guess not!” - -Tom looked very savage indeed; his fists were tightly clenched, and he -glared about him in a way that might have attracted attention had any -observers been near. - -The cool gusts of wind which continually swept against the lad, -together with the busy scenes along the wharves, finally began to calm -his belligerent spirit. The first effect of the unpleasant situation -wearing off left him with a dogged feeling of determination to show his -mettle. - -Presently Tom sat down on an old box, from which position he had a good -view of the river. But another period of waiting brought no result, and -he rose to his feet more disgusted than ever. - -His mind had been busily engaged. He did not intend to let any one, -even his best friends, play jokes on him. - -“If the bunch doesn’t turn up mighty fast,” he reflected, “I’ll have a -little fun in that car all by my lonesome. No doubt now--it’s Milwaukee -for mine.” - -The boys didn’t turn up. Whereupon Tom, deciding that he had, with -Sherlock Holmes intelligence, made the proper deductions, went back to -the hotel. There he gathered together the few articles of luggage which -the crowd carried with them and paid their bill. - -“I’ll be back soon with the car,” he explained, briefly, to the clerk. - -At the garage the proprietor was mildly surprised to see only the very -tall lad returning to take charge of the motor car, but, concluding -that it was none of his affair, he made no comments. - -The machine seemed to have increased marvelously in size since Tom -had last seen it. In the midst of other vehicles it loomed up in a -positively gigantic fashion. How easily he could picture in his mind -Dave Brandon lolling in comfort on the rear seat. What a strange, -dismal silence hovered over the big car now! A peculiar sense of -loneliness stole over him. He stood, irresolute. Then, in an instant, -and with a shrug of his shoulders, he climbed up to the chauffeur’s -seat. - -“Yes, suh, I done filled the tank with gasoline,” explained a smiling -colored lad, in answer to his query. “Dar ain’t nuthin’ to be did. -Whar’s ye goin’, suh, if I might ask?” - -“To Milwaukee,” answered Tom. - -“Sho, dat am sartingly a fine trip. Yes, suh, de way am clear.” - -Tom Clifton’s hand trembled a little as he laid it on the steering -wheel. Without the presence of the others to strengthen his courage -the task of driving the car through the city streets assumed more -formidable proportions than he liked. But, giving the button on the -dash a push, he muttered, determinedly: - -“I’ll play the game right to the end.” - -In another instant the echoes of the engine’s rapid pulsation thundered -through the garage. A cloud of gasoline vapor swirled aloft, to lose -itself among the rafters. The clutch was thrown on. - -“So-long, Benjamin!” - -“So-long, Mistah! I done hopes yo hab a bully trip.” - -The big touring car slid easily past the doorway; a series of warning -blasts from the horn sounded, and Tom was on the street. - -Once outside, with the machine responding to his slightest touch, he -soon began to feel a little easier in mind. Yet how empty the car -seemed! How he missed the cheery voices and merry laughter of his -companions! Why had they allowed themselves to be so influenced by -Victor--why? - -And then the thought that he had acted too impulsively flashed through -Tom’s mind. - -“Suppose I should find ’em at the hotel? They’d have a jolly good laugh -at my expense, after all,” he reflected. - -But, on this point, he need not have disturbed himself. Neither Victor -nor any of the others was at the hotel when the car stopped before the -entrance. - -“Those chaps even had the confounded cheek to leave their traps for -me to look after,” grumbled Tom, as the boy in bright brass buttons -assisted him in stowing away the luggage. “Well, all right. The first -inning of the game’s been played. Here’s the beginning of the second.” - -Once more the touring car was in motion. With all the responsibility -resting on his shoulders, the lad experienced new and novel -sensations--and most of them were not altogether pleasant. He sadly -missed Bob Somers’ words of caution and advice. Approaching the public -square, with numerous vehicles and pedestrians on all sides, he became -decidedly nervous. - -Just as the car rolled toward the principal crossing, around the -corner of which Tom decided to turn, a tall man who had been reading a -newspaper by the curb suddenly stepped out into the street. - -With a cry, Tom reached over and sounded the horn sharply. He took -his foot off the clutch and threw on the break. It was an instant of -intense satisfaction to him--and, perhaps, some surprise, when the -touring car abruptly stopped. - -And, meanwhile, a flying leap had taken the man to safety. - -At the moment of landing, fully a yard from the starting point, his -temper took effect all at once. - -“Hey there, what’s the matter? Ain’t you got no eyes?” he demanded, in -amazingly gruff tones. - -“Well, that’s a good one!” cried Tom, though his voice was somewhat -shaky. “How--how--about yourself?” - -“Don’t pass out any flip talk, now. I won’t stand for it.” - -“Better wait until I do.” - -The angry citizen paused, took a good look at the tall chauffeur, then: - -“Why, you ain’t nothin’ but a kid!” he exclaimed. - -Tom’s face flushed. - -“I’m old enough to know what I’m doing,” he answered, witheringly. - -“You are, hey? There ought to be a law passed against letting fellers -what ain’t cut their eye teeth yet drive regular whaleback ships like -that through the streets. What are you doing in there, anyway, boy?” - -“If you throw any more words in this direction you may find out.” - -“Got a license for knocking folks down, have you?” - -A small crowd had already gathered, and seemed to be thoroughly -enjoying the situation. - -“Don’t let ’im faze you, chaufyer,” screeched a very small lad. - -Tom, making a strong effort to appear cool and dignified, leaned -forward. His eye caught the tall man’s. - -“I’d like to say this,” he roared: “if the city intended the middle of -the street to be used as a place for reading newspapers they’d have put -a few benches and chairs along it.” - -Chuckles of mirth came from the audience. - -“Ha, ha! You’ve got ’im goin’,” piped a very youthful citizen. - -“Goin’! He’s the one that will be goin’!” roared the man whose life had -been saved. “Where’s there a cop? Where’s that officer I saw on the -corner a few moments ago?” - -“If he hadn’t gone, too,” cried Tom, looking around, “he’d pinch you -for disorderly conduct and blocking the highway. Get out of the road. -This machine is going to buzz like a sawmill.” - -An elderly lady, who disliked everybody that rode in an automobile, -declared to a companion that Tom was the most brazen-looking young -scamp she had ever seen; and, the fact is, he did not at that moment -appear very angelic. - -Snorting indignantly, and still somewhat unnerved, Tom threw in the -clutch. - -He had expected to spend some time scouting around in the center of -the city. But this experience caused him to decide that the more quiet -streets would do just as well. - -“That chap was certainly a grouch,” he murmured, still highly -indignant. “But I guess my remark about the benches squelched him.” - -A number of blocks were passed, each instant bringing him nearer to the -wharf where the “Fearless” had been moored. - -“Bet, by this time, the yacht is back,” he murmured, hopefully. “I’ll -never let on how the boys had me going, both in and out of the car.” - -The river soon swept into view. Tom, peering eagerly ahead, felt his -spirits sink again. A number of boats dotted the gray, gloomy-looking -surface, but the motor yacht “Fearless” was not among the number. - -“Well, well! I might have known I was right.” - -The car came to a full stop. Tom sat for many minutes absorbed in deep -reflection. Then a grim smile played across his features. - -“I’ll show ’em how well I can play the game,” he cried once more to -the empty air. His hand gripped the horn bulb. A resounding blast -instantly followed. “There goes the signal for the third inning. I’ll -make a home run to Milwaukee, and bob up smiling.” - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -SPEEDING - - -“I certainly hope we don’t meet any more mean, tricky little kids,” -soliloquized Tom, as the touring car rushed steadily ahead, each -instant leaving the city of Kenosha further and further behind. “By -George--the nerve of him! Well--the fellows will find out that when it -comes to matching wits they haven’t much on me.” - -Tom Clifton’s confidence had returned; the strange feeling of -loneliness which at first had persisted in hanging over him, as well as -the half-defined fear of something happening to the motor were rapidly -being dispelled. The six cylinders, operating with perfect precision, -sent off on the breeze their steady vibrating roar. Tom’s cheek was -flushed with the excitement and novelty of his position. He seemed to -have grown into man’s estate at a bound. - -“I guess when I meet the yacht at Milwaukee I’ll have the laugh on the -whole bunch,” he thought, with a cheerful grin. - -The weather was still threatening. A stiff, cold breeze constantly -blowing in his face made the goggles very acceptable indeed, and he had -found it prudent to put on his heavier coat. Now and again he caught -glimpses of Lake Michigan. Far out on the great body of agitated water -he could see tossing whitecaps gleaming like silver against the gray -background of choppy waves. - -“Shouldn’t wonder if I got caught in an awful blow before long,” he -said aloud, somewhat anxiously. - -At times the route took him not far from the Chicago and Northwestern -Railroad. Occasionally trains thundered by, their whistles sending -shrieking blasts that died out in throbbing echoes over the dreary -landscape. - -Tom felt an almost irresistible impulse to throw on all power and race -these defiant-looking iron monsters, but thoughts of the law and of -sharp-eyed constables deterred him. - -At length a village sprang into view ahead. On closer inspection it -seemed to have the usual accompaniments of barking dogs, cackling -geese, and countless chickens. - -Only by the narrowest margin were several terrible casualties among the -bird family averted that day. Tom’s heart beat fast with apprehension -as a small army of geese, led by an ancient gander, suddenly swooped -directly in the path of the oncoming machine. - -The fierce yells of a blue-shirted man leaning against a fence did not -help to ease his troubled spirit. - -“Great Scott!” - -The words broke impulsively from Tom’s lips, as, with frantic haste, he -operated the steering wheel. - -For an instant he expected to hear an awful cackling ringing in his -ears. But the big touring car swerved sufficiently to clear the rear -guard of frantically flying legs. - -“By George! And never even ruffled a feather!” cried Tom, in great -relief. - -The village was quickly passed. On reaching a bend a stretch of almost -straight road lay before him. The country looked very deserted and -lonely. Here and there a house, far off in the fields, patches of -trees, or the crooked line of a fence alone broke the monotonous -landscape. - -The temptation to “burn up the road” was too great to resist. Tom threw -on power until the telegraph poles seemed to be literally hurling -themselves through space toward him. He had certainly recovered his -nerve, a fact on which he proudly congratulated himself. - -But the thrills produced by the terrific speed were of no ordinary -kind, causing him before long to slow down considerably. - -“Gee! Now I’ve done it, I won’t do it again,” he muttered, with all the -elation of a chauffeur who has captured a world’s record. “Awful risky, -that! Maybe Bob Somers wouldn’t have opened his eyes. Hello--Racine!” - -Beyond an open field houses were coming into view, and still further -beyond several church spires pierced the lowering atmosphere. - -At a moderate speed, Tom kept on, while evidences that a busy, -thriving town lay ahead constantly increased. Before long the machine -was rolling over a wide, pleasant avenue lined with houses set some -distance apart, many having fine lawns in front. - -As the character of the street changed so did Tom’s feelings. When the -livelier sections of the city were reached nervousness once again had -him in its grip. But, with firm determination, he mastered the tremors -which, for a time, threatened to interfere with his manipulation of the -steering wheel. - -“Easy, boy--easy!” he counseled to himself. - -The big machine was rounding a corner which reminded him of the one in -Kenosha. “Main Street,” he read on a near-by sign. - -“Pretty brisk, too,” murmured Tom. “Must be a busy time of day.” - -Clang, clang, clang! - -In response to the insistent warnings of a rapidly-approaching electric -car he drew near the curb. Then a two-horse dray swung sharply off from -the car tracks and compelled him to come to a stop. - -Tom was just in the humor to call out gruffly: - -“Hey, there! Where are you going?” - -But the trolley car at that instant whizzed rapidly past, and the boy -concluded, just in time to check the remark, that the driver of the -dray was justified in his action. - -This far from exciting incident was the only one which marked the -passage of the motor car through the streets of Racine. Tom, however, -drew a long, deep breath of relief when clanging gongs, blasts of -automobile horns and the rattle of wagons were but a memory and the -open country lay stretched once more before him. - -In the middle distance the moisture-laden air seemed to dip down, and -through this veil the views beyond were revealed in misty patches. -Every minute it looked as if the scudding clouds would begin to -dissolve themselves in torrents of driving rain. All vegetation -glistened with cold gray reflections caught from above. Yet, as the -motor car sent the mile-stones, one after another, slipping past, the -expected did not happen. - -“It will mighty soon, though, I’m thinking,” mused Tom. “By gum, this -is rather lonely work. Houses ahead! Good! Signs of life out here are -certainly scarce.” - -It was a very pretty little village along the principal street of -which the car presently rolled. He caught several glimpses of men -working in fields; of others gathered in front of a store. They hailed -him; he sent an answering salute; then, in a few moments, the last -house had been reached and passed. - -As the journey approached its end Tom Clifton’s impatience increased. -Several times he drove the car for short stretches at a clip which -almost rivaled his first daring attempt at speeding. Another village -was passed, and then another. Some distance to his right an occasional -column of rapidly-moving smoke or jets of steam marked the progress of -north or south-bound trains. - -“Easy job--I didn’t have any trouble finding the way,” grinned Tom. -“One look at our road map was enough. By George; it’s a lucky thing, -too, that I remember the place where Captain Bunderley said his motor -yacht was always moored at Milwaukee. ‘Right by the East Water Street -bridge, boys,’--those were his very words. She ought to have arrived -by this time. And I know how to steer the machine there straight as a -carrier pigeon scoots for home.” - -“Hey there, young feller!” - -The motor car was nearing an intersecting road. It bore an appearance -strangely similar to numerous others passed that day, but whereas they -had generally been deserted on this particular one he saw a small -slight man of uncertain age sprinting toward him at a lively rate of -speed. - -“Hey there, young feller!” came the hail a second time. - -In obedience to the authoritative summons, Tom slowed up, stopping just -as the man, breathing hard, reached the main road. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE CONSTABLE - - -The Rambler’s gaze rested upon an odd-looking man who wore a gray -beard. His skin was tanned to a coppery color; around his eyes -innumerable wrinkles had formed, giving to his face a curious quizzical -expression. - -“Goodness--a county constable!” thought Tom. - -The first words he heard confirmed this unpleasant suspicion. - -“You’ve been scorchin’, ain’t ye?” - -“Scorching?” howled Tom, indignantly. “Why, I never even scorched a -biscuit.” - -“That’s a good one. I saw ye.” - -“No, sir! It was only a reasonable rate of speed.” - -“How many good telegraph poles did ye knock down along the route?” -asked Tom’s questioner, sarcastically. - -“I put every one right back in its place.” - -“You look like one o’ them pampered fellers. Most likely yer dad’s a -millionaire.” - -“Nothing of the sort!” broke in Tom, impatiently. - -“What ain’t?” - -“What you said.” - -“What I said ain’t nothin’ o’ the sort, eh? Wal, it’ll go easier with -yer if ye ain’t forgot the politeness ye l’arned in early youth. Back -there”--he waved a brown finger in the air--“ye scorched; own up now!” -His words were jerked out with incisive emphasis. “Own up now!” - -“Maybe I did go a little fast,” admitted Tom, hesitatingly, -“but--but--here! What are you doing?” - -The countryman, without waiting for anything further, had calmly -stepped on the running board. He leaned over to open the door. - -Next instant the highly-indignant chauffeur saw him climbing into the -car. - -“The court-house ain’t so very far,” announced the unexpected -passenger, calmly seating himself on the rear cushions. “Cheer up, -young feller. ’Twon’t be more’n fifteen dollars; an’ if ye hain’t got -it the county allus takes good keer o’ the machine till ye comes out.” - -“This is a pretty kettle of fish!” cried Tom, hotly. - -“Some o’ the prettiest fish I ever see has been ketched right around -here, son. But don’t let yer machine git rusty. Even machine oil has -riz in price.” - -Tom was too disgusted to make any rejoinder. He turned his head, to -stare hard into a pair of twinkling gray eyes. An awkward silence -followed. - -“Did you mistake this for a sightseeing car?” demanded Tom, at length. -“Please step right out!” - -The other grinned complacently. - -“I’m only a little bunch,” he confided, “but when I worked in lumber -camps me pals said I were as strong as a steel trap; and that’s pretty -near so. Nobody has ever put me off an automobile yit.” He laughed -softly. “Feel like trying it?” - -“Who are you?” asked Tom, wrathfully. - -The man settled the matter beyond all question. From an inside pocket -he produced a small, ominous-looking shield. - -“How does that strike ye?” he asked, mildly. - -“Then you’re a--a constable, after all?” - -“If ye’d guessed a year ye couldn’t hev guessed better. This is a free -country; but when the majesty o’ the law has been damaged fifteen -dollars’ worth----” - -“But I didn’t scorch--an’ you know it!” cried Tom. - -“Softly, young feller. It’s lucky for you Jack Piker didn’t see that -last lap o’ yourn, that’s all. I’m an easier man than him.” - -“I could have gone twice as fast,” insisted Clifton, angrily. - -“So much the worse if ye had.” - -The boy pleaded and coaxed. There was no reason why he should be -delayed; he was going moderately fast, but not at any rate of speed -that could be considered illegal. None of his arguments, however, -appeared to have the slightest effect upon the little man on the rear -seat. Occasionally a low, chuckling laugh escaped him. The lines around -his eyes deepened. - -“When you git finished start ’er up,” he commanded, firmly. - -And Tom, fairly boiling over with indignation, “started up.” - -He squared his shoulders; his jaws clicked together. - -“And it’s all on account of that miserable Victor Collins,” he -muttered. “Never mind! I haven’t been touched out at first yet. Wait -till I get before the justice!” - -Tom had so many thoughts to keep his mind occupied that the next -town emerged into view through the gloomy haze ahead with surprising -suddenness. - -“South Milwaukee,” announced a gruff voice from the rear. - -Tom scorned to reply. - -The hum of smoothly-working machinery, the soft whirr of wheels and the -chant and moan of the wind were the only sounds which broke the silence -as the distance became less and less. - -Finally the motor car was on the principal street of the town. Tom had -been expecting every instant to receive orders to proceed at once to -the hall where justice held full sway, but, so far, the little man, -beyond hailing several acquaintances with considerable enthusiasm, had -remained silent. - -“Ah--now it comes!” - -A long finger was tapping his shoulder. - -“Stop!” commanded the passenger. - -Tom looked hastily about him, but could see no building suggestive of a -court-house. - -The machine drew up to the curb and came to a halt. - -“I certainly am much obliged to you, son.” - -“Eh? What do you mean?” queried Tom, in surprise. - -The little man’s eyes were twinkling merrily. Suddenly he burst into -a series of loud guffaws, while young Clifton’s look of astonishment -momentarily increased. - -“Ain’t I speakin’ English?” - -“Hang it all; I--I don’t understand it.” - -“Ha, ha! Of course ye don’t. But ask anybody nigh-abouts who knows -Jerry Dinglar an’ they’d tell ye he’s the greatest practical joker in -town. I simply can’t help it.” - -“You--you--surely don’t mean that this is all a lark, do you?” -exclaimed Tom, hopefully. - -One square look into Mr. Dinglar’s eyes was enough to reveal the truth. - -“Great Scott!” - -Tom breathed a sigh of relief. He felt so joyous that his anger melted -entirely away. Willingly he seized and shook the lean brown hand which -was thrust toward him, suppressing with difficulty a desire to indulge -in boisterous mirth. - -“Only a joke!” he exclaimed. “Ha, ha!--But”--his face suddenly became -grave again--“aren’t you really a constable?” - -“I’m the greatest stickler for facts you ever heard of,” confided Mr. -Dinglar. “Sure I am a constable. Now let me tell you somethin’--let it -soak in good, too: back there ain’t in my jurisdiction; Piker attends -to that most o’ the time, an’ I’m generally off to the north o’ here. -But I wanted to git a lift inter town--understan’? An’ when I see a -young chap comin’ along swift as an Injun arrow I makes up my mind to -hev it. See the p’int?” - -Tom admitted that he caught the idea. - -“But why in thunder didn’t you just ask me?” he inquired. - -Jerry Dinglar shook his head. - -“Me friends all like me well enough, but I’ll wager they’d give -somethin’ big if I’d only move out o’ the county, yes, they would.” -His chuckling laugh came again. “See the p’int?” - -Tom nodded. - -“I had to hev my little joke; an’ you look enough like my own son to be -his brother.” - -Tom turned his face away to hide a rather odd expression. - -“Only he ain’t stretched out to ’most the breakin’ p’int, as you are,” -added the official. “Anyway, it made me do you a good turn.” - -“How?” asked Tom, interestedly. - -“If Jack Piker had saw what I see’d it would hev been fifteen dollars’ -worth o’ law busted, sure. Better take advice o’ one who introduces -automobile fellers to the judge every week--be keerful; don’t do it -ag’in. That’s what I was wantin’ ter impress on yer mind--understan’?” -The little man clapped him on the shoulder. “I don’t know where ye come -from, an’ I don’t know where ye’re goin’, but I like ye, ’cause you kin -take a joke. See the p’int?” - -Tom grinned. - -“Sure! Some chaps are so thin-skinned they get mad at everything,” he -said, loftily. - -“That’s it. Good-bye, an’ much obleeged!” And, with these words, the -little constable hopped nimbly to the ground, gave a parting wave of -his hand and walked rapidly away. - -“By George, that’s a comical one for you,” said Tom, to himself. “I -feel just like a chap who has beaten the ball to first. Ha, ha! I -wasn’t scorching, though; that is, not when he saw me. But still”--he -smiled rather grimly--“I’d better be on the safe side and crawl the -rest of the way.” - -Once more the machine was in motion. South Milwaukee soon fell far -behind and within a half hour he was approaching the city. A confused -mass of buildings, and an occasional chimney rising high above them, -lifted themselves faintly from obscurity. Here and there factory smoke -raced with the low-hanging clouds and deepened their lowering surfaces -into a still darker tone. - -Tom paid no heed to the depressing air of gloom which seemed to pervade -all nature. He was too anxious to reach the East Water Street bridge -and bring his lonely trip to a close. - -And suppose the motor yacht “Fearless” should not be there, after all? - -This unpleasant thought, occasionally penetrating Tom’s armor of -confidence, brought an expression of deep concern to his face. - -“Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll have to play the game some more,” -he sighed. “Anyway, it’s up to me to make good; and I will.” - -The outskirts were quickly passed. The scattering array of houses gave -place to thickly built up sections, which, as he progressed, became -more and more lively. At length Tom drove along Kinnikinnic Avenue, -finally crossing the river of the same name. Then the motor car -swung into Clinton Street, and, on a straight road, leaped forward, -overtaking and nosing past every vehicle bound in the same direction. - -Tom, in his impatience, forgot all self-consciousness, handling the car -with a skill almost equal to that of Bob Somers’. His heart was beating -high with hope and expectancy. - -A deep, hoarse whistle vibrating over the air told of traffic on the -Milwaukee River. The sound brought with it, too, the pleasing message -that his goal was almost reached. - -Within a few minutes he would know--what? - -Up to the limit of speed allowed by law dashed the motor car, Tom -eagerly straining his eyes for the first glimpse of the East Water -Street bridge, which, according to his map, must be just ahead. - -“Ah ha; there it is!” - -The draw was opening to allow a boat to pass. Tom saw the great arms of -the structure rising higher and higher against the sky. To the left the -bold, impressive lines of a whaleback steamer loomed up, with flags on -its fore and aft masts straightened out in the wind. - -Presently the dull, leaden-looking water of the Milwaukee River flashed -into view. At the East Water Street bridge its course toward Lake -Michigan changes to a southeasterly direction. Another moment, and -Tom’s eyes were roving swiftly over the stream. - -A pang of bitter disappointment shot through him--the “Fearless” was -not in sight. - -He threw out the clutch and the motor car stopped. - -“Stung again, maybe!” groaned the chauffeur. He sat motionless for an -instant, deep in thought, then mumbled, “What a silly chump I am! Come -to think of it, Captain Bunderley said ‘Near the bridge.’ I can’t do -much scouting around in this car, so I’ll shoot it over to the nearest -garage and sprint right back.” - -A boy, in answer to his inquiries, directed him to cross the bridge and -keep straight on until Wisconsin Street was reached. - -“Guess you’ll find one along there,” he said. “Say, ain’t that a -whopping big machine! How much do you get a week for running it?” - -“Twice as much as nothing,” answered Tom, with a faint grin. - -As soon as the bridge settled back into place the motor car was put in -motion. Tom directed his course along East Water Street, driving with -great caution, until he reached an important business section. Not far -from Wisconsin Street he found a garage and left his machine. - -The next thing that Tom Clifton did was to hunt up a restaurant and -refresh himself with a good meal. This acted so wonderfully upon his -spirits that he walked out on the street feeling renewed confidence in -the correctness of his deductions. - -“Bet I’ll find the yacht in half an hour,” he said to himself. “Here’s -where the hunt begins.” - -But although Tom Clifton thoroughly explored the river in the -neighborhood of the East Water Street bridge, the late afternoon found -him still searching, with hope gone down to the zero point. - -“I’ve made the circuit of the bases and been put out at home,” he -muttered. “What do you think of that for awful luck!” - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -GETTING A JOB - - -Benjamin Rochester was not the only person in Kenosha into whose brain -a germ of suspicion concerning the boys had found lodgment. The very -dapper and polite hotel clerk, having overheard scraps of conversation -between Dave and Victor which plainly indicated an unusual state of -affairs, set his thoughts in motion. - -“It did seem mighty odd to me when that long-legged chap beat it,” he -murmured, softly. “Queer, too, that a parcel of boys should be sporting -around in a machine fit for a multi-millionaire. I won’t say there’s -anything wrong about it, but----” - -A step attracted his attention. - -Dave Brandon, wearing his usual good-natured smile, had approached the -desk. - -“I was wondering if I could be accommodated here for a few days,” began -the historian, blandly. “You see----” - -The clerk smiled affably. He also coughed apologetically. His thoughts -ran like this: “Oh, no, my fine fellow, you can’t work any slick scheme -on us.” Then he said: - -“Very sorry, sir, our terms are strictly cash in advance, especially -when luggage has been taken away. Of course I don’t doubt that you’re -all right,” he added, in a tone which expressed all the doubt in the -world. - -“Oh!” exclaimed Dave. - -“Yes,” said the clerk. - -The historian remained thoughtful for a moment. - -“Pardon me,” he said, quietly turning away. - -“He looks like a pretty good sort,” mused the clerk, glancing at Dave’s -retreating form. “Still, you never can tell; usually they’re the -slickest kind.” - -A few minutes later Dave reappeared. - -“When Victor Collins comes in will you kindly give him this?” he said, -handing the clerk a sealed envelope. - -Once outside, Dave, with a twinkle in his eye, began to walk as though -he had some important mission to perform. - -“Well, well!” His smile broadened. “I was certainly never placed in -such a remarkable situation before. It has an element of grim humor -in it, too. But for this hungry feeling I’d laugh out loud. Stranded! -Think of the fearfulness of it! Actually stranded!” - -Dave’s reflections, however, did not drive away his cheerful expression. - -“Now that the chaps have disappeared,” he mused, “their kindly support -must needs be withdrawn. Here I am, left high and dry on the shores of -adversity, with two awful alternatives facing me: to borrow, or not to -borrow; to depend upon myself, or not to depend upon myself.” - -The humor of it all appealed irresistibly to the historian; he laughed -to himself, although his eyes were turned longingly toward a restaurant -in the window of which a tempting collection of food products was -displayed. - -“There’s no telling how or when we fellows will get together -again,” mused Dave. “Something has to be done quickly. I believe -I’ve struck the best plan. Anyway, it won’t do any harm to try it. -Although”--he laughed aloud--“I reckon little Vic will be considerably -surprised--even shocked.” - -Dave had completely thrown off his usually languid air. He walked -briskly, with a certain look in his eye which his chums would have -known meant a determination not to be swerved. - -He slackened his rapid pace only when a group of circus tents finally -appeared in view. A few minutes later he crossed the lot, directing his -steps toward the mess tent. - -He found it crowded with men and women seated before rough board -tables. A savory odor filling the enclosure made Dave sniff the air -with keen relish. It also served to increase his tremendous desire for -a good square meal. - -Several waiters in white caps and aprons, balancing trays, hustled -along the narrow aisles. A constant rattle of dishes and the jingle of -knives and forks mingled in with the buzz of conversation. Sometimes -a bawling voice sharply punctuated this medley of sound, and now one -close at hand suddenly roared out: - -“Hey! Watcher want?” - -Dave looked around, to find himself the target for many pairs of -staring eyes. It was a little embarrassing--very little, however. He -looked over the rows of grinning faces and was about to reply when a -boy not far off suddenly popped up from his seat. - -“Well, if it ain’t Jumbo ag’in!” - -A roar of mirth echoed through the mess tent. Sallies began flying -thick and fast. Dave, however, stood his ground. - -“I’m looking for Mr. Whiffin,” he said, calmly. - -Joe Rodgers, arrayed in the reddest of red vests, put his small form -in motion, and, with remarkable disregard for the feet and shins about -him, pushed his way forward. - -“Hey!” screeched Joe, shaking his fist at a particularly loud-voiced -person who was busy hurling questions at Dave. “Let that ’ere feller -alone. I’m his guardeen.” - -“Where is Mr. Whiffin, Joe?” asked Dave. - -“I dunno. But if ye hear a row goin’ on anywheres steer fur it, an’ -you’ll find him,” answered Joe. “What d’ye want with ’im, anyway?” - -Dave, uttering a sigh of relief, withdrew from the curious stares, the -loud voices and general noise and confusion which pervaded the tent. -Joe was at his side. - -“What d’ye want with Whiffin, Jumbo?” he repeated. - -“Joe,” remarked Dave--he placed his hand on the lad’s broad -shoulder--“if you don’t mind, I’d rather you’d call me Dave--Dave -Brandon’s my name.” - -“All right. I’ll call you Dave Jumbo,” said Joe, gravely. - -The historian burst into a hearty laugh. - -“Dave Jumbo?” - -“Oh, I’m wise to what ye wants, Dave.” Joe stared earnestly into the -other’s face for an instant. “Ye’re a good feller, all right--I kin see -that,” he exclaimed. “Say,--what’s became o’ the little grouch?” - -Dave explained. - -“Gone off for to eat, eh? Well, did ye take sich a fancy to Whiffin ye -couldn’t stay away from the show, eh?” - -“Joe, I’m looking for a job.” - -Joe’s eyes bulged out with real astonishment. - -“What--what!” he gasped. “You’re kiddin’ me, for sure.” - -“Oh, no; I mean it, Joe.” - -“But say, what does a feller wearin’ clothes like them you’ve got on -want with a job?” The idea apparently staggered “Mister” Joe Rodgers. -He thrust his hands into his trousers pockets. “Aw, git out!” he -sniffed, after a moment of deep reflection. “Ye can’t git across with -no sich stuff as that.” - -It took Dave five minutes of valuable time to make Joe credit the -earnestness of his intention. But once convinced, Joe immediately -became the historian’s enthusiastic ally. - -“But--but I don’t believe ye kin do it,” he said, doubtfully. - -“Lead me to Whiffin, and we’ll see,” laughed Dave. - -After a short search they found the manager of “Spudger’s Peerless” at -the entrance to the main tent. - -“Well?” he demanded, as Dave spoke up. - -“I understand that you need the services of a good barker,” began Dave. - -“What’s that to you?” demanded Peter Whiffin, in a querulous tone, -arching his eyebrows in surprise. - -“Only that I’d like to have the job myself, sir.” - -The manager looked at the stout boy as though he had never heard -anything quite so strange in all his life. - -“What?” he snarled. “You--you--get out; go away from here a thousand -miles!” - -“Give ’im a chanc’t, Mr. Whiffin,” pleaded Joe. “Maybe he kin make good.” - -“Make good, nothin’!” growled the other. “There ain’t anything to -prewent your goin’.” - -“Only a powerful disinclination to drag myself away from Spudger’s -Peerless Circus and Menagerie,” laughed Dave. “Come now, Mr. -Whiffin”--he changed his jocular tone to one of seriousness--“I know -that a barker is absolutely necessary to the success of your show. As -Joe says, give me a chance.” - -Mr. Peter Whiffin seemed to hesitate. He looked sharply at the boy; -then, reaching a sudden decision, crooked his forefinger and turned on -his heel. - -Dave, with Joe not far behind him, followed the manager into the -menagerie tent. - -A really delightful odor of sawdust filled the air. Colossus, Titan and -Nero stood in a corner, restlessly swinging their trunks, while in the -open dens lined up on either side savage animals paced ceaselessly to -and fro. - -“Now see here,” began Peter Whiffin, cocking his head to one side -and looking very fierce indeed, “I wouldn’t listen to yer yawp for -eight seconds but for two things: first, you’ve got the biggest nerve -of any boy I ever see; an’ second, I do need a barker. But I’m from -Missouri--if yer know what that means.” - -“Want to be shown, eh?” laughed Dave. - -He stepped off a few paces, and, with a wink at Joe, began a steady -flow of eloquence, describing Spudger’s great show in the highly -imaginative language of a press agent. - -“I’ve heard worse,” commented Peter Whiffin, grudgingly, attempting to -hide his satisfaction. “Give us another round.” - -An expression of surprise on the manager’s face gradually deepened. -Dave, thoroughly imbued with the humorous side of the proceeding, and -determined to do himself credit, had managed to cast aside all feelings -of embarrassment. He raised his voice until its strong, clear notes -fairly rang through the tent. - -“But did ye ever speak before a mob?” - -“I’ve recited in school many times,” answered Dave. - -“Well, this job ain’t like speakin’ to a lot o’ kids, mind yer,” warned -Mr. Whiffin. “I reckon you’ll feel like takin’ to the tall timber when -ye faces a real crowd.” - -“I’ll risk it,” said Dave, in a confident manner. - -“An’ I’m game enough to take a chance on ye.” Peter Whiffin cast -an angry look toward Joe Rodgers, whose joy at the decision seemed -altogether out of proportion to its importance. “Ye kin try it this -afternoon. But ye’ll need to git the biggest kind o’ a hustle on ye; -the show’s goin’ to start mighty soon.” - -“All right, Mr. Whiffin. What’s the pay?” - -“For this afternoon an’ to-night two dollars an’ grub, in case ye make -good.” - -Whiffin led the way to the entrance, and, as they walked outside, -Dave’s eyes ran over the lot. A large number of grown people, as well -as children were headed toward it. He saw that haste was, indeed, -necessary. - -“I’ll skip over to the mess tent now,” he said, briskly, “and----” - -“What! Ye ain’t had no grub yit?” exclaimed Mr. Peter Whiffin, in -astonishment. - -“No! But----” - -“Well, don’t waste your time in jawin’. Take ’im over, you Joe. Then -git right back on the job, or you’ll hear somethin’ ye don’t like. -Report to me in fifteen minutes, young feller.” - -“That’s Whiffin,” growled Joe, as the two promptly walked away. “Him -an’ me don’t hit it nohow. Say, Jumbo--I mean Dave--you’ve got nerve, -all right. If ye kin chuck the talk to the crowd as well as ye did -afore Whiffin you’ll have Jack Gray a-guessin’.” - -The mess tent was almost deserted when Dave, escorted by Joe Rodgers, -to the amazement of several waiters, a clown, and a few members of the -“Celebrated Randolpho family,” wizards of the flying trapeze, walked up -to a table and sat down. - -“What ees this?” murmured Randolpho, Senior, who, however, was no -relation to the other “Randolphos.” “Aha, it ees the same fat boy I -have see here before.” - -Joe Rodgers immediately made Mr. Whiffin’s orders known to those in -charge, and in a few minutes the historian was served by a grinning -and much mystified waiter. - -It is very likely that Victor Collins’ fastidious tastes would have -caused him to sniff at the circus fare, but Dave had roughed it too -long in the open to be over-particular. So he began to eat with a -heartiness that increased the grin on the waiter’s face. - -“Ah,” murmured Dave, a short time later, “depending upon one’s self is -the real thing, after all.” - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE NEW BARKER - - -“Yes, monsieur, I have, what you call it, voyaged much.” Randolpho, -Senior, whose curiosity was too strong for him to resist, had taken a -place by Dave Brandon’s side. “You have of the Cirque d’Hiver in Paree -heard, no doubt, monsieur?” - -Dave nodded. “Winter Circus, we say in English,” he replied. - -“Yes. I have performed there before crowds enormous.” - -“Do you like this country?” asked Dave. - -Monsieur Randolpho’s agreeable voice was silent as he pondered over the -question. Presently he said: - -“Ah, it ees a great place--such wonderful peoples. Nozzing for them is -too hard. You have never bark before, and yet--ah, you go?” - -Dave had hastily arisen. - -“I’d like to continue the conversation, Monsieur Randolpho,” he -remarked, pleasantly, “but I haven’t an instant to lose.” - -“Ah, you must of the show something learn, ees that not it? Well, I -wish you a grand success.” - -As Dave started off in search of Mr. Whiffin a rather curious sensation -began stealing over him. The lot had assumed an appearance of life and -gaiety such as it had perhaps never known before in all its existence. -The insistent cries of peanut, pretzel and lemonade venders, the shrill -yells of children, the rough voices of men calling to one another -and the awesome snarls and growls which occasionally came from the -menagerie tent kept up a never-ceasing din. - -And but a short time before Dave had been merely an outsider; but -now--that meal sealed the contract--he was to be until night a part -and parcel of “Spudger’s Peerless” and something destined to belong to -the public gaze. The barker’s stand before the main entrance seemed -to assume an importance altogether unwarranted by either its size or -gaudily decorated surface. - -One quick glance disclosed Mr. Whiffin not far away, gesticulating, -his thin, harsh voice raised to a pitch of unpleasant shrillness. - -“Hey, you,” he yelled, on catching sight of Dave, “step a step this -way. I’m a-waitin’.” - -As the newly-engaged barker approached, he saw a much-bewhiskered -gentleman, florid of complexion, apparently short of breath, and very -wide of girth sticking close to the manager’s side. - -“Here’s the fellow, Mr. Spudger,” exclaimed Peter Whiffin, pointing a -bony forefinger toward the oncoming Dave. “Says he kin help us out, but -I ain’t bankin’ on it.” - -The “great and only” Ollie Spudger unbent his ponderous form and began -to examine Dave as a connoisseur might search for the good points of a -rare piece of statuary. - -“Him?--He don’t look the part to me, Whiffin,” he said, with refreshing -candor. - -“His loss if he ain’t there with the goods,” commented Peter, shortly. -“Listen, young feller; here’s what I want ye to git over to the -audience, an’ git it over strong, mind ye.” - -Talking rapidly, he checked off on his fingers point after point, while -Mr. Spudger nodded his head in unison with the motions. - -“I understand,” said Dave. His eyes traveled mechanically in the -direction of the stand. “Shall I begin now?” - -“No! Come this way.” - -The historian followed the circus men inside the menagerie tent, where -he discovered that a space between two cages had been inclosed by a -long strip of canvas. - -Whiffin drew aside the flap and bade him enter. - -Dave’s eyes immediately took in a pile of garments resting on a stool. - -Peter Whiffin selected a very red coat, plentifully supplied with -spangles, and, as he held it at arm’s length, the slightest movement -sent them shaking and glittering in the dull gray light which came from -above. - -“A fine piece of goods,” said Mr. Whiffin, admiringly. “Slide inside, -young feller.” - -“What!” gasped Dave. - -“Put it on,” ordered Whiffin, peremptorily. - -The stout boy, with a broad grin, took off his coat and made an effort -to follow instructions. It required the services of both Spudger and -Whiffin, however, to force the garment around his ample shoulders, and -during this operation every seam, in turn, seemed ready to burst in -angry protest. - -“Now ye look a bit better,” exclaimed Mr. Spudger, at length, as, -somewhat winded with his exertions, he stood off to stare at Dave with -an eye of approval. - -“Stick this top-piece on yer, young feller,” came from Peter Whiffin. - -He handed over a little red cap with still redder tassels on the sides. - -“I certainly got myself into something when I took this job,” laughed -Dave, carefully adjusting the head-gear. “What else do I have to -change, Mr. Whiffin?” - -“Your expression--that’s all,” growled Peter. “I’m goin’. Jist wait -around the tent somewheres until the ‘Ten Thousand Dollar’ band reels -off a few tunes; an’ when I flash the signal git your nerves together -an’ come.” - -“An’ don’t let any bunch o’ kids rattle you,” advised Mr. Spudger, -following his manager with ponderous steps. - -Left alone, Dave paid no attention to the men passing to and fro, -but set his thoughts busily to work on the composition of his -announcement. Then, suddenly, noticing a small, round hole in the -canvas he walked quickly toward it. In another moment his eye was -applied to the aperture. - -He could see a considerable number of people crowding before the -entrance and also “Spudger’s Ten Thousand Dollar Peerless Band” -occupying a raised platform near the barker’s seat. - -Even quiet, self-contained Dave felt his nerves tingling curiously. The -ordeal of waiting tried his patience. He felt that his throat, for some -reason or other, was becoming unpleasantly husky. - -And now, after much preliminary tooting, the band struck up. A grand -crash was followed by several resounding bangs; then the musicians -were safely off. The brass easily predominated, almost drowning the -well-meaning attempts of the others. - -“When we started on that motor car trip how little I ever expected to -run into anything like this,” murmured Dave, softly. “I certainly do -wonder where those boys could have gone.” - -“Hey there!” - -He recognized the rasping voice. - -“All right, sir.” - -The great moment had arrived. - -A strong effort stilled the quick beating of his heart. Walking with a -firm step he reached Mr. Whiffin’s side. - -“Up with ye! An’ chuck it over strong, now!” commanded the manager. - -The chilly wind blowing hard across the lots swayed the great canvas -paintings before the entrance and violently fluttered a multitude of -flags and pennants floating from the top of ridge poles and strung -along various ropes. - -Even above the vigorous strains of music, Dave could hear a curious -murmur run through the crowd as he stepped upon the stand. In an -instant every eye was apparently focused upon him. He found it rather -difficult to face unconcernedly that battery of looks expressive of -curiosity, anticipation, or, perhaps, dreadful to think of, derision. - -Almost mechanically the new barker observed the shifting currents of -humanity, one moment massed together, and the next flowing over the lot -to form in scattered groups before various points of interest. It was -very picturesque and interesting. Many girls, in their bright-colored -dresses, added a touch of color to the scene. - -Dave became so absorbed in contemplating the kaleidoscopic effects -that he almost forgot to feel embarrassed. But a shrill screech coming -from a youthful throat just below brought him abruptly back to the -prominence of his position. - -“Say somethin’ or git the hook!” - -And just then Mr. Ollie Spudger, by a wave of his big right hand, -signaled to the fiddling leader of the “Ten Thousand Dollar” band. - -With another terrifying crash and bang, the playing suddenly stopped. A -stillness, appalling by contrast, immediately seemed to hover over the -surroundings. Dave, momentarily off his guard, found his wits acting in -a way that wits sometimes do when called upon to perform their duties -under extraordinary conditions. Words which just a few seconds before -were clearly imprinted on his mental vision had completely vanished, -and he stood gazing awkwardly into the faces of a staring, noisy mob. - -Below and at his back, he was conscious of the presence of Mr. Spudger -and his manager, realizing, too, that the eyes of each were fastened -upon him with eager intensity. - -That instant of silence was unendurable. But a noise producer was at -hand. A large disc of metal hung between two supports on his right, -while a wooden mallet lay on a shelf close by. - -Dave got into action. - -Bang, bang! A series of deafening crashes, rivaling in volume those -produced by the brass in the “Ten Thousand,” immediately swung off -into space. Again and again the clanging notes swelled into a din of -uproarious proportions. - -Every straggler, apparently, within hearing distance came rushing up, -until a dense crowd had massed itself before him. - -Dave was once more in full control of his faculties. Words began -popping into his head in such generous numbers that before the notes of -the gong had ceased their musical reverberations he was addressing his -audience. - -“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, in a clear, resonant voice, “it is -my pleasure and privilege to call your attention to the great and -mar-velous features of Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless Circus and -Menagerie. We have here to-day a stupendous and superb ag-gre-gation of -wonders collected from all quarters of the globe by Mr. Ollie Spudger. -The expense was e-normous. - -“At each and every performance there is to be seen a grand exhibition -of a-renic pomp and splendor, together with visions of inspiring -beauty. Golden chariots drawn by huge African elephants form part -of a glittering, jeweled and costumed army rivaling those gorgeous -pro-cessions which, centuries ago, filed with majestic pomp before the -emperors in the Coliseum of ancient Rome.” - -“Bully for you! That’s going some!” screeched the voice of “Mister” Joe -Rodgers from the front row. - -Dave hit the gong a resounding crack. - -“I call attention to Ormond de Sylveste!” he cried, “the champion -bareback rider of the world, in his thrilling exhibition of equestrian -skill; to Tobanus, the renowned sword swallower, in a mysterious and -a-mazing act. And besides these two un-equaled stars there is the -Randolpho troupe of acrobats, who, in an as-ton-ishing series of -gyrations, set at defiance all laws of gravitation.” - -Dave paused impressively, letting his pointer come to rest on the broad -chest of Adolphus’ counterfeit presentment. - -“Then there are other attractions alone worth double the price of -admission. This most ex-tra-ordinary giant, Adolphus, is a youth, still -growing, and promising to eclipse in height all giants of any era. -Zingar, the famous dwarf, has caused the greatest sensation wherever -shown. Mr. Ollie Spudger’s standing offer of ten thousand dollars for -his equal in any country has never been taken up.” - -A buzz of comments arose. Dave waited for a few moments, then resumed: - -“The menagerie is an exhibition in itself--a great collection of -savage, fear-in-spir-ing animals, in gilded lairs, bringing to -your very doors the inhabitants of the jungle--an ag-gre-gation of -fe-rocious quadrupeds without parallel in the country. - -“And all this can be seen for the small sum of ten cents, just one -dime, an amount well within the means of every man, woman or child -of Kenosha. Remember--ten cents--just one dime, to see all the -curiosities. Reserved seats up to twenty-five cents. Pass along--get -your tickets--get your tickets!” - -Dave vigorously hammered the gong. Then the “Ten Thousand Dollars,” -obeying another signal from Mr. Spudger, sent up a blast that -threatened the safety of ear-drums. - -Joe Rodgers, with a shrill “Gee, this must be a bully show, fellers!” -flung over his shoulder, made a dive for the ticket wagon, followed by -several young men whom Dave had noticed about the circus. - -As though they possessed some strange magnetic force, many spectators -seemed to be drawn irresistibly after them. The tent soon began -swallowing up a steady flow of humanity, and when interest waned Dave -promptly resumed his speaking. - -He rose to greater heights this time, his clear, strong voice -compelling attention. He told of the wonderful performing elephants; -of Mademoiselle Hazel, queen of the slack wire, in her great -danger-defying act, and of Professor Lopus and his extraordinary troupe -of trained horses. - -Joe and his associates were on hand, and, as before, at the important -moment, started a stampede toward the “box office.” - -Another repetition of the performance left standing at the entrance -only a few disconsolate-looking people. Even Mr. Peter Whiffin could -not altogether conceal his satisfaction at the success of Spudger’s new -barker. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -UNDER THE BIG TOP - - -“What’s that you say--a note for me?” queried Victor Collins. - -“Yes, sir.” The dapper hotel clerk laid a rather undue emphasis on the -word “Sir.”--“Here it is.” - -Victor took the envelope, studied the inscription, then held it up to -the light, and, as all these proceedings gave him no clue as to the -contents, he presently tore it open. - -“I wonder what this means,” he murmured. “Gee; the big boob!” he -exclaimed, half-aloud, an instant later. “Now what do you know about -that?” - -“No bad news, I hope?” ventured the inquisitive clerk. - -“Nothing that will get in the papers, I guess,” growled Victor, as he -began to read these lines a second time: - - “DEAR VIC:-- - - “Desperate cases require desperate remedies. The absent food - treatment does not suit my particular constitution. Really, I feel - hungry enough to eat brass tacks. - - “My adventurous career seems to be not yet over, so you will find me - at ‘Spudger’s Peerless.’ Our stay in Kenosha is likely to be a good - thing for the paper industry after all. - - “Your friend, - “DAVE B.” - -“Well, now, I’d like to know why in thunder he’s gone to the circus.” - -The frown on Victor’s face deepened. With a curt nod to the clerk he -walked outside. - -“By George, it wasn’t much advantage to me when Blakelets steered this -bunch of great depending-upon-themselves fellows up to our front door,” -he thought, almost savagely. “Wish he hadn’t stopped until they were a -thousand miles away. Everything has gone wrong; dandy motor boat trip -knocked in the head, and here I am---- Oh, gee, but it does make me -tired.” - -Then Victor stopped short, struck by a sudden idea which made his eyes -fairly flash. - -“I do wonder, now, if this scrawl and all that howl about being broke -is just a big, silly bluff. Maybe the Indian is taking in the show and -expects me to come chasing over after him. Well, I simply won’t do -it--that’s all.” - -Victor’s jaws snapped together. Within a few minutes his mind was made -up. - -“I’ll skip over to Uncle Ralph’s,” he muttered. “Maybe Phil Malone is -there.” - -Captain Bunderley, being a bachelor, employed Phil as housekeeper and -general utility man. - -In half an hour Victor reached his uncle’s residence, which stood back -on a wide avenue. A graveled path led across a fine lawn. Tastefully -arranged flower beds and little cedars planted here and there gave -quite an air of elegance to the surroundings. Over the pillared -porch clinging vines swayed in the wind, the green leaves thickly -interspersed with those of a golden and ruddy hue. - -One glance at the tightly closed mansion was enough to convince Victor -that his trouble had been for nothing. An air of melancholy silence -seemed to brood over the place. Dry autumn leaves bestrewed the porch -and steps, every now and then apparently becoming endowed with life as -they rustled away for a few feet. - -Impatiently Victor bounded up the steps. - -“I’ll ring, anyway,” he said to himself. - -As the lad expected, there was no response. - -“Nothing doing,” he growled. “Hasn’t this been a real peach of a day! -But I’m not done with the Rambler Club yet.” - -Victor didn’t enjoy himself during the rest of the afternoon. He -visited the wharf again, only to find the “Fearless” still missing, and -finally, tired and disgusted, wandered off to the public library. - -The afternoon waned; then night threw a mantle of blackness over the -city. After supper at a convenient restaurant, he decided to take a -flying look at “Spudger’s Peerless,” then return to the hotel. - -A bleak wind continually moaned and howled, seizing upon the telegraph -wires as an instrument to send forth musical chords. Many of the -streets were lonely and frigidly silent. Victor, not accustomed to -being out at night, passed shadowy, mysterious-looking corners with -a touch of fear tugging at his heart. He was glad indeed to see a -fantastic array of lights coming into view and the circus tents faintly -luminous against the sky. - -At length he found himself among the throngs crowding toward the -barker’s stand. And once there the lawyer’s son received the surprise -of his life. It was difficult to credit either his eyes or ears. - -He stopped short, to stare in utter bewilderment at a familiar face and -form. - -“Why--why, it’s Brownie--Brownie--sure as I live!” he gasped. “Well, by -George!” - -No words could quite express Victor Collins’ astonishment. He felt, -too, a pang of disappointment in the realization that his plan for -humbling Dave had so completely failed. He edged his way further -forward, listening eagerly to every word of the barker’s stirring -appeal. - -Victor had never thought that in one person could two such different -manners exist. It was no longer the easy-going, indolent Dave he saw -before him, but a bold, fearless lad who always had a ready retort on -his tongue for any quip hurled at him from the audience. - -A different feeling regarding the “Big Indian” came into Victor’s brain -in spite of the fact that it wasn’t entirely welcome; he saw Dave in -an entirely new light. It made him think. - -There was too much going on all around, however, for his present -train of thought to keep long on the track. The gasoline torches of -the barker’s stand and the lights from various booths devoted to the -purpose of supplying the multitude with food and drink threw a strange, -fitful glare over the ever-moving crowds. - -“Get your hot frankfurters! Peanuts, pretzels and lemonade!” rose -crisply above the babel of sounds. - -Amid the general noise and confusion, Victor began to lose sight of his -grievances. - -As Dave finished his “oration,” seized the mallet and hammered lustily -on the gong, Victor felt his heart responding so strongly to its wild, -clanging notes that the tide moving toward the ticket wagon carried him -along, a willing victim. - -“Hello, Brandon; hello!” he cried, eagerly. He felt even a touch of -pride in knowing so prominent a personage. “I say, Brandon----” - -“Have the correct change, gentlemen! Have the correct change!” - -The brusk voice of the ticket seller broke in upon his sentence. - -Victor, feeling himself being elbowed and jostled aside, scarcely heard -the barker’s hearty greeting. Next instant a ticket was in his hand, -and the next after that found him passing the portal of “Spudger’s.” - -The sight of gilded cages with wild animals behind the iron bars, of -three huge elephants swaying their unwieldy bodies and trunks, of flags -and bunting and numerous other things apparently inseparable from -circus life made the frowning lines on Victor’s face entirely disappear. - -“Well, I’ll see the show anyway,” he murmured. “Gee, won’t it be a -regular lark!” - -Going from cage to cage he kicked up the sawdust in pure delight. -Spudger’s collection of zoological specimens contained a lion, -two tigers, a jaguar, three pumas, a brown bear and two coyotes. -Occasionally a sullen roar or an angry snarl seemed to indicate that -several members of the animal kingdom were in a very uncomfortable -state of mind. - -The tent was rapidly filling up, but Victor, having a reserved seat -coupon, did not hurry. - -“Hello, Buster!” - -He turned quickly, to gaze into the grinning face of “Mister” Joe -Rodgers. - -Joe looked a bit more respectable than he had during the morning hours, -but not enough so to make the lawyer’s son feel any great desire to -continue his acquaintance. - -“Well?” he said, coldly. - -“Say, kid, where did you drop from?” Then, without waiting for a -response, he added, “Ain’t that big jumbo a corker--ain’t he though? -Whiffin had orter be pleased. Say, that there feller knows every word -in the lingo, don’t he?” - -To be addressed in such a way by a mere water-carrier, especially -before so many people, made Victor feel highly disgusted. With a curt -nod, he turned away, and just on the instant Joe bawled out loudly: - -“Hey, Dave--hey! Here’s yer little Buster, right here.” - -Victor, intensely indignant, saw the stout boy, who now wore his own -coat, attracted by the hail and edging his way through the crowd toward -them. Dave’s face was beaming. - -“Mighty glad to see you, Vic,” he exclaimed, heartily. He held out his -hand. “Can’t stay but a minute; I’m due on the stand again. Surprised, -Vic? What did you say, Joe? A bully spiel?--thanks!--Sir?” - -This last word was spoken to a thin, melancholy-looking person who had -just stepped up by the group. - -“My hand, sir! Upon my word, I have yet to hear the eq’al o’ what you -done in the barkin’ line to-day,” said the man, in a deep-throated -voice. “My hand, sir!” - -Dave took it. - -“Yes, sir; it’s as far ahead of most of ’em as my act eclipses all the -rest.” - -“So you take some part in the show, eh?” remarked Dave, with interest. -“What’s your specialty?” - -The other’s sad visage brightened. - -“Spudger’s wouldn’t be much without me,” he confided. “I’m Ormond de -Sylveste.” - -“Goodness--Ormond de Sylveste?” piped Victor. - -“Yes, sir! An’ if anybody kin beat me a-ridin’ I ain’t never seen -’em--fact. Whiffin knows how waluable I am to the show. Why, I’ve had -’im so skeered thinkin’ I was about to leave that he----” - -“Hey there, Bill Potts, what’s the matter with ye?” Peter Whiffin, -unobserved by any of the three, had approached, his face lined with an -astonishing number of wrinkles. “If yer don’t git right out o’ this -here tent an’ stay out, Bill Potts, I’ll dock yer for double the time.” - -All this was spoken in a low tone; but it proved sufficiently strong to -induce Monsieur Ormond de Sylveste, otherwise known as Bill Potts, to -leave the spot in undignified haste. - -“An’ it’s time for you to climb up ag’in,” added Mr. Whiffin to Dave. -“An’, as for you, ye lazy, good-for-nuthin’ scamp”--he faced Joe -Rodgers--“beat it! Ye’d have Spudger’s a-supportin’ ye in idleness, I -reckon.” - -With a grumble of disapprobation, Joe obeyed, while Dave, who was also -about to leave, stopped, as Mr. Whiffin again spoke up: - -“See here, young feller”--the manager put on his most pleasant -expression--“ye ain’t done so bad. Here’s your money and a couple o’ -good reserved seats besides.” - -“Thank you,” said Dave, politely. - -“Jack Gray ain’t got over his cold yit. I think you’ll have to go along -with the show to-night.” - -“Oh!” exclaimed Dave, a bit startled at the prospect. - -“Yes. Why not? You was broke, an’ I helped ye out; don’t deny it now.” - -“I wouldn’t attempt to do so, Mr. Whiffin.” - -“You kin do me a good turn, this time. We’re bound for Racine.” - -Dave looked at Victor. He felt the responsibility for his welfare which -had been thrust upon his shoulders. - -“I can’t leave my friend, Mr. Whiffin,” he said, slowly. - -“Let ’im come along.” - -“That’s the scheme,” cried Victor, quite delighted. “Sure thing, -Brandon.” The idea of his actually traveling with a circus took his -fancy by storm. “Say yes, you big Indian.” - -“I knew you’d be reasonable,” exclaimed Whiffin. “Then it’s all -settled?” - -“If Victor agrees, I suppose so,” answered Dave. “You’re sure now, Vic?” - -“Of course I am.” - -“Good!” The manager even smiled. “How much did you pay for your ticket, -young feller?” - -“A quarter,” answered Victor. - -“Here it is.” A coin was thrust into his hand. Then Mr. Peter Whiffin -exclaimed, briefly, to Dave: “Hustle back to your job now. I’ll see ye -later.” And he was off. - -Victor had been primed with numerous questions to hurl at the Rambler -but was forced to wait until Dave reappeared, fifteen minutes later, -this time in his street clothes. - -“I needn’t talk any more now,” he explained. “Mr. Spudger says there -are as many people inside the tent as the law allows.” - -Victor soon learned all he wished to know. Unconsciously, his manner -toward Dave had undergone a decided change. A boy who could calmly -face an audience the way the “Big Indian” had done was worthy of a -certain respect. An idea--but a very vague idea, it is true--of his -own limitations, of his own shortcomings, for the first time, perhaps, -stole into his head. - -In a small tent adjoining the menagerie the two found that Adolphus -and Zingar were the principal attractions. They had scarcely entered -when the youthful giant recognized them, and, disregarding all rules of -professional ethics, called loudly for both to come over. - -“Little Georgy” was arrayed in a gorgeous military uniform of no known -epoch, plentifully besprinkled with gilt braid and big shiny buttons. -A sword dangled from his side, while a hat suggestive of Napoleon’s -famous head-gear was perched on his head. - -“Goodness! I’m glad to see you again,” warbled the giant, in -his childish treble. “Smitty says--er--er--I mean Zingar says -Potts--er--er--I mean Ormond told him you’d made a big hit. Ouch--look -out!” - -An inquisitive urchin, having decided in his own mind that Adolphus -was perched upon wooden supports, had boldly, but without malice, -deliberately kicked him on the shins. - -“S’cuse me, feller,” he said, apologetically. “It’s all you, ain’t it? -My, oh my, what a whopper! Don’t I wisht I was you.” - -“It’s all in the point of view,” laughed Dave. “We’ll see you after the -show, George. Mr. Whiffin’s close about, you know. He might be kind of -peevish if he saw us talking together. How are you, Zingar?” - -The dwarf stood a trifle over three feet in height, and his diminutive -person was also arrayed in gorgeous attire. A little round bullet head, -with gray, whimsical eyes and a laughing mouth gave him the jolliest -appearance of anybody connected with the Peerless show. He made a -peculiar little curtsey to the boys, but, being a real professional -curio of many years’ experience, did not condescend to speak. - -The two soon followed the crowd into the main tent, which presented a -gala appearance. Every available seat seemed to be taken and at every -point of vantage a few late arrivals were standing. - -The members of the “Ten Thousand Dollar” now filed into their places, -and a few preliminary notes mingled in with all those peculiar sounds -which seem inseparable from a great gathering--the swelling murmur of -many voices, the shrill screech of some bold urchin and the monotonous -chant of the peanut and pretzel seller. - -By the time the band struck up the two had taken their seats. - -After three selections had been played the crowd began to grow restive. -A scattered stamping of feet soon grew into a dull, steady roar, until -the bravest efforts of the “Ten Thousand” were drowned in the sea of -sound. - -Suddenly the clanging note of a gong was heard. A “grand triumphal and -gorgeous spectacle of oriental and barbaric splendor” was about to make -its entry. Gilded Roman chariots drawn by “fiery” steeds three abreast, -followed by Colossus, Titan and Nero, each pulling a golden car and led -by gentlemen whose skin was nicely stained came first. Next were men -in armor carrying huge shields and spears, and over all lights flashed -with bewildering effect. - -The great Ollie Spudger himself, astride a coal black horse, and -escorted by a cavalcade of Arabs and Japanese--at least, they bore a -resemblance to Arabs and Japanese--bowed with condescending grace to -the multitude. - -“Great!” laughed Victor, gleefully. - -Act followed act. In the small sawdust circle the celebrated Randolpho -troupe of acrobats, as well as jugglers and clowns did their best to -amuse; and frequent manifestations of approval came to encourage their -efforts. - -“Say, just listen to that!” cried Victor, suddenly holding up his hand. - -A dull moaning roar was sounding outside, and during the lulls they -could hear a patter of rain beating against the canvas. A chilly wind -took advantage of every opening, while the dingy canvas sides swayed -back and forth in the gusts. - -“The storm has broken at last,” said Dave. - -“Gee!” grunted Victor. He raised his coat collar. “I guess we’re in for -a good soaking, Brandon.” - -“By the time the show lets out it may have lessened a bit,” returned -Dave, encouragingly. “Ah ha; there is our friend, at last.” - -“Hello--Bill Potts!” quoth Victor. - -“Hush, lad, hush,” laughed Dave. “Ormond de Sylveste, you mean.” - -Standing gracefully upon the back of a white horse, the chief -equestrian of Spudger’s rode impressively into the ring. He bore no -more resemblance to the melancholy-looking Bill Potts of the earlier -hours than did the bright, glistening spangles and other embellishments -of his costume to his old, discarded clothes. Bill Potts--temporarily, -at least--existed no more; Ormond de Sylveste now reigned in his stead. - -Crack! Crack! The sound of the ringmaster’s whip, rising sharply above -the roar of the storm, sent the white horse into a swift gallop around -the ring. Faster--still faster, but never too fast for the intrepid -Ormond, pounded the flying hoofs. Gracefully he poised on one foot; -with easy skill he crashed through paper-covered hoops held up by a -powdered and painted clown, then turned wonderful somersaults, never -missing his footing on the back of the flying steed. - -Every known variety of sound which small boys can produce greeted -Ormond de Sylveste as he dismounted, and, with the grace of a dancing -master, bowed his thanks. - -Other performers appeared and went through their turns. Mr. Ollie -Spudger made a speech, and when the show finally ended apparently every -one was satisfied with the grand display made by the Peerless. - -The spectators had scarcely risen to their feet when the dismantling of -the seats began. The blows of hammers, the sound of heavy planks being -taken up and piled one upon another, the sharp commands combined with -the storm to produce a din and confusion which made only the youthful -care to linger. - -“Guess they’re going to get ahead of the wind and pull the old canvas -down over our ears,” said Victor. “Great Scott! Say----” - -“What’s the matter?” asked Dave. - -“Don’t you see? Why, the menagerie tent is gone.” - -“So it is.” - -The brightly-lighted tent which had contained the animals was no longer -visible through the exit, its place being taken by a square of darkened -sky. - -The two hurried forward and found, to their great satisfaction, that -the rain had almost ceased. - -“Doesn’t it look odd?” said Victor, glancing around, and kicking up the -sawdust with his foot. - -“They made a mighty quick get-away,” commented Dave. “A busy scene out -there, Vic.” - -By the brilliant glare of a calcium light they could see that teams -of horses had been hitched to the great wagons. Several were already -started on their difficult journey over the muddy field. - -“Who’s this coming?” exclaimed Victor, at length. - -A figure, sometimes silhouetted sharply against the lights, then almost -lost in shadow, was approaching on a run. - -“Hello, Jumbo--I mean Dave,” yelled a lusty voice. “Where are ye? -Hello!” - -“Right over here, Joe,” called the historian. - -“Bully! Whiffin says you an’ Buster are to go along o’ me, an’ the -team’s a’ready.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE WHALEBACK - - -Captain Ralph Bunderley was, frankly, glad to see the visitors again. - -“Come right on board, lads,” he called from his position on the deck. -“Where is Victor? Gone off on a jaunt with that stout boy, eh? Oh, -well, it’s all right. He has lots of time to enjoy himself before we -leave.” - -Uncle Ralph had a great deal to talk about. His exciting sea tales -found attentive listeners, and the captain seemed equally interested in -hearing about some of the adventures of the Rambler Club. - -“Sorry I can’t tell you a thriller with a trip on a motor yacht as the -subject,” laughed Bob. - -For an instant Uncle Ralph made no reply. Then he said, slowly: - -“Come down in the cabin, boys. I have a few things you may enjoy -looking over.” - -On reaching the saloon the captain walked to a bookcase, opened it and -brought out a large album. - -“My own snap-shots,” he explained, with a touch of pride. - -“Some dandy views here,” said Bob, turning the leaves. “What! Are you -going to leave us already, captain?” - -“Just a few minutes, Bob. When you get through you’ll find another -volume on the shelf.” - -Bob and Charlie soon became so deeply absorbed in their pleasant task -of following the captain on some of his foreign voyages by the aid of -pictures that various sounds of activity in the engine room, besides -numerous noises on deck, failed to make more than a vague impression on -their minds. - -The sudden starting of a gasoline motor, together with an unmistakable -gliding movement on the part of the “Fearless,” however, caused both to -look up with exclamations of surprise. - -“Great Scott!” cried Bob. - -“Oh, sugar!” exclaimed Charlie, nervously. “What on earth does this -mean, I wonder?” - -“That we’re leaving it yards behind us, I suppose,” chuckled Bob. -“Hello, captain; giving us a surprise, eh?” - -Uncle Ralph was coming down the companionway. - -“I thought you boys might like to see a motor yacht in action,” he -laughed. “Bob, in your future accounts of adventures, you may add a -description of a short trip on Lake Michigan.” - -“On Lake Michigan?” gasped Charlie. - -His face flushed slightly. Naturally he did not wish to be thought -lacking in courage, but the prospect certainly failed to arouse his -enthusiasm. - -“That’ll be perfectly great!” cried Bob. “Thanks, captain. We’ll enjoy -it immensely.” - -“How about the time, though?” asked Blake, rather weakly. - -“Don’t worry about that,” answered Uncle Ralph, “but come up on deck.” - -As they sat beneath the awning a constantly changing scene of -factories, of various craft, and those picturesque jumbles of buildings -which are so often seen along water-fronts, passed before their eyes. - -While the “Fearless” cut swiftly through the gray, choppy water, -churning it into creamy foam, and the wind tore past in heavy gusts -Blake’s peace of mind didn’t improve. Presently he rose to his feet. - -“Guess I’ll stroll around a bit,” he remarked. - -“All right, Charlie,” said Bob. - -The senior at the Kingswood High soon observed Phil Malone -industriously polishing a brass rail at the bow. Phil’s manner as he -approached strongly suggested that of a hare taken by surprise. - -“Hello, Phil!” greeted Charlie, pleasantly. - -The “first mate,” without stopping work, grunted a monosyllable in -reply. - -“How’s the world treating you?” - -Phil’s views on the subject seemed to be rather indefinite. Blake -understood, however, that he had no general complaint to make. - -“Say, Phil, we’re bound for the lake. Rather dangerous out there at -times, I suppose?” - -Charlie tried to speak in a very careless tone indeed. - -“Yep--awful,” answered Phil, not very reassuringly, as he kept on -polishing. - -“But, of course, in weather like this it’s all safe enough, eh?” - -“A feller ain’t never safe on the water,” commented Phil, with amazing -volubility, for him. - -“I suppose you have plenty of life preservers on board?” said Charlie, -with a forced grin. - -Phil thought they had. - -“Well, I hope we shan’t need ’em.” - -“Can’t never tell,” mumbled the “first mate,” giving an obstinate place -on the brass an extra hard rub. - -“Ever been in any tight fixes, Phil?” - -“Sure.” - -“Where?” - -“On the lake.” - -“In what boat?” - -“This un.” - -The conversation was not taking the cheery turn for which Charlie had -hoped. - -“I guess I’ll get back, Phil,” he remarked, turning away. - -“Not the slightest objection,” came from Phil. - -In fifteen minutes the “Fearless” was racing through the turbulent -water of the lake. Battery after battery of surging waves swept -against the hull, often sending showers of shining drops spattering -over the deck. - -Gripped by the full force of wind and wave the motor yacht began to -careen. Each instant Charlie Blake could see the city of Kenosha -becoming more and more obscured behind the dull gray atmosphere. - -“I call this perfectly stunning--one of the greatest of sports!” cried -Bob. - -“Certainly wish I was out of it,” murmured Charlie, steadying himself -by the rail. - -“We’ll soon leave that schooner yonder far astern, Bob,” he heard -Captain Bunderley say. - -Bob Somers raised a pair of marine glasses, which the skipper -handed him, to his eyes. The vessel was apparently swept across the -intervening space with lightning speed. He saw her spread of canvas -bellying out in the wind, dingy masses of white slowly moving forth -and back against the sky. The instrument shifted from point to point -brought into view a network of rigging, spars, cabins, several sailors -lounging near the forepeak and the line of water breaking crisply -against the length of her hull. - -[Illustration: “STEAMER COMING,” HE ANNOUNCED] - -“She’s plowing along bravely,” said Bob, bracing himself to resist the -wind. “Hello!” Swinging the glass toward the faint line of the horizon, -he had suddenly picked out from the gloom a thin wisp of smoke. -“Steamer coming,” he announced. - -“Very probably a whaleback bound for Chicago,” explained Uncle Ralph. -He smiled quizzically. “A cat may look at the king, they say, so we’ll -make an inspection of the monster at close range. Then we can race her -back to Kenosha. Is she in range yet, Bob?” - -“Yes, sir; and looks like a whopper to me. I can see that the sides of -the hull are curved over at the top, which means it’s a whaleback, all -right.” - -The skipper shouted several directions to the helmsman. Martin Ricks -thereupon changed the course of the “Fearless,” heading her directly -toward the steamer, now distinctly visible to the naked eye. - -The long stretch of water which separated them was being cut down with -remarkable rapidity. Bob Somers, his eye to the glass, saw the three -decks of the big white steamer crowded with passengers. Moving swiftly -through the turbulent water, apparently unaffected by the continual -onslaughts of wind and waves, she presented a majestic appearance. - -The powerful glass brought every detail into view with extraordinary -clearness. As Bob slowly swept the craft from stem to stern it seemed -as though she was but a few yards distant. For an instant his gaze -rested on the pilot house; then he lowered the glass, giving him the -range of the upper deck. - -A man leaning over the rail near the forward end, with a megaphone in -his hand and surrounded by a group, immediately attracted Bob Somers’ -attention. Their faces, sharply revealed in the circle of light, were -all turned toward the motor yacht with an interest which seemed to him -unusual. - -“Looks as though the man is going to hail us,” he murmured. - -He removed the glass, and, instantly, the whaleback seemed to be shot -far back on the waste of water. - -When the two craft were within a short distance of each other, Captain -Bunderley, considerably surprised to notice that the steamer had -stopped her screw, gave orders to shut off power. - -“The ‘Fearless’ ahoy!” yelled a voice through the megaphone. - -“That’s Captain Phillips,” declared Skipper Bunderley. “A good friend -of mine, too. He wouldn’t stop out here unless he had something -important to say.” He raised his voice in a sonorous yell. “What’s -that, Phillips?” - -“I want to ask if you can do me a great favor?” came from the captain -of the whaleback. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -AN UNEXPECTED VOYAGE - - -A few minutes later, so skilfully had Martin Ricks handled the -“Fearless” that she was bobbing up and down on the leeward side of -the monster steamer, which was still going slowly ahead under its own -momentum. Its decks, rising high above them, and suggestive of some -great building, seemed to have the singular effect of flattening the -motor yacht almost down to the water’s edge. - -Hundreds of heads appeared over the rails, and the comments which ran -through the crowd sounded above the wash and swish of beating water. - -“Where are you bound, Captain Bunderley?” asked the master of the -whaleback. - -“We are just out on a pleasure jaunt and intend to return to Kenosha at -once!” yelled Uncle Ralph. - -“Good, Bunderley! I’m going to introduce you to Judge Hampton, of -Milwaukee.” - -Captain Phillips indicated a gentleman at his side. - -“A well-known man, too. His term of office recently expired, but -everybody still calls him Judge,” commented the skipper, the next -instant replying in his bluff and hearty fashion. - -Judge Hampton, a rather elderly man, holding his eye-glasses in one -hand and a paper in the other, looked down upon them gravely. - -“Captain Bunderley,” he began, in much the same tone of voice as he -might have used in charging a jury, “a wireless message has just -reached me”--he waved the paper--“stating that my presence in Milwaukee -is needed at once. Would it be possible for you to land me in Kenosha? -The matter is of very great importance.” - -“Certainly I can, Judge,” responded Uncle Ralph, politely. - -“I shall be most heartily obliged to you.” - -“Hey, Phil Malone!” shouted Captain Bunderley, “stand by to catch a -line.” - -“Aye, aye, sir!” - -Uncle Ralph began to issue various orders. The bell in the engine room -clanged loudly. The motor roared for an instant, then sank into a low, -droning murmur. - -“Mind yourself!” yelled a voice, suddenly. - -A man on the lower deck of the whaleback was making ready to cast a -rope. - -On it came--a sinuous, snake-like line, hurtling straight toward -Captain Bunderley, who stood near the bow. The throw was accurate, and, -in spite of the rocking, slippery deck, the skipper managed to catch -it. In another instant Phil Malone was grasping a second rope hurled -from a point near the motor yacht’s stern. - -Both lines were made fast, and the “Fearless,” struggling like some -resisting monster against the grip of a giant foe, began closing up the -gap of water which lay between it and the great white hull. - -Although shielded by the towering whaleback, the yacht wobbled and -shook to such an extent that the last particle of interest on Charlie -Blake’s part vanished. Supporting himself with difficulty, he stood -watching Phil Malone and the captain hang out fenders. He heard -various shouts from both vessels, the bell in the engine room of the -“Fearless” again clanging, and the creak of straining ropes. Then -the last few feet of water was covered and the yacht sidled up to the -larger boat with a dull, jarring shock. - -Presently a rope ladder dangled its length from deck to deck. Judge -Hampton trusted himself to its swaying rungs, and, with extreme care, -descended to the motor yacht. - -“When I started out I didn’t expect to have the honor of welcoming a -former member of Wisconsin’s judiciary on board the ‘Fearless,’” said -Captain Bunderley, assisting his passenger to a seat. - -“The honor is mine,” smiled the Judge. - -The skipper and his “first mate” cast off the lines. A great churning -of water quickly followed. A hearty farewell cheer came from the -whaleback’s deck, as the two vessels swung clear, and the “Fearless” -seemed to leap away from the monster’s side. - -Captain Bunderley consulted a railroad time-table. - -“I suppose you are anxious to reach Milwaukee as soon as possible, -Judge?” he asked. - -“I am, indeed,” affirmed the passenger. - -“Well, I find that we should arrive in Kenosha too late for you to -catch the next express. That means an hour or more lost.” - -“Too bad,” said the Judge. - -Captain Bunderley swung around and faced Bob Somers. - -“If you two chaps shouldn’t turn up at the hotel just when your chums -expect, are they the sort to raise an awful howl or sit down and -blubber?” he asked. - -“Not much,” laughed Bob. “They’ll know it’s all right.” - -“In that case, I’ll take you direct to Milwaukee, Judge,” announced the -skipper, suddenly, much to Charlie Blake’s astonishment and disgust. - -The jurist immediately protested that he couldn’t think of such a -thing; but Uncle Ralph, with a smile, tersely ordered the yacht’s -course to be changed. - -“The time means practically nothing to me, Judge, while it may be of -great advantage to you,” he said. - -The “Fearless” was pitching heavily. Charlie Blake looked at the -succession of waves following each other ceaselessly across the broad -expanse, at whitecaps always forming, and at others always on the -point of dissolving themselves back into the gray, somber element. The -heaving, tumbling flood and the dark, ragged storm-clouds scudding -low, apparently dipping down at the blurred horizon line to meet the -water, made an impressive spectacle. But certain distressing symptoms -prevented Blake from thoroughly enjoying it. - -He determined, however, not to let Bob Somers see how badly he was -affected. “He’ll think I’m a quitter,” he mused. - -His mind fully occupied, Blake only heard the conversation going on -around him as a confused jumble of words. - -“I do wonder how long it will be before we get there?” he murmured, -impatiently. - -Time, to him at least, seemed to drag out interminably. But, at length, -to his great joy, Uncle Ralph spoke up. - -“The lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor of Milwaukee, boys,” he -said. - -“Thank goodness!” came from Charlie Blake. Then, sotto voce, he added, -“No more motor yacht motoring for me.” - -The “Fearless,” apparently racing at almost the speed of a railroad -train, had brought into view what appeared to be but a small gray -vertical streak. The four watched it and a confused blur of lights and -darks on the distant shore slowly shaping themselves into definite form. - -Finally, towers, domes and chimneys sprang out from the shadowy masses, -to form gray silhouettes against the sky. Before long the largest city -in Wisconsin was clearly revealed to the gaze of the interested boys. - -The motor yacht soon swung abreast of the lighthouse, and, at length, -glided smoothly into the picturesque Milwaukee River, where a variety -of interesting sights began to pass in a steadily-moving procession. - -A bridge opened to let them by, then another. Near the third, which -Captain Bunderley explained was the East Water Street bridge, he -pointed out a landing. - -“There’s where I usually moor the ‘Fearless,’” he said. - -“Why not follow your general custom now?” asked the Judge. - -“For two reasons,” answered the captain: “your office is considerably -further in town, and the boys will have an opportunity to see more of -the water-front.” - -“Objection sustained,” laughed Judge Hampton, “with my thanks added.” - -At the Grand Avenue bridge a small steamer, coming from the opposite -direction, held the motor yacht up for a few moments. - -Great warehouses, with long rows of staring windows and having only a -narrow footway between them and the water, lifted their time-stained -walls grimly against the clouds. The river, hemmed in on every hand, -assumed a peculiar appearance of narrowness, which to the boys was -heightened by contrast with the broad open lake so recently left -behind. To their right a great modern structure surmounted by a tower -was surrounded by buildings of all heights and sizes, the old and new -standing side by side. Still further beyond, another towered structure, -the city hall, rose high in the air. - -“But for the character of the buildings this view might suggest a bit -of Holland,” remarked Captain Bunderley. - -Other bridges were passed. Finally, beyond a bend in the river, the -skipper gave orders to bring the yacht up alongside a wharf. This was -done in an orderly fashion, and within a few moments she was made fast. - -“We’re here, and here we stay,” said Captain Bunderley. “No East Water -Street bridge for the ‘Fearless’ to-day, boys.” - -The Judge shook hands warmly with the three and gave the captain his -card. - -“Don’t forget that I’m ready to return the favor at any time,” he said, -cordially. “This applies to all of you. Good-bye!” - -They watched the tall, dignified Judge until his figure had disappeared -behind a building. - -“Judges can be mighty nice, after all,” thought Charlie. “Still, I’d a -heap rather meet this particular one off the bench than on.” - -“Now, boys,” spoke up Uncle Ralph, “a telegram must be sent to your -stout friend Brandon announcing our safe arrival. Tell Victor to take a -room at the hotel and expect me back to-morrow. Now, we’re thirty odd -miles from your motor car. Going with me in the morning, or will----” - -“Not for mine,” declared the “grind,” decidedly. - -“Either Dave or Tom can drive the car,” said Bob. “So we’ll let ’em -come to us.” - -“Very good.” - -The hotel and restaurant which Uncle Ralph generally patronized on his -visits to the city was some distance from the wharf. As no telegraph -office was passed on the way they concluded to defer sending the -missive to Dave until after their meal. And this took considerable time. - -But the telegram was finally flashed over the wires with the request -that Dave should send an immediate response. Then nothing remained but -to see the sights and amuse themselves. - -Captain Bunderley, after exacting a promise that they would meet him at -the hotel about six o’clock, returned to the yacht. - -After they had wandered about the busy streets for some time Charlie -exclaimed: - -“Now, what’s the program? My legs are beginning to put up a kick.” - -“We are right close to that East Water Street bridge,” said Bob, as -he consulted a pocket map. “Looked like an interesting section to me. -Suppose we take it in?” - -“One way is about as good as another, I s’pose,” replied Charlie, -wearily. - -As the two came in sight of the bridge a tall, thin boy standing near a -little building at one end attracted Blake’s attention. - -“By Jove!” he exclaimed, “I never expected to see another chap in this -part of the country with a shape just like Tom’s! What’s the matter, -Bob?” - -Bob Somers’ expression had undergone such a sudden and startling change -that Charlie repeated his inquiry with a rising inflection. - -“Don’t you recognize him?” demanded Bob, sharply. - -“Recognize who?” - -“Why, Tom--our Tom Clifton, of course!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -TOM SCORES - - -“Oh, sugar! You’re dreaming. Pinch yourself,” cried Charlie Blake. “Tom -is miles from here; he’s away back in Kenosha, you silly goose.” - -“He was, but he isn’t; he’s right there in front of us.” - -The “grind” gazed first at the tall boy, whose back was partly turned, -then toward his friend with such an air of comical bewilderment that at -any other time Bob Somers would have burst out laughing. - -“It--it--certainly does look like Tom, but--but--why, hang it all, how -can it be Tom?” he gasped. - -Bob Somers smiled, and the next instant Blake heard him utter a lusty -call which strangely resembled the hoot of an owl. - -It produced a most extraordinary effect on the tall lad. He swung -around as sharply as though struck by some flying object. Then Charlie -heard an answering hail of a similar character, and, at the same -moment, saw the lad start toward them on a loping trot. - -“Great Scott! It is--it actually is Tom Clifton!” he cried. “Well, -well!” - -On came the tall boy, while Bob Somers and his companion, perhaps more -astonished than they had ever been in all their lives, walked rapidly -to meet him. - -Tom Clifton’s face, as he approached, presented a most curious study. -He made a desperate attempt to appear cool and dignified, but, in spite -of all his efforts, conflicting feelings of joy, triumph, and even -indignation persisted in finding reflection on his countenance. - -“Well, Bob, I knew I’d see you!” was his exclamation, as he seized the -other’s hand. “That was a pretty slick scheme of Vic’s, but----” - -“Slick scheme?” gasped Bob, while Charlie Blake’s mouth flew wide open. - -“Sure thing! Oh, you needn’t try to put on any nice innocent looks.” -Tom assumed an air of pitying condescension. “I got wise to your -dodge, all right; yes siree, Bob Somers. Ha, ha! You chaps didn’t get -up quite early enough to fool little Tom.” - -“Why--why--what do you mean?” cried Bob. “How in thunder did you get -here, and why?” - -“Well, that’s a good one!” exclaimed Tom, indignation suddenly getting -the upper hand of his other emotions. “Say, do you chaps see anything -green in me--ah, do you now?” A scornful look flashed in his eyes. -“Little Vic’s keeping out of sight, I suppose, eh? Thinks I might hurt -him. But--but--honest, Bob, I didn’t think it of you!” he blurted out, -unable to control his feelings any longer. “Honest, I didn’t!” - -“What does all this mean, Tom?” demanded Bob, sharply. - -“Oh, now, cut it out, I tell you. I don’t mind a joke----” - -“A joke?” broke in the highly mystified Blake. - -“Yes; a joke! You understand English, I s’pose?” - -“No; not this new brand of yours,” murmured Charlie. - -“See here, Tom”--Bob Somers laid a hand on the other’s shoulder--“let’s -get at this thing. How did you come here?” - -“In the motor car, of course.” - -“And where are Dave and Victor?” - -“Now look here, Bob,” cried Tom, hotly, “you and Charlie know--I don’t. -They helped you pull off this little trick and----” - -“Great Cæsar! What kind of a mix-up is this?” cried Bob, a glimmer of -the true state of affairs entering his brain at last. “So you came here -alone?” - -“A constable was in the car part way,” said Tom, loftily. “I let ’er -out a bit, Bob. And talk ’bout whizzing! Why, all the telegraph poles -seemed to be melted into one--honest fact, they did. Now tell me what -has become of Dave?” - -“If Dave isn’t with you, he and Victor must be thirty-four miles from -here,” said Bob, calmly. - -“What?” piped the tall lad, a sinking feeling suddenly gripping his -heart. Bob Somers’ expression was quite enough to convince him of his -sincerity. “Dave and Victor in Kenosha!” he added, faintly. - -His thoughts ran riot for a moment. Then, after all, Victor Collins -wasn’t responsible. It really came as a stunning surprise to Tom. - -“Well, Bob, the jinx has surely got us on this trip,” he exclaimed. -“Say, fellows, that was a foul tip of mine.” - -Highly disgusted, Tom Clifton told the whole story, not forgetting, -even in his mental stress, to take credit for the fact that his -calculations regarding the destination of the motor yacht had proven -correct. - -The “grind” was not demonstrative, as a rule, but on this occasion he -fairly roared with mirth, slapped his knees and grew so red in the face -that Tom became quite alarmed. - -“Gee! Look out, Charlie,” he cautioned. “The system can stand only so -much.” - -“I know; and this was just a trifle over the limit,” gurgled Blake. -“Ha, ha, Tom! You have Sherlock Holmes beaten a mile.” - -Tom was highly aggrieved. - -“I’ll leave it to Bob if anybody wouldn’t have been liable to think as -I did,” he declared, stoutly. “Now tell me how it happened that you’re -here.” - -When Tom had been duly informed, Bob Somers remarked: - -“Well, fellows, this certainly puts a new aspect on the case. What’s to -be done? Dave and Vic’ll think we’ve deserted ’em, sure. Another thing: -Dave didn’t have a cent.” - -“Oh, that’s all right,” said Charlie. “Victor always carries nearly a -ton of the stuff in his pockets.” - -“I’ll bet he wouldn’t lend Dave a nickel,” put in Tom, charitably. -“Looked to me as if he has it in for us.” - -“Oh, get out,” scoffed Blake. - -“Get off, you mean--eh, Bob?” - -“We’ll most likely find a telegram waiting for us at the hotel,” said -Bob, shaking his head negatively at Tom’s suggestion. - -“Let’s go and see.” - -There was so much of interest in the streets that the boys didn’t -feel inclined to hurry themselves. So it was late in afternoon when -they finally set out in search of the hotel which Captain Bunderley -patronized. - -By the time they reached it street lights and show windows were -gleaming brightly through the darkness of a very dark night. - -The boys found Uncle Ralph in the reception room. - -“Well, there’s no telegram from your friend yet,” was his greeting as -they stepped toward him. When his eyes lighted upon Tom Clifton’s tall -figure he half arose in his chair. “’Pon my word--what on earth does -this mean?” he exclaimed. “Where did you come from, boy?” - -Tom was visibly embarrassed, as the eyes of every one in the room were -immediately leveled upon him. - -“I blew in on the motor car,” he began, “and----” - -“What--on the motor car--alone?” - -“Yes, sir; and----” - -“Let’s have this story right from the beginning,” thundered Uncle -Ralph, bringing his fist down on the table with a resounding bang, a -proceeding which added considerably to Tom’s confusion. - -It wasn’t very easy for the tall boy to relate his story, especially -with a number of people sitting around, all apparently eager to hear -him speak. Uncle Ralph’s loud voice was the cause of this. He plunged -in bravely, however, being very careful indeed not to let out a hint -regarding Victor’s supposed trick. - -Many and varied were Captain Bunderley’s observations as the tale was -told. The captain couldn’t help expressing his frank opinion at all -times, and in this case it wasn’t favorable to Tom. - -“Why on earth did you do such a silly thing, boy?” he stormed. - -“Silly?” cried Tom, aghast. - -“Certainly; absolutely so.” - -Tom, in helpless confusion, looked from Bob to Charlie. - -“Silly?” he repeated, in fainter accents. - -His face flushed a deep crimson. Then, suddenly, all the fire in his -nature flashed into a flame of burning indignation. - -“It wasn’t a bit silly, sir,” he declared, fiercely. - -“Now just see here, young chap”--the captain’s big finger waved -before Tom’s eyes; his voice boomed through the room with appalling -distinctness--“it was silly! What will Victor and Dave think when they -find you and the motor car missing?” - -“I--I--don’t know, sir.” - -“Of course you don’t. But just imagine how worried those two boys may -be.” - -“Victor--perhaps; not Dave, sir. Besides, it isn’t my fault.” - -“Not your fault?” - -“No, sir. But for your running off with Bob and Charlie it never would -have happened.” - -Tom came perilously near wilting under the captain’s stern gaze; only -by a desperate effort could he control his shaky nerves. - -The lines on the skipper’s face softened; the harsh look faded from his -eyes. - -“That’s true, my boy,” he said, reflectively; “quite true! Shake hands -and forget what I said. But the mischief must be undone at once. Bob, -I’m going to call up the hotel at Kenosha by long distance ’phone. My -sister, if she knew the situation, I am sure would be intensely worried -about the boy.” - -The three followed the captain’s burly form into the office. - -Tom’s expression had undergone a most remarkable change; his face now -wore a look of conscious triumph. - -“I squelched him some--eh, Bob?” he whispered in scarcely audible -tones. “He couldn’t make me the goat, oh, no!” - -“Be with you in a moment,” bawled out the captain, entering a telephone -booth. - -Little things like a closed door and a pile of boards couldn’t keep -Uncle Ralph’s voice within bounds. Presently they heard him say: “What! -Couldn’t give ’em the telegram because they’ve gone? How’s that?--When? -’Pon my word! And left no message, either? Don’t expect ’em back? Why -not?” - -The answer was evidently far from satisfactory, for, with a sharp “I’ll -call you up later,” Captain Bunderley flipped the receiver back into -place and stalked outside. - -“Neither of ’em is at the hotel,” he exclaimed. “The clerk says they -went off at different times. Victor finally came back, but left again. -Says the stout boy asked for credit, but he was obliged to refuse.” - -“Gee whiz!” cried Bob. - -Then he promptly explained Dave’s situation, while Uncle Ralph’s brow -clouded over. - -“A very annoying state of affairs, indeed,” he pronounced. “But let us -go in to supper, boys. Perhaps by the time we’re through some word may -have arrived.” - -But it hadn’t. And when Uncle Ralph called up the Kenosha hotel a -second and third time the same laconic answer was always received--“No, -sir; they have not yet returned.” - -“Well, that settles it,” cried Bob Somers, at length. “We’ll motor -right back to Kenosha and find ’em.” - -“What!--On a night so black that a black cat would make a light spot in -the landscape?” exclaimed Captain Bunderley, protestingly. - -“Oh, that kind of thing doesn’t worry us,” broke in Tom, eagerly. “Why, -when we were in Wyoming----” - -“Oh, my!” groaned Charlie. - -“Besides, it’s going to storm,” went on the captain, seeing a look in -Bob Somers’ eyes which indicated a settled determination. - -“We have everything to protect us from the weather, sir. It’ll be a -regular lark. Coming, fellows?” - -“Bet your life!” cried Tom, enthusiastically. - -Charlie Blake, however, held back. - -“Oh, look here, Bob, what’s the use?” he demurred. “We might miss -’em, and have all our trouble for nothing. It isn’t safe, either, -traveling----” - -“Well, if you’re afraid, that ends it,” put in Tom, loftily. - -“Who said I was afraid?” snapped the “grind.” - -“Oh, nobody, of course,” said Tom, looking very wise. - -“Then don’t chatter like a goose.” - -“Did I ever hear of such nerve! If----” - -“Cut it out, fellows,” laughed Bob. “Captain, we’ll send you a telegram -just as soon as those chaps are rounded up.” - -The former seaman smiled quizzically. To his mind, talking about the -trip in a brightly-lighted room and actually undertaking it were two -such widely different propositions that he had little confidence in the -boys sticking to their determination. “They may possibly go as far as -the city limits,” he thought, “but that long stretch of lonely road and -the blackness will send ’em back.” - -“Sure you want to try it?” he said, aloud. - -“Yes, sir, the very worst way,” laughed Bob. “Now, Charlie----” - -[Illustration: “LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELVES, BOYS”] - -Blake, anticipating what he was about to say, and noticing a peculiar -grin on Tom’s face, held up his hand. - -“I’m going,” he said, in remarkably sour tones. - -“That’s fine.” - -Captain Bunderley gave each a hearty grasp of the hand. - -“Look out for yourselves, boys,” he cautioned. “Remember: if I had any -authority over you I might not consent to your going.” - -“Oh, don’t worry about us, sir,” said Bob. “We’ll be all right.” - -“Down some embankment, I s’pose,” muttered Charlie. - -Outside, Bob took a good look at the sky. - -“I guess the skipper is right about the weather,” he remarked, as they -started off in the direction of the garage. - -Half an hour afterward the three arrived at the building. It was a very -large garage containing many machines. The glare of electric lights -revealed none more imposing than the Rambler Club’s motor car. - -“Not a speck o’ mud left on her,” said the man in charge. “Going out -to-night, sir?” - -“Right away,” answered Tom, with an air of importance. “Pile in, -fellows.” - -The fellows “piled” in. - -“We may be back to-night, and we may not,” said the tall boy, handing -over the amount of the bill and a generous tip. “Let ’er go, Bob. -So-long!” - -A deafening roar abruptly filled the whole room with thunderous echoes. -Quick gasps and throbs followed, while the exhausts flung to the air -whirling clouds of spent gases. The two head and two side lamps threw a -brilliant glare over the floor and walls and cut a pathway through the -open door to the street beyond. - -The trembling machine, responding to its master’s touch, glided forward. - -“This sure ain’t no kind o’ a night for joy ridin’,” remarked the man -in charge, as he watched the big car swinging into the highway. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -ELEPHANTS - - -The boys didn’t turn back at the city limits as Captain Bunderley -had fully expected they would. Instead, the motor car finally passed -through South Milwaukee, and, under the cool and skilful guidance of -Bob Somers, plunged steadily along the muddy road, its lamps throwing a -strange, fantastic stream of light far in advance. Through its magic, -objects continually leaped out of the night, only to be greedily -snatched back by the mantle of gloom. Lights suggestive of hobgoblins -flitted from tree to tree, or swept across fields and underbrush, but -in the immensity of space beyond the glare blackness held supreme -control. - -Heavy gusts of wind, moaning and whistling dismally in their hurried -flight, almost drowned the soft, even purring of the motor. Splashing -rain-drops hurled themselves against the wind shield and top; the -storm, long delayed, was beginning to let loose its pent-up wrath. - -“Guess we’re going to have a peach of a time,” muttered Blake. “If I -hadn’t come, though, Tom would have kidded me about it for the next six -months.” - -The disconsolate “grind” huddled back on the rear cushions listening to -the wind and rain and the soft swish of flying mud, as the rubber-tired -wheels occasionally plunged through pools and puddles. - -“Let ’er out a bit, Bob,” encouraged Tom. “Don’t be afraid.” He pulled -the collar of his raincoat about his neck. “No constable around now -to stop our scorching. Gee! Ought to have seen me burning up the road -to-day, Bob; good you weren’t along, Charlie. Hey--asleep back there?” - -“How in thunder could a fellow be asleep with a din like this knocking -against his ear-drums?” growled Blake. “Where are we, Bob?” - -“Somewhere between South Milwaukee and Racine--that’s all I know,” -answered the driver, with a laugh. - -The wind blew harder; the rain, too, gradually increased in force -until sweeping torrents beat hard against the motor car, splashing its -occupants and forming tiny trickling pools in the bottom of the tonneau. - -Not a vehicle had passed them; the country seemed absolutely deserted, -and only dim points of light shining in the windows of distant -farmhouses indicated that any life existed in the seeming wilderness. - -The intense loneliness, the continual noises of the storm and the -haunting fear that hidden dangers might be lurking in their path -prevented Blake from entering into the spirit of the occasion. - -“By Jove, this is certainly about the limit,” he groaned, inwardly. - -From his position the forms of Bob Somers and Tom Clifton, bending low -to escape the cutting blasts, assumed a curiously unreal appearance -against the glare of acetylene light streaming ahead. Leaning forward, -he sought vainly to pierce the blackness; then, his face becoming the -target for splattering rain-drops, he hastily drew back, to straighten -up again a moment later as a shrill whistle sent a series of wild -reverberations across the landscape. - -Over the air came faintly the rattle and roar of a fast express. The -road was taking them near the tracks of the Chicago and Northwestern -Railway. Charlie’s glance suddenly rested upon something in the -distance--a long row of tiny lights sweeping rapidly toward them. - -Now they disappeared; now flashed into view once more; the sound of -grinding car wheels rose higher. Then, with almost incredible rapidity, -the tiny lights became gleaming windows seeming to radiate cheer as -they sped onward through the night. In an instant more the train was -lost to view, and only a faint screech of the locomotive’s whistle, -fading quickly into the roar of wind and splash of rain, told of its -passing. - -“Wish I was on board,” sighed Charlie. “Tom Clifton’s grins’ll never -drag me into any more silly adventures. This is ’most as bad as that -awful motor yacht trip. I’ve been going some to-day, all right.” - -On the front seat, Tom was saying: - -“Motoring in such blackness is dandy fun. The idea that you’re going to -run into something the next minute makes it kind of spicy, eh? Gee, -Bob, the rain’s coming down harder every minute. Wonder where old Dave -and Victor are now?” - -“Very likely taking it easy in the hotel,” grinned Bob. - -“Christopher! What’s that?” - -A low rumbling sound had suddenly risen above the warring of wind and -rain. - -“Thunder,” answered the chauffeur, briefly. - -“Thunderation! I thought for a second it was a message from Dave -passing right over our heads,” laughed Tom. “Some weather, this, Bob. -Hello--a village beyond!--See it?” - -Bob nodded. - -“We’ll soon twirl that far behind us,” he said. - -The faint points of light dotting the gloom gradually loomed up -stronger; the white glare from their lamps at length flashed over a -house by the roadside; then on another, and within a few minutes the -touring car was sweeping steadily through the village. - -Out from the darkness a small form seemed to literally hurl itself -toward them, and, racing alongside, filled the air with vociferous -barks and yelps. - -Leaning over, Bob saw a shaggy form of nondescript color, and caught a -gleam from a pair of greenish eyes. - -“Nice doggie!” he chirped, soothingly. - -“He’s started off every other ‘nice doggie’ in town,” chuckled Tom. -“Listen!” - -The baying of numerous canines, some near at hand, others in the -distance, was rising on the air. - -“Some up-to-the-minute constable may nab us for disturbing sleeping -dogs,” said Tom. - -“That’s so,” grinned Bob. - -He manipulated the lever. The car leaped forward, leaving their -four-footed foe far in the rear. For a few moments, his senses keenly -alert for any signs of danger, he kept up the swinging gait, slowing up -as the lights of a store and smithy close to it shot into view. - -As they passed the latter a cheerful glow was spreading out over the -street from a partly-open door. The boys caught a momentary glimpse of -figures and horses within, and heard vigorous blows on an anvil sending -forth a series of musical notes. - -Then the long street, silent and deserted, slipped slowly by, and, -presently, the motor car was threading its way in the zone where human -activities seemed to have ceased. Another stretch of dreary blackness -followed, with the trees, in the grip of the blasting air currents, -soughing and snapping their branches mournfully. - -Pelting rain still assailed the travelers. The motor car often rolled -through deep pools, scattering sheets of muddy spray aside. The boys -could hear the oozy, sucking sound of slimy masses torn from their -resting places and spattering against the guards. - -“Say, Bob, wouldn’t this be a great place for the machine to break -down?” came in a sepulchral voice from the rear. - -“You’d surely lose the polish on your shoes, Charlie,” laughed Tom. - -“Wonder what Vic ’ud say to this?” - -“Oh, he’d let out an awful howl.” - -“And no one could blame him, either,” growled the disgusted Blake. - -On and on went the car, through another village and then another, and, -finally, the city of Racine was seen asserting itself strongly against -the gloom of nature. - -The boys found on entering the town that most of the stores were -closed; but the brightly-lighted streets and the sight of electric cars -and an occasional pedestrian was a welcome change after their siege of -riding in the lonely country. - -“Too bad we can’t stay here for a while, fellows!” exclaimed Bob, “but -it’s the long road and blackness again for us.” - -“Dave and Vic are probably sound asleep by this time,” grumbled -Charlie, “never dreaming about the lovely time we’re having on their -account.” Then he added, softly, to himself: “Guess I’ll be having -nightmares about it, though, for weeks to come.” - -“Speed her up, Bob,” said Tom, eagerly. “A chap can see where he’s -going out here.” - -The street stretched straight ahead, with not a vehicle in sight. The -glare of electric lights flashed on steadily falling rain; the gutters -ran with miniature floods, which gurgled and splashed along, carrying -on their muddy surfaces a miscellaneous collection of rubbish. Here -and there great pools reflected the buildings and telegraph poles with -weird effect. - -Bob put on more speed; the motor car leaped forward, and for several -blocks they flew ahead at a breath-taking pace. An electric car coming -from the opposite direction presently whizzed past, a confused mass of -blurred lights and shadows. - -“This is simply great, Bob!” cried Tom. “Enjoying yourself, Charlie?” -he added, with a laugh. - -The “grind” was not; so the only answer Tom’s query brought forth was a -dissenting grunt. - -Occasionally Blake took a long, careful survey of the situation. On -looking out, a few moments later, he saw a residential section passing -before his eyes. This was quickly followed by the open country and -desolation. - -The storm, which had lulled during a short period, broke forth with -renewed activity. At intervals coppery colored lightning streaked -across the heavens, or forked its way to earth. In the brief instants -of dazzling glare a series of singularly clear impressions, of dark, -twisting clouds, of distant farmhouses, of rail fences, of waving -trees, and of formless patches of shadow were imprinted upon Charlie’s -brain. It filled the boy with a curious sense of awe and dread which -refused to be shaken off. - -“A bend in the road just ahead, Bob!” Tom at length sang out. - -“I see it,” responded the chauffeur. - -The advancing rays of light showed the broad road disappearing around a -mass of vegetation. - -“Have to slow up now,” said Bob--“danger of the machine skidding on -slippery ground like this.” - -“You bet.” - -As the touring car slackened speed Bob sent forth a long, warning blast -of the horn. - -Tom laughed. - -“Gee, Bob, what was the sense of doing that?” he cried. “We haven’t -passed many drays and trucks, or----” - -Blake, listening indifferently, would have continued to do so but for -the loud, startled exclamation which brought Tom’s sentence to an -abrupt close. - -He looked up quickly, then, with a gasp of astonishment, he fell -forward, bringing up against the seat in front with a violent bump. - -The motor car had scarcely swept around the bend when the acetylene -glare picked out from the darkness the forms of three huge elephants -advancing directly in their path. Almost stupefied with amazement, the -boys, at the same instant, saw two men walking close beside them. Not -far behind, the light shone upon a huge, red wagon. - -Before the warning cries which came from the men ceased Bob Somers had -thrown out the clutch and applied the brakes, bringing the machine to a -halt almost within its own length. - -A shrill trumpet call sounded. The elephant in advance, showing -evidence of the greatest alarm, suddenly broke away from its keeper and -attempted to turn back. - -Then followed a scene which made the nerves of the chauffeur and his -companions tingle with excitement. A huge pachyderm, wheeling his body -around, effectually blocked the other’s progress. Almost immediately -the third elephant got into action, while every movement made by the -men, in their efforts to pacify the animals, only added to their fear -and confusion. - -“Great Scott!” breathed Charlie, grasping Bob by the arm. - -The three towering forms were swinging wildly toward them, the nearest -threatening to plunge full tilt against the motor car. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -A ROUGH TRIP - - -“Victor, wouldn’t it be better for you to skip back to the hotel?” -asked Dave, looking anxiously at the sky. - -The lawyer’s son thought of the dark, gloomy streets through which he -would be obliged to pass; then the idea of actually traveling with a -circus appealed strongly to his imagination. - -“No, Brownie,” he answered, decidedly. - -“Joe,” said Dave, turning toward the circus boy, “I see the light of a -drug store over yonder; guess they have a ’phone. I’m going to call up -the hotel. Can you wait, Joe?” - -“Sure, Dave. But if Whiffin ketches me busy at doin’ nothin’ it means a -callin’ down--see?” - -“All right, Joe; we’ll hurry,” said Dave, encouragingly. - -“An’ while you’re gone I’ll help git the elephants ready,” announced -Joe, with sudden decision. “Them three old codgers goes ahead o’ us.” - -Dave, followed by Victor, loped across the wet, soggy lot, or, rather, -tried to. But, although the journey was attended by much discomfort and -some risk of taking a header, they finally arrived at the drug store in -safety. - -Dave promptly called up the hotel and was soon speaking to the night -clerk. The latter declined to open the telegram, but gave the stout boy -full information about the ’phone message which Captain Bunderley had -sent from Milwaukee. - -“Well?” queried Victor, eagerly, as the historian hung up the receiver. - -Dave briefly explained. - -“There, you big Indian, I knew it!” exclaimed the lawyer’s son, -triumphantly. “A nice trick they played on us, eh? Well, I’m liable to -handle that Tom Clifton with awful carelessness when we meet again. -Now, Brownie”--his tone became imperious--“you just call up Uncle Ralph -on the long distance and tell him what’s what.” - -With a broad smile, the stout boy obeyed. - -To his disappointment, however, he was told that Captain Bunderley had -retired for the night. - -“If it’s important we’ll get him right up for you,” came a faint voice -over the wire. - -Dave did some rapid thinking. “Poor Joe is most likely fretting and -fuming about the delay,” he mused. “Besides, if I wait any longer there -may be another mix-up.” - -He spoke in the transmitter again: - -“Thank you; I’m in too much of a hurry. Will you kindly take down a -message and give it to the captain at once.” - -The distant clerk assured him that he would. Dave quickly went over -the few facts which he thought it was necessary for the captain to -know, ending with: “He’ll hear from me in the morning.” “Good-bye” was -trembling on his tongue when an afterthought prompted him to ask: “How -many boys are in the party?” - -“Three,” came the answer. - -“One very tall?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Any of them about?” - -“No; all went out together some time ago.” - -“Thank you. Good-bye.” - -“What did he say?” demanded Victor. - -“Yes; Tom is there, all right.” Dave smiled. “Come on,” he added, -seeing the familiar expression of anger instantly flash into the -other’s face. He grasped the lad’s arm and hurried him outside. “No -time to lose, Vic,” he urged. “Look, the main tent is already down.” - -“Just wait till I catch that tall chap!” exclaimed Victor, savagely. - -Over on the lot, Joe Rodgers, standing at the head of a four-horse -team, was impatiently awaiting their reappearance. - -“Here, you fellers, climb aboard fast,” he roared, the moment his eyes -lighted upon their figures. “We ought to been off long ago.” - -It wasn’t an easy task for Victor to reach the high seat, but, with -considerable assistance, he finally managed it. Then Joe, seeming to -possess the nimbleness of a monkey, swung up beside him, while Dave, -to Victor’s great surprise, also showing much agility, immediately -followed. - -At any other time Victor Collins’ sense of the proprieties might have -prevented him from accepting a seat beside a boy whose estate was as -lowly as that of “Mister” Joe Rodgers, but just now so many things -engaged his attention that he forgot to draw fine distinctions. From -his elevated perch he could look over a scene in which the weird and -picturesque were combined with pleasing effect. - -By the aid of a brilliant calcium light and lanterns men were busily -engaged in loading the remaining wagons. The workers hurried about, -now out of the glare, then back again; the air was full of noise--of -shouts, of heavy planks being piled in place, of commands to horses, of -sledge-hammer blows. Lanterns bobbed from place to place, suggestive of -huge fire-flies. It was all very interesting to Victor; but Joe gave -him no further time to enjoy it. - -Picking up the lines and raising his whip, he yelled lustily: - -“Git ap!” - -Victor glanced curiously at the driver. He wondered how it happened -that a boy apparently no older than himself was entrusted with the -care of a great four-horse team, and being under such responsibility -should show not the slightest trace of nervousness. - -Before the wagon was in motion a loud “Hold on, there!” made all turn -abruptly around. - -A man having three horses in tow was headed straight for the wagon. - -“Whiffin says I’m to tie this here bunch o’ nags on the back o’ the -next wagon out,” explained the man. “Is that you, Rodgers?” - -“It sure ain’t nobody else,” growled Joe. “Fasten ’em up quick, Tracy. -The elephants has went a’ready.” - -Tracy performed his task with commendable celerity. - -“All right, Joe,” he presently called. “Let ’er go!” - -“Git ap!” roared the driver. - -The dull thud of hoofs striking against the turf sounded; the leaders -swung around, plunged and reared. Down came an iron shoe, splintering a -stone and sending off a shower of sparks. Joe’s whip swished viciously, -cracking like pistol shots. - -“Whoa boy--haw! Hi, hi! Steady, Billikin! Git over, there, you pesky -brute! Whoa boy!” - -It required an immense amount of vocal exercise, as well as tugging at -the reins and many passes with the whip to get the huge bulk in motion. -The wagon suddenly gave an alarming creak, then lurched forward. Joe -yelled like a wild Indian. The horses stamped and strained with all -their might, and in a few moments more the vehicle was bumping and -jolting over the uneven ground. - -“This here wagon’s chuck full o’ eats for the hosses,” remarked Joe, -when the road was reached. - -“Oh, I say, Brownie, it’s beginning to rain again,” broke in Victor, -complainingly. “Isn’t that the meanest luck?” - -“Here’s sumphin what’ll help keep it off them pretty duds o’ yourn, -Buster,” grinned Joe. From the back of the seat he extracted an oilskin -cover and a huge umbrella. “Sneak in clos’t, fellers,” he commanded -when the latter had been opened. “Then none o’ youse won’t be drownded.” - -Joe was handling the reins with remarkable skill; the big wagon -rumbled along the street at good speed; and, on looking back, Dave -could see, barely perceptible in the gloom, several others following. - -“Say, Joe,” he exclaimed, suddenly, “are you any relation to Mr. -Whiffin?” - -“I sure ain’t,” answered Joe. - -“How does it happen that you’re working in the circus?” - -“’Cause when I weren’t no more’n twelve years old I was left an -orphan--understan’? So off I goes to me fadder’s sister; an’ I stays -with her an’ her husban’ a spell.” - -“Didn’t you like it?” - -“Like it? I should say not!” snorted Joe. “I eats too much for ’em. One -day me an’ him has some words ’bout it; an’ he up an’ says: ‘Git right -out o’ here, ye young cub.’ So I up an’ gits--see? I’m a purty good -feller, I am; but don’t nobuddy rile me.” - -“I understand,” said Dave, gravely. “What did you do next?” - -“Oh, I gits a job in a village; but the feller I worked for corks me -one over the ear, so I up an’ gits ag’in--understan’?” - -“Have a hard time finding another place?” - -Joe grinned. - -“Oh, no,” he answered. “Drop me down in the middle of anywheres an’ -I’ll land on me feet. I’ve newspapered it a bit.” - -“How did you happen to meet Mr. Whiffin?” - -Joe failed to respond immediately. The rain was beginning to beat hard -against the umbrella, while the furious gusts of wind threatened every -instant to tear it away. - -Victor drew the oilskin as far up as he could; but the beating drops -still found him, and began to trickle off his cap in tiny streams. - -“Ugh! This is about the limit,” he groaned. - -“If ye failed inter the lake it’d be a heap worse,” remarked Joe, -cheerfully. “It were this way, Jumbo--I--I mean Dave---- Whoa there! -Confound that off hoss! Whoa--gee! Git over there!--Well, I was -lookin’ for a meal ticket, when, of a suddent, I runs across--whoa, -gee--Spudger’s Peerless. So I goes in an’ up an’ asks Whiffin for a -job. ‘Git out o’ here,’ says Whiffin. ‘Sure--when I’m ready,’ says I. -Then he kinder looks at me interested like, an’ says, ‘Who chased yer -away from your happy home, kid?’ An’ I up an’ tells him. So he gives me -a job as water-carrier.” - -“That’s interesting,” said Dave. “Go ahead.” - -“Whoa--gee! Confound that off hoss,” resumed Joe. “Then, after while, -he lets me drive wagons and keer for the hosses. There ain’t nuthin’ I -don’t know about them animals, Dave.” - -“Satisfied with circus life, Joe?” - -The boy pondered a moment. - -“No, I ain’t,” he confided. “I’d like to git an eddication, an’ be -sumphin. But I ain’t never had no chanc’t. I wonder if I ever will have -a chanc’t!” he added, wistfully. - -“What is your ambition?” pursued Dave. - -“I dunno. Maybe I’d like to keep a peanut, pretzel and lemonade stand,” -answered Joe. “I know’d a feller what follered the show with one. He -did good, too--saved a hundred and fifty dollars in three years. He’s -gittin’ old now--most twenty-five, I reckon.” - -“Poor decrepit old gentleman,” sighed Dave. “Say, Joe,” he added, “does -your uncle know where you are?” - -“Sure! Whiffin up an’ writes ’im; an’ what Uncle Jim writ back must -have been hot stuff, ’cordin’ to Whiffin. But I kep’ me job, all right.” - -“Say, Brandon, why did you ever drag me into a mess like this?” broke -in a peevish voice. “It’s raining worse every minute.” - -“Too bad, Vic.” - -Dave, with his cap pulled well over his eyes, peered out. - -The houses were becoming further and further apart. Here and there -lights in windows shone dimly through the darkness. The line of trees -on either side of the road rattled and snapped their myriads of -branches, occasionally surrendering to the wildly eddying currents the -quota of leaves demanded. Everything was dripping wet; water fell from -the umbrella in streams; water slid ceaselessly down the sides of the -big red wagon; water formed pools on top. From the nostrils and heaving -bodies of the blanketed horses came clouds of steam. - -Victor, though well protected, felt miserable and disgusted and, as it -was his nature to always put the blame on others, he began to harbor -an additional grievance against Dave Brandon. - -“But for the big Indian I wouldn’t be here,” he grumbled to himself. -“And just listen to the way he’s chinning to this Rodgers kid! It -certainly is enough to make a fellow tired for a whole week.” - -“No, I ain’t never had no chanc’t,” Joe was repeating, dolefully. “I -ain’t no good at readin’ or writin’.” - -“Would you go to school?” asked Dave. - -“Wouldn’t I, though,” said Joe; “eh, Buster?” - -He nudged Victor sharply in the ribs. - -“Cut it out,” growled Victor. - -“I can’t,” grinned Joe. “Ribs is ginerally cut out by surgeons. Whoa! -Gee! It’s most time we ketched up to them elephants.” - -With his eyes keenly scanning the road, he urged his team ahead by both -voice and whip. Now on a slight down grade, the huge wagon rumbled -along at considerable speed, occasionally jolting and jarring, as the -wheels slipped into ruts or rolled through deep miry stretches. - -Dave finally detected two faint spots of light struggling into view -some distance ahead. - -“It’s Scotty an’ Robins leadin’ the elephants,” explained Joe. “Know’d -I ketch up with ’em soon. Hi, hi! Git ap! Say, this here is sure some -storm, ain’t it, fellers? Lightning now, by Jingo!” - -A glare had suddenly illumined the landscape, and in the instantaneous -flash the forms of three elephants at the crest of a rise showed as -blurred masses of dark. - -“By George! It’s enough to give a chap the creeps for fair,” thought -Victor, with a shiver. - -Conversing was difficult. The three, though huddling under the umbrella -as far as possible, were still the target for beating rain. At each -flash of lightning the huge, unwieldy forms of Nero, Titan and Colossus -loomed up more clearly, and, at length, when the leading horses began -to strike their iron-shod hoofs in the muddy road close behind them, -the lanterns in the hands of Scott and Robins described a flashing -circle in the air. - -Joe answered this salute with a lusty yell. - -“We’re gittin’ there, fellers,” he added. - -“We’re most swimmin’ there,” answered Robins, gruffly. - -“And’ll soon need a raft,” put in Scotty. - -“I’ll throw ye a life-line when ye needs one,” roared Joe. - -Then several miles fell grudgingly behind, with scarcely a word -exchanged between men or boys. Dave, in spite of storm and discomfort, -his eyes tightly closed, was almost nodding, while Victor, utterly -miserable, sat staring straight ahead. - -But all this was changed in the most startling and abrupt fashion. - -The loud blasts of a motor horn, echoing weirdly, brought Dave up with -a start. - -“What!” he gasped. “What!” - -His eyes rested on a brilliant glare of light flooding the darkness. -Then a big touring machine glided around a bend. Although the chauffeur -handled his car skilfully, the unexpected sight threw the elephants -into a state of panic. - -“Them brutes is goin’ to git!” yelled Joe, as the rumbling of the wagon -wheels ceased. - -An instant later Dave and Victor saw the boy swinging from his seat to -the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -DAVE DOES SOME RIDING - - -Dave Brandon immediately furnished another example of his ability to -move quickly when he chose to stir himself. Joe had scarcely landed -before the stout boy was at his side. - -The crisp whirr of wheels and the thud of a horse’s hoofs was sounding -close behind them. Dave stepped to one side, and, by the light from -a row of lanterns on the red wagon, saw a buggy containing two men -rapidly approaching. Just after it had splashed past him one of the men -spoke up. - -The thin, rasping notes which poured forth at once proclaimed his -identity; it was Mr. Peter Whiffin. - -Dave, however, in the general confusion, amidst the noise of the storm -and the shouts of the elephant keepers, could scarcely understand -a word. The alarming actions of the big animals, too, occupied his -undivided attention. Despite the frantic efforts of Scott and Robins, -the pride of Spudger’s Peerless broke away, the largest almost sending -his cumbersome body against the motor car. - -The next few instants witnessed a scene which made even the nerves of -steady-going Dave Brandon tingle with excitement. It was impossible to -tell which way the animals might turn, and any one standing in the road -ran great danger of being knocked down and trampled under foot. - -But the movement of the big creatures was not left long in doubt. With -another loud trumpeting, Colossus wheeled away from the motor car, then -started at a loping gait around the bend, closely followed by Titan and -Nero. - -“I know’d it! I know’d it!” yelled Joe. “An’ they’ll mash anythin’ flat -what gits in their way.” - -“After ’em, boys; after ’em!” rose the voice of Mr. Ollie Spudger, in -despairing accents. “We don’t want no more suits for damages filed -ag’in the show. If anybody as much as sees the beasts runnin’ loose -they’ll sue, though only their feelin’s is hurt!” - -Scott and Robins were already struggling through the mud and rain in a -desperate effort to overtake their charges. - -“After ’em for all you’re worth, boys!” bawled Spudger. - -“Twenty-five cents for the feller what stops ’em!” roared Mr. Whiffin. - -“I’ll take a chanc’t on gittin’ them five nickels!” shouted Joe, -snatching a lantern from its place on the wagon and dashing off. - -Dave Brandon was conscious of the fact that the automobilists, after -a sharp passage of words with Mr. Whiffin, had gone on, apparently -thinking that the elephants would soon be under control. - -“That’s the way with them automobile fellers,” he heard Mr. Whiffin -exclaim. “Don’t keer what happens as long as they have their fling.” - -Then the buggy wheels began grinding through the mud again. Mr. Spudger -and his manager were in hot pursuit of elephants and men. - -Dave stood, irresolute, then: - -“Yes, I’ll do it,” he exclaimed, grimly. “As Joe says, if those animals -should happen to bump into anything--whew!” - -“What’s all that queer mumbling down there, Brownie?” cried Victor. -“Hey--where are you going?” - -Without making any reply, Dave unhooked a lantern from the side of the -wagon and made a dash to the rear. - -The rays of light flashed over three horses, whose dilated nostrils and -gleaming eyes gave indication of their frightened state. They strained -and tugged frantically in an effort to pull away. - -“Whoa, boy, whoa!” exclaimed Dave, soothingly, to the nearest, a coal -black animal. “Whoa, boy!” - -Warily, he stepped out of the way of rapidly-moving hoofs. - -“Here’s where some of my cowboy experience will come in nicely,” he -murmured. “Whoa there, old chap!” His hand gently stroked a quivering, -glossy neck. “Whoa, I say!” - -Working near those swinging bodies, in a dim light, with rain and wind -beating relentlessly upon him, had an element of danger in it which -lent spice to the situation. Dave’s lantern, slung over his arm, sent -curious patches of shadow dancing across the ground and reflected in -sharp metallic dashes in water and ooze. - -In a few moments the lad succeeded in untying the rope. The black -horse, freed, reared and plunged; but Dave’s strong grip on the halter -could not be shaken off. - -“It won’t be so easy riding you, old boy, with no bridle or saddle,” he -muttered, “but here goes!” - -“For gracious’ sake, what are you about, Brandon?” screeched Victor, in -alarm, for the first time realizing his intention. “Look out, you silly -thing; you’ll get tossed or be mashed into a jelly!” - -To his unbounded amazement, he saw Dave Brandon spring lightly astride -the prancing horse. - -“Great Scott!” he cried, breathlessly. - -“I’ll be back soon, Vic,” shouted Dave. - -He pressed his knees against the animal’s side, leaned far over on -its neck to escape the full force of the storm, then, with both hands -gripping the halter, held on tight as the horse shot forward. - -Victor saw him being carried swiftly around the bend, the lantern -over his arm swaying violently, and heard the sound of pounding hoofs -growing faint in the distance. - -It wrung from his lips a cry of admiration. - -“By George, but that chap has wonderful nerve!” - -Meanwhile, all of Dave Brandon’s skill in horsemanship was called into -play. The spirited black horse, frantic with fear, galloped furiously -along the slippery road, while Dave, jolted and shaken, sawed hard on -the leather straps of the halter. - -“Look out!” he yelled. - -His ringing voice was added to the warning of clattering hoofs. - -Two dusky forms edged with sharp lights from the rays of their lanterns -sprang hastily to the side of the road as the apparent runaway bore -down upon them. Another, further in advance, loping along at remarkable -speed--Joe Rodgers, in a desperate sprint to capture the promised -quarter--was seen to stumble. - -Dave had a vision of a lantern performing some remarkable evolutions, -and knew, more by impressions than actual sight, that Joe Rodgers had -taken a header to safety in the mud. - -And all this time the red lantern on the back of Spudger’s vehicle was -growing larger and stronger. A mass of formless dark, with surprising -suddenness, resolved itself into the shape of a buggy and trotting -horse. - -As Dave sped past he heard loud exclamations and yells in Peter -Whiffin’s familiar voice. Then he was plunging on and on into the -blackness, with nothing but an occasional gleam of electric flame to -light the way. - -At last, after a determined fight, he regained control of the maddened -animal. His face was stinging from the effects of beating rain and -wind and his eyes were aching. But the wild ride had filled him with a -strange sense of exhilaration. - -As a vivid streak of bluish lightning forked its way earthward, -the rider gave a gasp of astonishment and alarm. The instantaneous -glare had revealed with startling clearness the ponderous forms of -three elephants but a few yards distant. Even before the jarring -reverberations of thunder began to sound the dull thud of heavy feet -splashing steadily through mud and water reached Dave Brandon’s ears. - -It was a moment for quick action and steady nerves. - -By the time his fierce yells and strenuous exertions had swerved the -horse to one side the light of the lantern was falling on a huge bulk -which towered high above him. He saw the elephant’s great head swing -around, its eyes gleaming with fear. - -“Great Scott!” murmured Dave. - -His nerves tingled at the thought of being thrown. - -He steered clear of a second shadowy form and soon a third detached -itself faintly from the surroundings. - -The already badly frightened Colossus became a great deal more so as -horse and rider shot alongside. A shrill trumpet call rang out. The -huge elephant increased his pace, blocking every effort of the horseman -to gallop past. And so, neck and neck, the animals raced along the -lonely, water-soaked country road. - -Every flash of lightning brought into view fences on either hand. Dave -knew there was no safety on either side or behind. Only his horse’s -speed could carry him out of the dangerous situation in which he had -placed himself. The touch of a great rough body brushing against his -shoulder sent a thrill to his heart. - -“This is just a little more than I bargained for,” he thought, grimly. - -“Get up, Blacky, get up!” he cried out, desperately. His hand descended -hard on the animal’s flank. “Go it, old boy! Go it, for your life!” - -Dave strained his eyes to pierce the darkness, fearful that the -obscurity concealed some object into which they would be plunged with -headlong force. - -It was one of the most thrilling moments in Dave Brandon’s life. Never -before had he taken so many chances; and never before had he been so -determined to win. - -The boy could hear the labored breathing of his horse and saw patches -of foam flung to the wind. The rapid pace over the rough road was fast -telling on the animal’s strength. Thus, through the night and storm, -the wild flight continued, with neither gaining any advantage until -the black horse, by a supreme effort, nosed ahead of its monster rival. - -“Good for you, Blacky!” shouted Dave, exultingly. - -His lantern whirled in front of Colossus’ head, then again, and again, -while he yelled with all his remaining force. - -Each time he was in danger of being hurled from his seat; each time -the exertion made his heart thump harder. But the actions of the big -elephant caused him to keep up the fight with every ounce of strength -in his body. - -The panic-stricken beast seemed to have no desire to face that curious -flashing light which occasionally grazed his upraised trunk. The pride -of Spudger’s, seeing no escape from the terrifying object in front, -voiced his fear in another loud call, swung abruptly across the road -and continued along on the other side. - -Dave promptly met this move by a shift of the lantern. - -Almost immediately, Colossus slowed up, while the stout boy, feeling -that the victory had been won, reined in his steaming horse, so as to -keep directly in front of the elephant. - -Within a few minutes the struggle was over. The pachyderm, unable to -elude the horseman, wavered, then came to a sudden stop. - -Dave Brandon was too winded to shout his exultation. He wheeled his -horse around and halted in the middle of the road. Water poured from -his hat and coat in streams; his clothes were patched with mud, but, as -he wearily straightened up, the glow of the lantern showed the familiar -broad smile on his face. - -“By Jingo,” he muttered, “traveling with a circus surely has its -thrills!” - -Some five minutes later, when Messrs. Spudger and Whiffin hurriedly -drove up, in a state of great excitement, they found three elephants -huddled close together by the wayside, while a lone horseman, almost as -motionless as a statue, was standing on guard. - -And it didn’t take Mr. Whiffin’s sharp eyes very long to discover the -identity of this vigilant sentinel. - -“Didn’t I tell yer it was the fat feller who passed us, Mr. Spudger?” -he demanded, “an’ by gum, he done the trick!” - -“And I should say, at twenty-five cents, it was about the cheapest bit -of work I ever heard of. And if he’s saved me from looking into any -lawyer’s face I’ll add another twenty-five cents myself.” - -Mr. Spudger laughed gruffly at his own humorous observation. - -“We’d best be keerful not to make too much noise,” warned Mr. Whiffin. -“I ain’t hankerin’ to look after them elephants.” - -“That’s right,” assented Mr. Spudger. “Let’s do all our conversation in -whispers. If they ever git started on the back track this buggy would -be only fit for kindlin’ fires, and I don’t like surgeons no more’n -lawyers.” - -After this remark only the noise of the storm was heard until Joe -Rodgers, a sadly bedraggled object, arrived on the scene of inaction. - -“Stand as still as if you was a-loafin’ on the show, Joe,” commanded -Whiffin, disagreeably. “If it hadn’t been for that there quarter you -wanted to git you’d be asleep on the wagon now.” - -Scott, the elephant trainer, with his assistant, Robins, next appeared, -and the men quickly secured their charges. - -A few specks of light on the road and the low rumble of wagon wheels -soon indicated that the circus train was approaching. - -“You’re the greatest feller in the world, Dave!” exclaimed Joe, -admiringly. “I’ll bet Bill Potts never would have done it.” - -“His forte is artistic riding,” laughed Dave. “Out on the plains with -the cowboys taught me the plain variety.” - -The leaders of the four-horse team swung up and the driver, who had -taken Joe’s place, clambered to the ground. - -“Oh, hasn’t this been another glorious day!” piped a small figure on -the seat. “Are you safe, Brownie? Goodness, but this has given me an -awful fit of the nerves.” - -“I’m all right, Vic,” answered Dave. He led the black horse to its -former place behind the wagon. “What’s that? Did you speak, Mr. -Whiffin?” - -A voice had come from the buggy. - -“Step this way,” said the manager. - -When his summons were obeyed he leaned out from beneath the shelter, -extending a lean hand toward Dave’s indistinct form. - -“Here’s that quarter, boy!” - -“And you needn’t give a receipt for it just now,” guffawed Mr. Spudger. - -“Thank you!” laughed Dave. - -Joe, already in his place, his hands grasping the lines, waited until -Dave Brandon was seated beside him, then his long whip cracked sharply, -the horses plunged and struggled, the wheels reluctantly began to move, -and the interrupted journey was resumed. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -VIC TURNS UP - - -The motor car boys arrived late at night, or, rather, early in the -morning at Kenosha, left their mud-begrimed machine at the garage, and -hastened to the hotel. There, to their great satisfaction, they learned -about Dave’s telephone message, then, with minds relieved from all -further anxiety, congregated in Bob Somers’ room. - -“Well, we have made a night of it,” began Charlie. - -“And a morning, too,” piped Tom. - -“The last of yesterday and the first of to-day have been nicely rolled -together,” laughed Bob. - -“Say”--Tom managed to stifle a tremendous yawn--“I certainly like the -nerve of that fellow in the buggy.” - -“That’s just what I didn’t like about him,” said Charlie. “It’s sure -that he never took any correspondence school lessons in politeness.” - -“And the idea of his taking down our license number! Honest, Bob, I -came mighty near calling him down for that.” - -“He made a noise like a steam calliope, but he couldn’t take us down,” -grinned Bob. - -“I certainly hope we don’t meet him again,” yawned Charlie. - -“Oh, I wouldn’t know him from a baseball bat,” said Tom. “By this -time, fellows, I reckon Dave and Victor have made a safe steal for -home--meaning they’ve reached Milwaukee.” - -“And if so Captain Bunderley won’t be put out,” chirped Blake. - -“I wonder if that is where Dave and Vic really have gone,” mused Bob. - -“Why, of course!” answered Tom, making an heroic attempt to control his -blinking eyes. - -“Let us have some deductions, quick, Tom,” urged Charlie, with a wink. - -“Look out, or I’ll make you run like a ball player off for first!” said -Tom, scowling slightly. - -“But no one could throw me out,” retorted the “grind.” - -“Guess I’ll turn in, fellows,” remarked Bob. “Remember we have to hit -the trail again to-morrow morning.” - -“I can never forget the agonizing look of the chap who had to clean our -car,” quoth Charlie. “Wasn’t it the biggest cake of mud you’ve ever -seen? Good-night, Bob. Tom will yawn his head off in a minute.” - -“Get out!” scoffed Tom. “I’m not a bit more tired than anybody else.” - -“Oh, yes, I s’pose you’d like to do it all over again,” laughed -Charlie. “Coming?” - -And Tom went. - -It was very late when the boys got up; in fact, so late that a glance -at the clock seemed to give each a pang of conscience. - -“Simply awful,” murmured Tom. “Can’t understand it. Why, I didn’t feel -a bit tired last night.” - -Immediately after refreshing themselves with a good meal the boys -started for the garage. - -Benjamin Rochester, more than ever convinced that there was something -very mysterious in the actions of the crowd, received them with the -gravity due to such somber thoughts. - -“Yes, sir, de car am done been cleaned,” he remarked to Bob Somers. “I -guess dat machine tried to burrow its way to de center ob de earth.” - -“Well, it was as dark as a tunnel last night,” explained Bob, “and we -hit some of the soft spots.” - -“Guess yo’ must hab scooped ’em all up.” - -Two minutes later the car was whirling out of the garage. - -“Dey is certainly de queerest bunch I done ebber heard ob,” muttered -Benjamin. “I s’pects I’ll read somethin’ ’bout ’em in de papers befo’ -long.” - -Through the streets of Kenosha, by the shortest route, sped the big -machine. Charlie Blake’s association with the Ramblers was beginning -to have an effect upon his timid disposition. His mind was no longer -filled with dread misgivings, and Bob, who thought that his chief -trouble lay in a lack of confidence in himself, kept urging him to try -his hand at running the car. - -And finally Blake, to Tom’s great astonishment, did try. - -“Great Scott, you’re going some now!” exclaimed the tall boy. “Play -ball with that kind of spirit and we’ll have a winning nine.” - -“Bully boy,” said Bob, resuming his place at the wheel. “You’ve got the -hang of the thing in great shape.” - -Blake felt a glow of satisfaction. He was beginning to realize just why -he had so often failed. - -With Bob in control, the landscape seemed to fly by with astonishing -rapidity, and evidences that they were approaching a big town soon -greeted their eyes. - -“Say, look at that, fellows!” exclaimed Tom, suddenly. - -A gorgeously colored poster by the side of the road depicted some of -the “Stupendous attractions” of Ollie Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless -Circus and Menagerie. - -“That’s worth looking at,” said Bob, bringing the machine to a stop. - -“They’re going to stay on the scene for three days,” remarked Tom. -“Say, Bob, that must be the very show we passed on the road last night. -Let’s motor around and take a squint.” - -“Oh, goodness, I never cared less to see a circus,” put in Charlie. - -“Well, it won’t do any harm.” - -“Or any good, either.” - -“Then that makes it even, eh, Bob? How do you vote?” - -“We might as well run around that way, Tom.” - -“I suppose Clifton won’t be happy unless he can give the elephants -peanuts,” grunted Charlie. - -The scattered buildings had given place to long rows. Along a wide -avenue lined on both sides with handsome residences the Rambler Club’s -motor car carried the three toward the business section of Racine. -Again the chauffeur was obliged to look out for cars, vehicles and -pedestrians, but, as no time was lost save when absolutely necessary, -the town was quickly crossed. - -At length they came in sight of several circus tents rising in the -midst of a vast lot. They could see, too, a number of huge red wagons, -a miscellaneous collection of venders’ stands and a considerable crowd -seeming to move in all directions. - -“Gee! Looks like some show to me,” remarked Tom, highly interested. -“Mighty big pictures they have hanging up by the entrance.” - -“That’s high art,” said Charlie. - -“How do you know?” queried Tom. - -“That’s easy; they’re at least six feet off the ground.” - -“Huh, you’re getting real smart,” snapped Tom. - -“I’m stocking up with ginger for the football games,” laughed Charlie. - -“Oh, I can see the barker barking,” said Tom, suddenly. “Aren’t they -the windy chaps? I’m just a little bit too cute to be taken in by them. -Say, wouldn’t you think a man would have more self-respect than to -stand out there sporting a red coat and dinky little cap like that?” - -“Strikes me he’s a kind of fat fellow,” said Blake, with an earnest -stare. “He ought to be out doing some useful work instead of trying to -separate dimes and nickels from a lot of easy marks. Just look at the -way he moves his arms!” - -“You might think he was a lawyer pleading a case in court,” laughed -Bob. “I guess he would about match Dave in size.” - -“Hello!” said Charlie, his eyes resting on one of the large paintings. -“There’s a picture of Adolphus, the boy giant. His figure seems to -match our Tom’s.” - -“Oh, cut out the Victor Collins remarks,” growled Clifton. “Stop here, -Bob. It’s jolly good fun to watch the people. Crickets, what a noise! -Why--why--what’s the matter?” - -Bob Somers was staring toward the barker with a mystified expression -which gradually deepened. He was about to speak, when: - -“My gracious alive, if there isn’t that fellow, Tom Clifton!” came to -their ears. - -The three boys turned quickly at the sound of a familiar voice, and, to -their utter astonishment, found themselves facing Victor Collins. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -EXPLANATIONS - - -Great as was the amazement of the boys to see Victor, his next words -amazed them still more. - -“Come down out of that, Clifton, and I’ll punch you good and plenty!” -he howled. - -Before Tom Clifton could gather his wits together and reply, Victor was -speaking again. - -“That was about the meanest and silliest trick I ever heard of!” he -exclaimed, brandishing a small white fist in the air. “I’ve got it in -for you, too, Blakelets; and ditto for you, Bob Somers.” - -The group in the motor car exchanged glances of bewilderment. Then the -chauffeur spoke up. - -“How did you get here, Victor?” he asked. - -This question seemed to increase Victor’s fiery attitude. - -“Oh, don’t try to jolly me,” he screeched. “Put that innocent look off -your face, Tom Clifton. And if you’re not too scared step down and get -the first instalment of what’s coming to you!” - -Tom Clifton, fairly aghast, flushed crimson. For him to be threatened -in the presence of his chums by a boy of Victor’s size was more than -his feelings could stand. - -Words and actions came to his relief. Springing to the ground he seized -Victor by the arm. - -“What’s the matter, you silly little duffer?” he exclaimed, fiercely. -But, like a flash, the thought came to him that, after all, it might -be only a joke. “Oh, it’s all right, Victor,” he added, with forced -calmness. “You can’t string me.” - -“Or rope me into believing any taffy. I’ll show you how much joke -there’s in it!” - -Something happened. - -Victor’s small fists began to move with truly remarkable speed. It was -Tom Clifton’s ribs that stopped several snappy punches. - -“Ouch! Quit it!” yelled Tom, jumping aside with undignified haste. -“Stop--stop, I say!” - -But whichever way he turned Victor was always dancing before him. - -“You would make me miss that motor yacht trip, eh? Thought maybe I -looked soft, eh? Well, here’s one for that!” - -Two pairs of restraining hands suddenly gripped Victor Collins’ -shoulders. - -“No more of this, Vic,” commanded Bob, sternly. “We don’t want to start -a rival show on this side of the street.” - -“You’re making more noise than that fat barker over there!” added -Charlie. - -Tom Clifton, painfully conscious that he had made no effort to defend -himself, and feeling the various assortment of punches which Victor had -liberally bestowed upon him, suddenly decided that his reputation would -suffer unless some decisive action was taken. - -A good shaking, he thought, would be about the proper thing. - -“I’ll tend to him myself, Bob. Leave the whole thing to me!” he cried. - -While Victor squirmed and struggled in Bob Somers’ strong grasp, -Charlie, bubbling over with mirth, had secured a firm hold on Tom -Clifton’s arm. - -“I guess the circus has been too much for somebody’s nerves,” he -chuckled. “Better stop. There are about eighteen people looking over.” - -“I don’t care!” stormed Tom. - -“I do,” said Bob. “Let’s begin at the beginning, and come to the end -fast. Victor seems peeved about something. Speak up, Vic: what’s the -trouble?” - -Realizing that the odds were too great to overcome, Victor simmered -down. - -“There’d be thirty-nine people looking at us if I had my way,” he said, -sullenly. “This thing isn’t ended yet. Tall Indians are easy for me.” - -“Then explanations ought to be easy,” laughed Bob. - -Victor poured forth the story of his woes with a volubility that showed -a strong grip on the English language, and, as he proceeded, the faces -of the three completely changed expression. Bob and Charlie fairly -roared with mirth, while Tom, backing up against the motor car, seemed -almost too astonished to speak. - -“We had our trip on the yacht,” cried Blake, between his peals of -laughter. - -“And Tom did motor it to Milwaukee,” supplemented Bob. “But ‘things -are not always what they seem.’” - -Briefly he explained the situation. His manner and tones were so -convincing as to completely silence Victor Collins’ suspicions. The -angry look slowly faded from his eyes. He stuck his hands into his -overcoat pocket and whistled shrilly. - -For once in his life Victor had learned a lesson. - -The story of Tom’s brilliant deductions was, of course, too good to -keep, so the “grind,” in spite of the tall boy’s frantic winks, gave -all the details with a charming disregard for his feelings. - -The sheepish expression which had rested on Victor’s face gave place -to an enormous grin. He laughed quite as loudly as Bob and Charlie had -done a few moments before. - -“Well,” growled Tom, “can you blame me? Weren’t you all twisted up -yourself? I went down to the wharf and saw----” - -“So did Brandon and I; and all we saw was a mean-looking little fat -man. He had the nerve to come up and begin talking. ‘No; not even the -glitter of a cent,’ I told the beggar. Whew, wasn’t he hopping mad, -though! You ought to have seen how he beat it.” - -“A little fat man!” cried Tom, opening his eyes. “Why--why, he must -have been the very one that told me about the boys going off on the -yacht.” - -“He did?” gasped Victor. - -“Yes! Why, he wasn’t any beggar. It wouldn’t take a Sherlock Holmes -to see that he had sized up the situation and was going to tell you -all about it. If you had only given him half a chance, Victor Collins, -this----” - -“What! Are you going to try and put the blame on me?” interrupted -Victor, fiercely. “It wouldn’t have changed things at all--not a bit of -it. I knew the whole crowd had skipped.” - -“Say, fellows!” Bob Somers’ loud exclamation put an end to the wrangle. -“No wonder that chap over there has a shape like Dave’s! It is Dave; -and I knew it!” - -“Why, of course it is!” snapped Victor. - -“Great Scott!” cried Tom. “What--that fellow with the red coat and -dinky little cap our Dave? Somebody fan me with a feather.” - -“A rope’s end would suit your case better. Yes; Brandon has had to earn -his own living for once.” - -“Help!” murmured Charlie. “This has been almost too much for my weak -intellect.” - -“Now, Vic, do let us have an explanation!” cried Bob. - -“You might have told us before, instead of raising such a howl about -me,” broke in Tom. - -Victor immediately launched forth into a vivid description of their -experiences with the circus. He had a great deal to say, but the boys -did not stand still while listening to it. Each was too anxious to see -David Brandon in his new and astonishing rôle. They rapidly crossed the -street, then made as straight a line as booths, stands and people would -permit toward the entrance to the show. - -All the sights and sounds peculiar to circuses were on every side. -Their thoughts, however, were centered upon the boy with the red coat -and tasseled cap who seemed to be talking as easily and naturally as -though merely reciting in school. - -In the midst of an impassioned argument Dave caught sight of his -friends. He waved his arm, but that was all he could do in the way of -greeting. - -The end of Victor’s story fell on inattentive ears. - -Tom felt his heart swell with pride--pride that Dave--their Dave--had -again shown his versatility. Forgetting diffidence, he yelled: - -“You didn’t know our automobile passed you on the road last night, eh, -Dave?” - -And a moment after these words were spoken he observed a small, thin -man, who had been staring toward them, start forward. He also noticed, -as the man approached, that he was scowling angrily. - -“Say, boys,” he exclaimed, in a voice which the Ramblers had heard on -the night before, “so it was your car that passed us on the road, eh? -Well, I’ve got a word to say!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -DAVE RESIGNS - - -Mr. Peter Whiffin, straining his neck in an effort to look squarely -into Tom Clifton’s eyes, also waved his finger threateningly in the air. - -“Things has came to a pretty pass when a lot of irresponsible kids can -go chasin’ all around creation in a motor car. Do you know what you -done last night?” - -The familiar flush appeared once more on Tom Clifton’s face as many -pairs of eyes were leveled in his direction. - -“What do you mean?” he stammered. - -“It’s a wonder it doesn’t mean a ten thousand dollar suit for damages!” -thundered Mr. Whiffin, savagely. “An’ it’s only by good luck that you -ain’t mixed up in the biggest kind of a rumpus. That car o’ yourn -stampeded our elephants--that’s what it done!” - -“I’m very sorry to hear it,” spoke up Bob Somers, quietly, “but you -can hardly blame us. We had just as much right to the road as you.” - -“No sass, now!” cried Whiffin. - -Tom was trembling with indignation. - -“Seems to me you’re handing some out yourself,” he managed to say. - -“I’m good at it,” snapped Whiffin. “Anybody what deserves sass gits -their full share from me.” - -“By George, if I’d only known it was the Ramblers in that car,” cried -Victor, recovering from his surprise, “maybe some mud balls wouldn’t -have been flying!” - -“I must say this has been a wonderful motor car trip,” remarked Charlie. - -“Just supposin’ them elephants had run inter somethin’?” Mr. Whiffin’s -querulous tones rose above all other sounds. “Just supposin’ a farmer’s -wagon had been in the way----” - -“Or a picnic party,” broke in Tom, satirically. - -No doubt Mr. Whiffin would have made a very interesting retort but -for the fact that his eyes happened to rest on the form of a stocky, -freckle-faced boy. This lad, attracted by the sound of his voice, had -come forward and was taking in the scene with much apparent interest. - -The audacity of such a proceeding seemed to appal Mr. Peter Whiffin. - -“Loafin’ ag’in, eh?” he snarled. “Expect to be supported in idleness, I -reckon! You ain’t done scarcely nothin’ since I hired that new barker.” - -“Oh, I ain’t, eh?” Joe Rodgers’ eyes flashed angrily. “Oh, no; I ain’t -done nothin’ but work me arms an’ legs most off!” - -“Light out!” commanded the manager. - -“When I gits ready I will,” answered Joe, defiantly. “Hey, fellers, I -heard all that. So you’re the ones what Jumbo, I--I mean Dave told me -about? An’, say, he’s the bulliest feller in the whole world. Anybody -what could do what he done last night ought ter have a medal.” - -“Permit me to introduce into your charmed circle the esteemed and -particular crony of Mr. David Brandon--Joseph Rodgers, Esquire, -water-carrier by special appointment to Oily Spudger’s Great Show,” -snickered Victor. - -The boys greeted Joe politely. - -“If the fat feller belongs to a bunch like this it’s most enough -to make me fire him,” growled the manager. “Have you watered them -elephants, Joe?” - -“Sure I have.” - -“And wiped off them cages?” - -“Yep.” - -“Well, you know what yer next job is. Git!” - -“Don’t have to.” - -Mr. Whiffin was both amazed and angry. - -“It’s all the doin’s o’ that there new barker,” he declared, -emphatically. “He’s been fillin’ yer head full o’ cranky notions. Ye’re -gittin’ too big fer your place.” - -“’Tain’t so!” Joe flung back, spitefully. - -“I’ll look inter this here affair, an’ if that fat feller keeps -meddlin’ inter other people’s business I’ll hand him somethin’ what he -won’t never forgit.” - -“A fine bit of gratitude for stopping the runaway elephants!” cried Tom. - -“Mr. Whiffin is going to give you all free passes,” spoke up Victor, -loudly. “Step right over to the box office and get ’em!” - -The manager glared at the crowd. - -“If that’s what ye’re after, pass straight along,” he snarled. “I -wouldn’t want you in the show at fifty cents per. Like as not you’d -stampede the whole menagerie!” - -The furious blast of the ten thousand dollar band starting up made -further conversation almost impossible. As though the music conveyed -some signal to the brain of Mr. Whiffin and his protégé, they -immediately started off, and, by the simple process of mingling with -the crowd, were soon lost to sight. - -“The automobile hasn’t bumped anything,” laughed Bob, “but a whole lot -of things have bumped us.” - -The boys, seeing that there would be no chance to interview the barker -for some time, concluded to take the car to the nearest garage. - -“I always knew that Dave could do a lot of things,” said Tom, as he -climbed into the machine, “but who ever thought he could stand up -before a crowd and talk like that?” - -“And didn’t he look perfectly stunning in that red coat and pretty -little cap?” remarked Charlie Blake, with a sly glance at each of the -others. “Aren’t we the brainy chaps on this trip, though?” - -“A hulking big thing like that ought to be out working on a farm,” -roared Bob. - -With a loud honk, honk, the motor car was off, and twenty minutes later -the four were back at the circus. - -They found the lot in the grip of a frenzy of sound. Dave was hammering -on a gong, the ringing notes of which even overtopped the most -strenuous efforts of the hard-working band; and this medley of sound -was punctuated at intervals by the cries of venders, or the shrill -whoops of children. - -“It’s a dandy show, all right,” said Victor. - -“If Whiffin had gotten me to do the barking instead of Dave----” began -Tom. “Hey, what are you laughing about?” he demanded, suspiciously. - -“Oh, nothing!” gurgled Victor. “Excuse me, but the thought of you -chinning to a crowd somehow gave me a fit of the laughs.” - -“Then get over it. I was going to say that there would have been a fine -row if he’d tried any of his prattling on me.” - -“My, oh my, isn’t that awful to think of?” snickered Victor. - -Tom tossed his head scornfully, and was about to join in a rush for -the ticket wagon when Bob stopped him. - -“I want to get a chance to speak to Dave first,” he said. “Plenty of -time yet, Tom.” - -“The tent seems to be actually swallowing people,” objected Clifton. -“There won’t be any places left.” - -“Only wish they were turning hundreds away,” exclaimed Charlie. “Then -we wouldn’t be able to go in.” - -When the stampede to gain admission was over the band ceased playing -with remarkable promptness, and Dave as promptly resumed speaking. - -It was clearly evident that those who failed to avail themselves of -the opportunity of seeing the great Spudger show on that particular -afternoon would be making one of the most amazing mistakes of their -lives. Dave almost said as much. - -“Thank goodness we haven’t missed it,” said Bob, with a smile. “Oh,” he -turned abruptly at the sound of a voice--“you here again, Joe!” - -“’Tain’t nobody else,” chuckled Joe. - -“Mr. Rodgers looks like a living danger signal,” said Charlie, his -eyes scanning Joe’s flaming red vest. - -The circus boy seemed to construe this as a great compliment. He -grinned complacently. - -“You fellers is certainly all to the good,” he said, graciously. “An’, -say, isn’t Dave a Jim dandy?” - -“Of course he is,” laughed Charlie. “How do you like circus life, Joe?” - -“Not as much as I did afore I met Dave,” answered Joe. “He kinder -started me a-thinkin’. I ain’t got no eddication, an’ he says if I -don’t never begin I won’t have no chanc’t to get up in the band wagon. -An’, say”--the freckle-faced boy laughed--“I wish’t I could play music.” - -“Why?” inquired Tom. - -“’Cause them fellers has an easy job.” - -“How so?” - -“Oh, I’m wise to ’em. Often, when the leader weren’t a-lookin’, I’ve -seen ’em quit playin’--honest, I have. An’ when he gits his eyes on ’em -ag’in an’ waves that there club o’ hisn, they starts up like mad.” - -“Deceitful rascals,” murmured Charlie, trying to stifle a suspicious -gurgle. - -Within a short time the boys found their opportunity to speak to Dave. -They shook hands as heartily and their tongues wagged as rapidly as -though weeks had separated them. Making the best of the few minutes -which were at their disposal, enough was said to render the situation -clear all around. - -They learned that Dave expected to be with Spudger’s until the next -day, and that he had written a letter to Captain Bunderley. - -“I told him Vic and I would leave for Milwaukee just as soon as my work -was over,” explained the stout boy. - -“Hooray!” cried Tom. “Then there is nothing for us to do but enjoy -ourselves.” - -“An’ I’ll show you the best seats in the house,” added Joe. “Come on!” - -Of course Tom was too dignified to show any visible effects of the -pleasing sensations which seized him as he entered the abode of pomp -and sawdust. He had never before seen so much of either. - -As the performance was about to begin, Joe immediately conducted them -to the reserved seat section, where real chairs took the place of piles -of lumber. - -“We haven’t stampeded the menagerie and it’s cost us only twenty-five -cents per,” laughed Bob. - -Dave, minus his red coat and cap, soon joined them; and from their -point of vantage they witnessed the “Stupendous and Gorgeous Spectacle” -which Spudger always gave to his patrons. - -After the show, when the crowds had departed, Dave took the crowd to -the small side tent and introduced them to “Little” Georgy, Zingar, -the Randolpho family and Ormond de Sylveste. The circus people all -expressed profound gratification at the meeting. The young giant was -particularly charmed. - -“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you’d have a job like mine some day,” -he remarked to Tom. - -“If it comes to that I’ll remember Spudger’s,” grinned the high school -lad. - -“We can’t have any fellows on our ball nine that measure over six feet -three inches,” said Blake. - -“Ball nine--ball nine!” queried Joe. “What ball nine?” - -“This tall Indian here has started one on paper,” put in Victor. “He’s -spoiled about a hundred perfectly good sheets. Why? Can you play?” - -“Kin I play?” echoed Joe. “Well--some.” - -“In the major league class, I suppose?” - -Joe grinned. - -“Here, here, gentlemen,” exclaimed Victor, “I hereby propose that the -managing director of Clifton’s great baseball nine immediately gets an -option on the services of one Joseph Rodgers, Esquire.” - -“Oh, don’t I wish I could play ball and enjoy myself like other boys,” -sighed the young giant. - -“But think how awful it would be when you had to slide for second -base,” laughed Victor. - -“Wouldn’t I like to go to school an’ git on a team,” murmured Joe, -staring moodily at the ground. - -“Stranger things have happened, Joe,” said Bob. - -“It will never happen to me if Whiffin kin prevent it,” sniffed the -circus boy. - -“Brace up, lad,” said Ormond de Sylveste, in a kindly tone. “At one -time I was poor and ignorant, too. But there is always a chance for -the most obscure to become the most prominent. I don’t wish to boast, -gentlemen, but I venture to say that in my own profession there are few -who dare assert their supremacy over me, and----” - -“Say, is Bill Potts in there!” a disagreeable voice suddenly thundered. -“By Jingo, I thought so! Ketched ag’in! If that fat barker stays here -any longer there won’t be a man in the show workin’. I guess Joe’ll -expect to be President of the United States next. I don’t want no -idlin’ around this tent, understan’, an’----” - -“A little politeness, sir!” expostulated the bareback rider, with -dignity. - -“I never heard the beat o’ that,” exclaimed Whiffin. His voice -indicated great surprise. “Even Bill Potts is a-borrowin’ nerve from -the fat one. You want ter git out o’ them fancy clothes o’ yourn, an’ -buckle down to some real work.” - -For an instant it actually looked as if Ormond de Sylveste was about to -make some fiery retort, but, apparently changing his mind, he bowed to -his new acquaintances and strode moodily away, the picture of outraged -dignity. - -“If you don’t take them there ‘stars’ down onc’t in a while yer -couldn’t live in the same tent with ’em, they’d git that uppish,” came -from Mr. Whiffin. - -“Some allowances must be made for genius,” laughed Dave. “Come on, -fellows. I’m almost famished.” - -“Be sure to come and see me again,” cried the treble voice of “Little” -Georgy. - -Outside the tent, Dave led the way to the nearest restaurant with -remarkable speed. - -“Tom,” he said, “when you become a great physician, if some of your -patients have no appetite advise them to take a two or three day course -of barking. Boys, I can eat twice as much as before.” - -“I have always suspected where Brandon’s cash went,” chirped Victor. - -After leaving the restaurant the boys wandered around town until it was -time for Dave’s duties to begin. Tom would have had no objection to -seeing another performance, but this idea receiving no encouragement -from the others, he proposed going to a hotel. - -“I’ve got some letters to write to the fellows at school,” he said. - -The boys found a hotel near by, and, later on in the evening, leaving -Tom hard at work scribbling, they strolled over to the circus grounds. - -“Fellows,” laughed Dave, who had been looking for them, “I have resumed -my occupation of gentleman and scholar. My connection with Ollie -Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless Circus and Menagerie has unexpectedly -ended. Jack Gray, having recovered his voice, will in future speak from -the rostrum.” - -“Well, it was a jolly good lark, anyway,” remarked Bob. - -“How can you tear yourself away from Mister Joe Rodgers?” asked Victor. - -“He’s a good little chap,” declared Dave, “and ought to amount to -something if he should have an opportunity. There doesn’t seem much -chance for him here, although Whiffin isn’t such a bad fellow when one -gets to understand him.” - -By the gracious permission of Mr. Ollie Spudger, the boys were -permitted to enter the tent so that they might say good-bye to the -young giant. - -“Little” Georgy seemed almost on the point of blubbering as he shook -hands. Joe Rodgers was soon found. Joe’s face wore a strange expression. - -“So you are goin’ ter git, eh, fellows?” he remarked, slowly. “I’m -mighty glad I met this here bunch. Maybe I’ll see you ag’in some day.” - -“And by that time Brandon might give you a job as his private -secretary,” laughed Victor. - -When the crowd returned to the hotel they found that Tom’s literary -labors were not yet concluded. The others, however, having decided that -it was time to turn in, pen, ink and paper were promptly wrested from -him. - -“If I don’t get some rest soon,” declared Dave, “I’ll be in danger of -going to sleep right here.” - -Although this appeal was heeded, the task of awakening the historian -next morning proved to be one of heroic proportions. - -“Oh ho!” he yawned, at last wearily dragging himself to his feet, in -answer to their repeated knocking. “All right, Bob! No; you needn’t -batter down the door. I’m coming directly.” - -In spite of his objections breakfast was hurried through with unseemly -haste, and a quick start made for the garage. - -There, they jumped into a machine looking as spick and span as though -it had just come from the salesroom. - -“And this time I do hope we manage to reach Milwaukee,” said Victor. - -“If Tom doesn’t get out of our sight we may,” laughed Charlie. - -As the car whirled along the street Spudger’s tents were brought into -view again, but none of those whom they had met could be seen. - -“Poor old Joe,” sighed Dave. “I’m afraid he’ll never get that chance he -wants so badly.” - -With but a few vehicles on the long, straight road the motor car leaped -forward at a rate which caused the miles to slip by with astonishing -rapidity. Before the noon hour it rolled across the East Water Street -bridge, and soon stopped in front of the garage where it had been -previously left. - -“Now we want to see Uncle Ralph the quickest ever!” exclaimed Victor, -flicking a few spots of mud from his clothes. “By George, it seems like -an age since I was on board that yacht.” - -“A few more weeks of the same stuff would make you a strong, husky -chap,” said Tom, loftily. - -“Like yourself, I suppose?” gurgled Victor. - -As the boys trooped into the hotel, perhaps with a trifle more noise -and hilarity than was necessary, they heard a sonorous voice exclaim: - -“Well, well; here you are, at last!” - -Captain Bunderley, his weather-beaten face wreathed in smiles, stamped -forward. He seized Victor Collins’ hand. - -“I’ve never seen you looking better, lad!” he said. “I want to hear all -about those wonderful experiences you’ve been having. Traveling with -a circus, eh? And, Bob, I’d like to know how you managed to find each -other.” - -He led the way to the reception room, motioned them to seats and -selected a divan on which to place his own heavy form. - -“Sail ahead,” he commanded. “No tacking, now; run right before the -wind.” - -Upon Dave fell the rôle of principal spokesman. The stout boy’s broad -smile grew broader as he proceeded. Captain Bunderley’s deep-throated -laughter boomed out at frequent intervals. - -“Capital--capital! You’ll do, my boy!” he exclaimed. “’Pon my word, you -ought to succeed in life.” - -“Not even an aeroplane could keep him down!” cried Tom. - -Bob Somers, too, had a great deal to say, and by lunch time Uncle Ralph -had learned everything worth knowing and much else besides. - -Finally he rose to his feet. - -“I have a little business to attend to this afternoon, so we’ll get -something to eat at once,” he said. - -“I was just about to suggest it myself,” murmured Dave. - -The dining-room, with its ornate columns and rich decorations of the -Louis XV period, was a very attractive-looking place. It suited Dave’s -artistic eye to a nicety. A sigh of contentment came from his lips as -he took a seat at a table by the window. - -Course after course was placed before them, and the coffee stage of -the proceedings had just arrived when the sound of loud voices in the -corridor attracted general attention. - -“Don’t go in there, boy,” exclaimed a commanding voice. “Get right out -of this hotel!” - -“I ain’t goin’ to, I tells yer. I know this is the place ’cause he told -me he was comin’ here hisself.” - -“There’s some mistake, boy; none of our guests could possibly want to -see you.” - -“That’s where you’re foolin’ yerself. The clerk says he’s in the eatin’ -parlor. I’ll wait outside while you goes in an’ looks around. He’s a -big fat feller with a round face.” - -“You’re the most impudent little rooster I’ve ever met. I’ll do nothing -of the sort.” - -“Then I’ll do it myself.” - -There was the sound of a struggle. - -“Grab him, Richards!” bawled the same loud voice. “Quick!” - -Following this came a snort of indignation and disgust, and the eyes -of every one in the room, focused on the doorway, saw a stocky, -freckle-faced boy swinging recklessly into the room, with the -faultlessly-dressed manager close at his heels. - -“Come back!” ordered the latter, angrily. - -“Not on yer life! I sees him. There he is by the winder. Hello, Dave!” - -Yes--actually--Joe Rodgers, flaming red vest, big brass buttons and -all, had invaded the fashionable dining-room of a fashionable hotel, -and, unabashed by his surroundings or by the looks on the faces of the -horrified guests and waiters, was steering as straight a course as -he could for the table at which Captain Bunderley and the boys were -seated. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE ARM OF THE LAW - - -“I know’d I’d see ’im!” cried Joe, exultingly. “I know’d it! That chump -a-chasin’ me says ter git, but I up an’ comes in jist the same.” - -“I beg your pardon, gentlemen!” exclaimed the agitated manager. “I -assure you that it is not our fault; you see, the young----” - -“It’s all right, sir!” boomed Captain Bunderley. - -“Oh,--oh!” gasped the manager. “I’m gratified to hear it.” - -Red-faced and flustered he promptly turned away. - -Joe, with as little ceremony as though he was in the menagerie tent, -drew up a chair, plumped himself down upon it and laid his cap across -one knee. Then, having stared at the captain with solemn earnestness -for a moment, blurted out: - -“Dave, I’ve shook Whiffin!” - -“What! Left the show?” cried the historian. “You don’t mean it?” - -“Yes; I sure have, Dave.” - -“Well, this is a big surprise, all right,” quoth Tom. - -“It isn’t to me,” giggled Victor. “I had an idea last night that Dave’s -particular crony was up to something desperate.” - -“I presume this is the boy you told me about?” broke in Captain -Bunderley. - -“Yes, sir. Permit me to formally introduce Mr. Joseph Rodgers, of -Iowa,” laughed Victor. - -“What made you leave the show?” asked the captain. - -“Him!” - -Joe’s brown finger pointed straight toward Dave Brandon. - -“I made you leave?” cried Dave. “How?” - -“’Cause, when I meets a feller what’s got learnin’ like you, I couldn’t -stan’ it no longer. I wants ter be somethin’.” - -Captain Bunderley was interested. - -“Joe, your desire to rise is commendable,” he exclaimed, heartily. -“Have you ever spoken to Mr. Whiffin about it?” - -“I begins to talk to ’im this mornin’, an’ he ups an’ gits riled ter -beat the band. ‘I wish’t I’d never laid eyes on that fat feller,’ says -he. ‘Brandon’s been puttin’ all them fool notions inter your head.’ -‘Look ’ere, Whiffin,’ says I, ‘don’t you never say nothin’ ag’in ’im; -he’s the whitest chap I ever see.’” - -“So I have a champion at last,” chuckled Dave. - -“Then Whiffin hollers fer me ter git back ter work or he’d fetch me -a good one on the ear. That makes me most bile over--him--Whiffin, -talkin’ like that! So I skips right out.” - -“How’d you get here--board a fast freight?” inquired Victor. - -“I did not. I stepped inter a real car, with real winders an’ real -seats, an’ I’ve got seventy-five cents left.” - -“Goodness, what a risk--floating around in a real city with that much -real money in your pocket!” said Victor. - -Joe’s thoughts were on something else. - -“Gee, I can most see Whiffin hollerin’ his way around the show an’ -askin’ everybody if they’ve seen that young scamp, Joe! My, I’ll bet -he’s so mad he’s clean forgot that quarter he give to Dave the other -night.” - -“What do you expect to do in Milwaukee?” asked Captain Bunderley. - -“Do!” echoed Joe, rather blankly. “I dunno!” Thoughtfully, he ran his -fingers through his bushy hair. “I--I--kinder thought as how Dave could -tell me.” - -“Has Mr. Whiffin any claim on your services?” - -“Nix; he certainly ain’t,” asserted Joe, with considerable emphasis. - -“Is the circus coming here?” - -“Yes, sir! Day after to-morrow.” - -“Well, I’ll look after you till then.” Uncle Ralph beckoned to a -waiter. “What will you have to eat, Joe?” - -“Eat! Me eat in a--a--place like this?” stammered Joe, for the first -time abashed. - -“Certainly! Why not? Order just what you please.” - -Joe stared from one to another as though he feared that his ears were -deceiving him. Then his eyes fell on the waiter, whose professional -dignity was sadly shocked by the presence before him of such an uncouth -specimen. - -“Gimme a great big hunk o’ bread an’ cheese an’ a piece o’ real apple -pie, with no skimpin’ o’ the apples, neither,” he said, “an’ a glass o’ -water twic’t. Thankin’ you kindly, mister; I won’t do nothin’ to that -pile o’ grub when it comes.” - -“And you may add to that order plenty of roast beef and potatoes,” -added the captain. “I have an idea that our friend has a famous -appetite.” - -Joe Rodgers had never really lived until that afternoon. He seemed to -be fairly lifted out of himself, and a side of life was revealed which -he had never before dreamed could exist. - -“Honest, Dave,” he declared emphatically, “I can’t never go back to -Spudger’s.” - -“We’ll see if anything can be done to help you,” said Dave, -encouragingly. “But you ought not to have run away. Anyhow, fellows, I -propose that we invite Joe to see the sights of Milwaukee from a seat -in the motor car.” - -Even Victor Collins made no objection. He was beginning to realize that -character counts for more than appearance, and that the passport to -respectable society consists of something besides good clothes. - -Presently, leaving Captain Bunderley in the reading room, the boys -walked briskly out upon the street. - -At the garage Joe became immensely interested in the automobile. - -“It’s the finest I ever see,” he cried, admiringly. “Looks most too -good to use.” - -“Climb in, Joe,” commanded Bob. - -He sprang to his place in the driver’s seat, pushed the button on the -dash, and, immediately, the thunderous din of the motor echoed from -every side and corner of the big interior. - -“You’ve got ter know somethin’ to be an engineer of one o’ these -things,” exclaimed Joe. “Still, I wouldn’t be a bit skeered to try my -hand at drivin’.” - -“There is nothing like a motor car to chase dull care away,” said Dave, -who was reclining at ease on the rear cushions. “Let’s see: what does -Bryant say----?” - -“Nothing about motor cars, that’s quite sure,” laughed Bob, as the -wheels began to revolve. - -[Illustration: HE SPRANG TO HIS PLACE] - -Many vehicles and pedestrians were about, and warning blasts of the -horn were often sounded. But the boys, not being in any particular -hurry, gave Chauffeur Somers an easy job, following whichever streets -their fancy dictated. - -“This is rippin’!” cried Joe, enthusiastically. “Feels jist like -gittin’ boosted along without nothin’ doin’ it.” - -The car slowly rolled through the business section, giving them -interesting glimpses of attractive stores and windows filled with -all sorts of goods. They crossed and recrossed the Milwaukee River, -and, finally, on one of the more quiet streets, were bowling steadily -along when the actions of a certain policeman attracted Bob Somers’ -attention. He was standing by the curb with his eyes eagerly fixed on -the approaching car. - -“Hey there,” came a loud command. “Stop!” - -“Is he speaking to us?” inquired Bob, turning to his companions with -a puzzled look. He glanced about, and, seeing no other vehicles near, -answered his own question. “Yes, he certainly is.” - -“Have we busted any traffic regulations, I wonder?” asked Charlie. - -“Maybe it’s ’cause we haven’t got no cow-catcher,” said Joe, with a -grin. - -“Hey there--stop!” - -The man in uniform was stepping out into the street, the significant -movement of his arm indicating an authority not to be questioned. - -“Ha, ha--somebody’s pinched--jugged!” cried Joe. “Is this the feller -you want?” His finger dug sharply into Victor Collins’ ribs. “I’ll help -you tote him along.” - -“I’d like to know what all this means!” exclaimed Tom, in his most -manly tones. - -Bob Somers smilingly awaited an explanation. - -The policeman, looking searchingly at each in turn, took from his -pocket a memorandum book. Then, glancing over the pages, gave a grunt -of approval. - -“Correct, all right. Descriptions and license number correspond.” - -This information, while interesting, did not enlighten the boys as to -the meaning of his strange action. - -“Would you have any objection to telling us why we’ve been stopped?” -drawled Dave, from the rear. - -“I don’t think we ought to stand for anything like this,” growled Tom, -bristling up in a very threatening fashion. - -“Which one o’ ’em shall I chuck out o’ the car for yer?” inquired Joe. -“You kin take any but the fat feller.” - -The officer glanced at him and wagged his head knowingly. - -“The police station is just around the corner, boys,” he answered, -quietly. “I reckon the sergeant will tell you what it’s all about.” - -“The idea! Just listen to that!” stormed Tom. “I’d demand an -explanation right here, Bob Somers. Don’t let those spokes move even as -much as half an inch.” - -“If there’s any fightin’ to be done I’m right here to help you,” -laughed Joe. - -Dave Brandon smiled languidly. - -“In spite of ourselves, we seem destined to have fame pushed upon us,” -he exclaimed. “It looks as though something is rocking the pedestal.” - -“We are too polite not to accept such a pressing invitation,” grinned -Bob Somers. - -“All the same, I’ll bet we can sue somebody for this!” cried Victor. -“My father’s best friend is a United States senator, and he----” - -A series of crisp, vibrating notes from the motor drowned his voice. -The car moved forward, and, always under the watchful eye of the law, -as represented in the person of the man in uniform, chugged its way -around the corner, to presently come to a stop before a building of a -dark, unpleasantly grim appearance. - -“We know where we’re going, and we’re on our way!” cried Dave. “All of -us wanted in there, officer?” - -“Oh, yes. We won’t steal your car,” grinned the policeman. “Kindly step -out.” - -They followed the officer up a broad flight of stone steps, pushed past -a pair of swinging doors and entered a large square room. At one end -two desks stood on a platform with an ornamental railing in front. - -Several policemen lounging on a bench looked up with interest as the -crowd marched across the floor. A large, stout man, with iron gray -hair and mustache sitting behind one of the desks glanced inquiringly -at the officer. - -“These are the boys mentioned in the telegram, sergeant,” explained the -policeman. “Description of the one that’s wanted just fits.” - -He waved his hand toward Joe Rodgers. - -“Me--me?” cried Joe. Then an inkling of the true situation for the -first time dawned upon him. “Oh, Dave, I’m ketched!” he exclaimed, -almost pitifully. “Whiffin’s done it. I might have know’d he would! But -I ain’t never goin’ back--perlice, or no perlice,” he added. - -Joe, blank with despair, as new-found hopes were shaken, stared moodily -at the floor. - -“Now I suppose you’ll have to get a hundred thousand dollars bail, -Rodgers,” said Victor. “Of course, this is one of the most important -cases of the year.” - -“Well, what’s he goin’ to do with me?” demanded Joe. “I’m goin’ ter -stand up for me rights.” - -“You must be detained until the arrival of the complainant”--the -sergeant glanced at a paper in his hand--“Peter Whiffin. You look like -a respectable crowd of boys,” he added, taking a careful observation of -the faces before him. - -“I’ve never pinched a better lot,” agreed the policeman. - -“Sergeant, may I have the use of your ’phone for a moment?” spoke up -Dave. - -“Certainly!” answered the official. - -In a short time Dave, his mouth at the transmitter, was explaining -matters to Captain Bunderley. - -“Says he’ll be over here within an hour,” he announced, hanging up the -receiver. “No; he didn’t seem surprised, Bob. I guess the captain is -too old to be surprised at anything.” - -The crowd took seats on a bench, their lively conversation soon helping -to cheer up the dejected Joe Rodgers. But even then he found the long -wait trying to his nerves. - -At length Uncle Ralph tramped noisily into the room. - -“It just shows how careful one must be in forming new acquaintances, -boys,” he chuckled. “I’ve only known you for a few days--yet here I -find myself in a police station, and all on your account. What’s to be -done, sergeant, with such a reckless lot?” - -“That’s a hard one to answer,” grinned the official. - -“Well, now, let’s get right down to business. When will Mr. Whiffin be -here? I’ve become interested in this boy, sergeant, and I don’t propose -to let all the talking be on one side.” - -“By Jingo, if you’ll only stand up for me, mister, I’ll never forgit -it!” cried Joe. - -“I hope you’re going to make a base hit, Rodgers,” laughed Tom. - -“Mr. Whiffin will be here to-morrow morning,” explained the sergeant. -“Until then the boy will have to remain with us.” - -“And I’ll be here, too, with this strong-arm squad,” laughed the -captain, “ready to face the manager of Spudger’s Peerless show.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -THE JUDGE INTERFERES - - -The gloomy weather was over at last. Puddles and pools were fast -drying up in the warmth of pleasant sunshine, while a balmy breeze had -replaced the blustery wind. - -“Say, Bob Somers,” remarked Victor Collins, as all were on their way to -the police station next morning, “didn’t I hear you ’phoning to some -one last night?” - -“Sure thing, Vic.” - -“Who was it?” - -“You may know before the morning is over.” - -“Oh, come now, Somers, tell me.” - -“No; not a word, Vic,” answered Bob, smilingly. - -The large, square room in the police station looked very differently -from the way it had on the afternoon before. Already it contained a -large number of people, and in the buzz of conversation, the light -footfalls, and the appearance of a solemn magistrate’s clerk poring -over a great ledger, there was something which filled those whose -nerves were not of the strongest with a curious feeling of restraint. - -As each new arrival entered the room tongues were stilled for the -instant, for the magistrate was due to arrive. - -Joe Rodgers, in spite of the boys’ support and encouragement, lacked -the air of rugged bravado which usually characterized him. - -“I don’t wanter go back to Whiffin, fellers,” he wailed, continually. -“But I know that he’s goin’ to put up an awful holler, ’cause when I -gits down to work I kin do a turrible lot.” - -“Brace up, Joe,” said Dave. “You are not back in the circus yet.” - -Suddenly the sound of voices and footsteps at the door much louder than -any which had come before caused that particular part of the room to -become the target of many eyes. - -A large, portly man entered and directed his footsteps straight toward -the desk behind the railing. This, and the hush which immediately -ensued, proclaimed him to be the magistrate. Closely following came -Peter Whiffin and Mr. Ollie Spudger. - -The former’s eyes were instantly roving about the room, and his keen -gaze soon picked out from the throng the forms of Joe Rodgers and his -friends. - -“There he is, Spudger!” he exclaimed, in a voice which rang through -the room with appalling distinctness. “He runned away, all right, but -he didn’t git very far. Here, you, boy”--he advanced, with his finger -poised threateningly in the air--“it’s back to the canvas tents for -you. Come right along.” - -“I ain’t goin’ to!” growled Joe. - -“Uncle Ralph, permit me to introduce Mr. Whiffin, of somewhere,” -chirped Victor Collins. - -The circus manager glared at the burly skipper. - -“Who are you?” he demanded, roughly. “What does this mean?” - -Captain Bunderley was disposed to be diplomatic. - -“I’m here in the interests of this boy, Mr. Whiffin,” he said, politely. - -“Well, I can’t see that it’s any of your affair.” - -“Decidedly not!” seconded Mr. Spudger. - -“This here fat Brandon filled his head chuck full of nonsense, an’, as -if that weren’t bad enough, he gits him to actually run away--run away -from his best friend. Why, I could have the law on ’im!” - -“I had nothing to do with it, Mr. Whiffin,” answered Dave. - -“Oh, cut it out, now. Yer can’t fool me. Yer took ’im right along in -the automobile. I know yer did.” - -“’Tain’t nothin’ of the sort, Whiffin!” cried Joe. “I rid on the train. -An’ I kin prove it.” - -“What!” exclaimed Mr. Whiffin. In spite of his suspicions, there was -something in Joe’s earnest manner which impelled him to accept his -words as the truth. “What! An’ you wasted good money that way? It’s -perfectly outrageous, that’s what it is.” - -“Order--order!” - -A gavel banged with explosive force against the desk. The magistrate -was speaking, and in such a tone that even Mr. Whiffin felt called upon -to moderate his voice. - -While the hearings went on, he pleaded, threatened and expostulated -with Joe, curtly declining to listen to any of Uncle Ralph’s -suggestions. And every argument which the manager advanced Joe, who -stood backed up against the wall, met with this reply: - -“Naw, I ain’t a-goin’ ter do it!” - -“Well, then you’ll go right up before the magistrate,” declared Mr. -Whiffin. “I reckon you’ll listen to him, all right.” - -“It’s the only thing that will put any sense into his head,” agreed Mr. -Spudger. - -But even this prospect did not make Joe waver. - -“I’ve got a tongue in me head, an’ kin use it,” he exclaimed, defiantly. - -“Joseph Rodgers!” - -This name called out in the monotonous tones of the clerk finally -brought all before the rail. - -“Where is the complainant, Peter Whiffin?” asked the magistrate. - -“Right here,” answered the manager. - -“Has this matter been settled? That’s the boy, I suppose? Is he your -ward?” - -“I’m jist as much his guardeen as if it had been writ on paper,” -asserted Peter Whiffin, vigorously. “I’ve got a letter from his uncle -to show how things stand. An’, besides, I’ve given ’im his grub an’ -clothes for years.” - -“An’ ain’t I worked an’ worked until me hands was blistered to pieces?” -screeched Joe. - -“I think there ought to be no difficulty in coming to some amicable -agreement about the boy,” broke in Captain Bunderley. “We do not wish -to infringe on any one’s rights, but all of us think that his future -should be given some consideration. My young friend here”--he indicated -Dave--“will guarantee to find him work in his home town, so that he -will have an opportunity to attend school.” - -“By gum!” cried Joe, his eyes sparkling, “jist listen to that!” - -“An’ I kin say there’s nothin’ doin’,” said Mr. Whiffin, explosively. - -“Produce that letter you spoke about,” returned the magistrate. - -“Here it is,” said Mr. Whiffin. - -The official’s eyes ran over the contents. - -“All it seems to show is that the boy’s guardian knows he is with you,” -he said, slowly. “But, still, I hardly think that I have any authority -to take him from under your care and protection.” - -The expression on Joe Rodgers’ face, which a moment before had been so -full of hope, changed to one of blank despair. - -“Have you been ill-treated, Joe?” asked the magistrate, in kindly tones. - -“No, sir; I ain’t.” - -“What’s your complaint, then?” - -“If I stays with ’im I won’t never have no chanc’t to git an -eddication, an’----” - -“That is a pity. But it is not enough to justify me in taking any -action. Perhaps you may be able to make some arrangement with Mr. -Whiffin so that you can go to school in the winter.” - -“Your Honor, I have a word to say about this case.” - -A strong, clear voice attracted the attention of every one in the court -room. They saw a tall, commanding-looking man step before the rail; and -they also saw the magistrate stare at him with an air of bewilderment. - -“Judge Hampton!” he stammered. - -The former jurist nodded. - -“I appear before you as the representative of Joe Rodgers.” - -“And now I know who the big Indian was ’phoning to last night,” said -Victor, in a loud whisper. - -“Gee, that’s the time Bob made a safe hit,” murmured Tom. - -Mr. Whiffin’s face expressed a comical degree of bewilderment. - -“What--what?” he gasped. “I’d like to know what right you have to -meddle in this case!” - -“Here’s a letter which Mr. Whiffin received from the boy’s uncle,” said -the magistrate, handing the missive to the former jurist. - -There was a moment of silence while Judge Hampton was reading it. - -“You are in a pretty poor position, sir,” he said, looking up from the -sheet and addressing Mr. Whiffin. “This amounts to nothing. The duties -and responsibilities of guardianship cannot be so lightly thrust into -another’s hands by a relative.” - -Mr. Whiffin glared savagely. - -“I tell you I won’t stand for anything like this!” he cried. “Judge or -no judge, I have my rights.” - -“And I’ll back you up to the limit,” said Mr. Spudger, who could -see, in the way events were shaping themselves, that the circus was -in danger of losing the services of one who had been trained in the -business. - -“I feel that the advantages which this boy may gain will so far offset -any mere personal loss to Mr. Whiffin that I must ask your Honor -to parole Joe Rodgers into the care of Captain Bunderley until his -relatives can be communicated with.” - -“Request granted!” exclaimed the magistrate. - -Joe, highly delighted, grasped Dave Brandon by the arm. - -“Dave,” he said, huskily, “you’re the best feller in the whole world.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -JOE’S CHANCE - - -Captain Bunderley, assuming charge of the Joe Rodgers case, a cause -celebre on account of Judge Hampton’s participation in it, within a few -days had received the following letter from a small village in Iowa: - - “DEAR SIR:-- - - “In regards to Joe Rodgers, my wife says if you can do better for him - than Mr. Whiffin, and he can get some education, take the kid, and - welcome. I guess he don’t owe Whiffin nothing. - - “Maybe Joe ought to have a chance, as you say. But circumstances - didn’t allow me to keep him, and knocking around the world ain’t good - for a boy. - - “Hoping that when he learns to write he’ll send me a letter, I am, - - “Respectfully yours, - “BEN HANKERSON. - - “P. S. Of course I’ll expect to hear straight ahead how he’s getting - along.” - -That same afternoon all parties concerned met in the magistrate’s -private office. Mr. Whiffin’s bellicose air had somewhat subsided, -partly due to the fact that he had consulted a lawyer and received no -encouragement. - -“If I knew that the fat feller had made him run away I’d fight the case -to the end,” he confided to Mr. Spudger. “But, bein’ as the kid says -he didn’t--an’ he’s pretty straight goods regardin’ the truth--I guess -I’ll have to pass him up.” - -“And, after all, Whiffin,” said Spudger, reflectively, “the boy will -get the chance he wants.” - -“He sure could never make no animal tamer nor performer, an’ he ain’t -got the face for a ringmaster,” said Peter Whiffin. “No; it would be -the big wagon and long drives for him. Besides, the show business ain’t -what it used ter be.” - -“There ain’t nothin’ what is,” said Mr. Spudger. “An’ I guess they said -the same thing a hundred years ago.” - -Judge Hampton had been quietly consulting with the magistrate and -Captain Bunderley. Bluff and hearty, Captain Bunderley’s part in the -conference had not been quiet. - -“It will be the best thing in the world for the boy,” he said. “He has -strength and ambition; and those are the only two things an American -boy needs to make him a success in life.” - -“Mr. Whiffin”--the former judge turned toward the showman--“our -proposal is this: work will be found for Joe at Kingswood, Wisconsin, -and he will be given an opportunity to attend school. You, as a man of -the world, must know that this is the best thing to do.” - -“I can’t fight ag’in a dozen,” answered Mr. Whiffin. “An’ I know that -the boy’s head will be so turned after all this fuss over him that he’d -never do a lick o’ work right ag’in.” - -“By gum, I can’t hardly believe that sich good luck has come to me,” -said Joe. - -“You kin begin to believe it right now,” remarked Mr. Spudger. “An’ -don’t never forgit that you owe everything to Whiffin an’ me; because -if you hadn’t been with the show this wouldn’t have happened.” - -“Yes, that’s quite true,” assented Captain Bunderley. “You do owe them -a great deal. Shake hands with your former employers, Joe. On such an -auspicious occasion for you there must be no ill-feeling.” - -“That’s right,” assented Joe, heartily. - -“I ain’t got none--not a bit of it,” said Mr. Peter Whiffin, extending -two bony fingers. “What riled me at first was to think that Brandon -should have inweigled him inter running off.” - -“An’ Joe beating it without so much as leavin’ a card of regrets,” -growled Mr. Spudger. - -“But as it’s all for the boy’s good, I’m game. Good luck, Joe.” - -“Whiffin, you’re all right, twic’t!” exclaimed Joe Rodgers. “You’ll -find I’m goin’ to amount to somethin’, an’ we’ll always be frens.” - -Yes, Joe Rodgers’ chance had come at last. Through his fortunate -meeting with Dave Brandon he would be able to gratify his ambition to -go to school. - -“And I’m going to keep an eye on you,” exclaimed Captain Bunderley, -when they had taken leave of Judge Hampton and the circus men. “Before -many months are over you’ll find me turning up at the school. And if I -don’t hear a good account of you there’ll be trouble.” - -“And just to think,” remarked Dave, reflectively, “that to-morrow we’ll -be leaving for our home in Kingswood! Seems funny, Bob, but I thought -this part of our trip would only add a few pages to my history. But----” - -“It means a thousand, at least,” broke in Tom, with a laugh. “When it’s -finished it’ll be as long as an encyclopedia, and lots more exciting.” - -The boys felt rather sober when the time came next morning to say -good-bye to Captain Bunderley and Victor Collins. Each had taken a -great fancy to the bluff old skipper, and, strangely enough, Victor -seemed to have become a very different sort of a boy from the one who -had begun the trip with them. - -“Say, fellows,” he remarked, as he shook hands warmly with Bob Somers, -“you can count on seeing me again. I’m kind of curious to take a look -at that high school. I’ve found that you’re the kind of chaps who -improve on acquaintance. Dave is certainly a winner.” - -“We’ll be delighted to see you, Vic,” returned Bob. “And perhaps -you’ll find that Kingswood isn’t such a slow place, after all.” - -As long as the crowd was within sight of the hotel they saw Victor -standing on the steps waving his hand. - -“The worst of traveling around like this,” said Tom, “is that you meet -a lot of fellows, and just as soon as you get to like them to beat the -band you have to say good-bye.” - -“Yes, I noticed you liked Victor well enough at one time to want to hit -him on the eye,” exclaimed Blake. And this remark Tom passed by with -haughty silence. - -Once more they were at the garage; and once more they jumped into the -car. The blasts of the horn which had grown so familiar to their ears -again warned the passers-by of their approach. - -On the outskirts of the city, Tom, who was sitting behind Dave, touched -the stout boy on the shoulder. - -“Look at Blake,” he exclaimed, in a low tone. “Honest--being with this -crowd has certainly done him a lot of good.” - -The usually timid “grind” had exchanged places with Bob Somers and was -actually driving the car at a good clip along a street which was by -no means deserted. And, more than that, Blake looked as unconcerned as -though handling a big touring car was the easiest thing in the world. - -“A few more months,” went on Tom, loftily, “and that yellow streak some -of the boys talked about couldn’t be found with a microscope.” - -“That’s so,” admitted Dave. “All Charlie needs is a bit of -encouragement, and he will be a mighty useful member of our ball team. -What were you saying, Joe?” - -“That I jist feel like yelling for all I’m worth.” - -“Please don’t do it now,” laughed Dave. “I’m most uncommonly sleepy, -and this delightful motion is calling me to the land of nod.” - -“Make the most of it, Dave,” cried Bob, from the front seat, “for the -Rambler Club’s motor car is taking us nearer and nearer to the place -where mighty little nodding can be done.” - -“I know it,” drawled the stout boy, “and I shall assert my rights.” - -In spite of Dave’s admonition Joe could not restrain a joyous shout. - -And it was astonishing how that reckless Charlie Blake increased his -speed after they had turned into a long, straight country road. Many a -person stopped to look after the flying car, which kept steadily on and -on until lost to view in the distance. - - - Other Stories in this Series are: - - THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S WINTER CAMP - THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS - THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH - THE RAMBLER CLUB AMONG THE LUMBERJACKS - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S GOLD MINE - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S AEROPLANE - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S HOUSE-BOAT - THE RAMBLER CLUB’S BALL NINE - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - - Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - - Archaic or variant spelling has been retained. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S MOTOR -CAR *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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Crispin Sheppard</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Rambler Club's motor car</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: W. Crispin Sheppard</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 4, 2022 [eBook #68459]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S MOTOR CAR ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter hide"><img src="images/coversmall.jpg" width="450" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_0"></span> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">A CHORUS OF GOOD-BYES</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>The Rambler Club’s<br /> -Motor Car</h1> - -<p><span class="xlarge">BY W. CRISPIN SHEPPARD</span></p> -</div> - -<p class="center">AUTHOR OF</p> - - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<p>“THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB’S WINTER CAMP”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB AMONG THE LUMBERJACKS”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB’S GOLD MINE”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB’S AEROPLANE”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB’S HOUSE-BOAT”<br /> -“THE RAMBLER CLUB’S BALL NINE”</p> -</div></div> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<p class="center"><b>Illustrated by the Author</b></p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/publogo.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><b>THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY</b></span><br /> -<b>PHILADELPHIA<br /> -MCMXIII</b></p> -</div></div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">COPYRIGHT<br /> -1913 BY<br /> -THE PENN<br /> -PUBLISHING<br /> -COMPANY</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Introduction</h2> -</div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> various adventures which have befallen -Bob Somers and his fellow members of the -club which the boys formed at Kingswood, -Wisconsin, are related in “The Rambler Club -Afloat,” “The Rambler Club’s Winter Camp,” -“The Rambler Club in the Mountains,” “The -Rambler Club on Circle T Ranch,” “The -Rambler Club among the Lumberjacks,” “The -Rambler Club’s Gold Mine,” “The Rambler -Club’s Aeroplane” and “The Rambler Club’s -House-Boat.”</p> - -<p>Bob Somers, Dave Brandon and Tom Clifton, -three members of the club, have reached -Chicago, homeward bound after a trip up the -Hudson. The characters of the boys are widely -different. Bob Somers is strong and athletic, -while stout Dave Brandon, inclined to take -his ease on all possible occasions, can be remarkably -active when circumstances demand. -Tom Clifton, a trifle self-conscious, and sometimes -allowing his enthusiasm to carry him -away, is really not so vain as many think.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span>Dave Brandon, poet and historian of the -club, who is chronicling the various incidents -and adventures that befall them, feels that -their present motor car trip will add but little -to his book. A series of unlooked-for events, -however, quite reverse this idea.</p> - -<p>In the next book, “The Rambler Club’s -Ball Nine,” is told the story of certain incidents -at the Kingswood high school. Several -of the best players have graduated, and in -their attempts to reorganize the team the -Ramblers find themselves involved in a stormy -and exciting struggle.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">W. Crispin Sheppard.</span></p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Contents</h2> -</div> - - -<table> - - -<tr><td class="tdr">I.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Off to Wisconsin</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9"> 9</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">II.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The First Lap</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20"> 20</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">III.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The “Fearless”</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31"> 31</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">IV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Circus</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38"> 38</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">V.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Georgy, the Giant</span> </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45"> 45</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Joe Rodgers</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59"> 59</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Deserted</span> </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_74"> 74</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Tom at the Wheel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88"> 88</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">IX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Speeding</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_104"> 104</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">X.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Constable</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_112"> 112</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Getting a Job</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125"> 125</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The New Barker</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_137"> 137</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Under the Big Top</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_150"> 150</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Whaleback</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_169"> 169</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">An Unexpected Voyage</span> </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_178"> 178</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Tom Scores</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_189"> 189</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Elephants</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203"> 203</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">A Rough Trip</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_215"> 215</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Dave Does Some Riding</span>     </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_229"> 229</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Vic Turns Up</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_243"> 243</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Explanations</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_251"> 251</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Dave Resigns</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259"> 259</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Arm of the Law</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_279"> 279</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Judge Interferes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_292"> 292</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Joe’s Chance</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_301"> 301</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Illustrations</h2> -</div> - - -<table> -<tr><td class="tdr" colspan="2"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">A Chorus of Good-byes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_0"> <i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“<span class="smcap">Are You Working for the Circus?</span>”</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71"> 71</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">“Steamer Coming,” He Announced</span> </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175"> 175</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“<span class="smcap">Look Out for Yourselves, Boys</span>”</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201"> 201</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">He Sprang to His Place</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_284"> 284</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> -<p class="ph2">The Rambler Club’s Motor<br /> -Car</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I<br /> - - -<small>OFF TO WISCONSIN</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the steps of a house on Michigan Avenue, -Chicago, not far from Thirtieth Street, -Victor Collins stood gazing up and down the -wide thoroughfare. There was an expression -in his eyes which seemed to indicate an earnest -and expectant state of mind.</p> - -<p>The steps belonged to a fine mansion with -handsome columns on either side of the entrance -and an ornate balcony above. Everything -suggested that the neighborhood was -the home of wealth and aristocracy. Even -the lad on the steps fitted perfectly into the -picture. His rather small, slight figure was -dressed in a natty brown suit, while a cap—a -very large checkered cap—rested jauntily on -his neatly brushed hair. Victor Collins’ features<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span> -were well proportioned, although the -curves were rather too dainty, perhaps, to suit -the idea of some critical lads.</p> - -<p>Victor was becoming impatient. Impatience -was one of his principal characteristics. -Waiting is tedious. So Victor tilted his cap -far back, the process revealing two frowning -lines on his forehead which, considering his -age, should never have existed.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the lad’s peace of mind, -however, the vigorous honk, honk of a motor -car, rising above all other sounds in the street, -suddenly caused his gaze to become centered -upon the approaching machine.</p> - -<p>“Well, thank goodness, here they are at -last!” he exclaimed, joyfully.</p> - -<p>Running down the steps he reached the -curb just as a big touring car swung up alongside -and came to a stop.</p> - -<p>“All ready, Victor?” called the chauffeur, -a broad-shouldered, healthy-looking lad, leaping -to the ground.</p> - -<p>There was no answer, because at the same -instant three other boys, with much noise and -laughter, began climbing out.</p> - -<p>The youngest was very tall and thin, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span> -this was accentuated by the stoutness of a -broadly smiling lad who stood close beside -him. The fourth member of the group, a -slender, sandy-haired boy, appeared to be -about sixteen. His broad forehead and delicately -chiseled features suggested fine intellect.</p> - -<p>The first three, Bob Somers, Tom Clifton -and Dave Brandon, were members of the -Rambler Club, who, having made a house-boat -trip up the Hudson, had reached Chicago -en route to Wisconsin. Charlie Blake, their -companion, a classmate, often referred to as -the “grind,” on account of his studious habits, -was on a visit to his friend, Victor Collins.</p> - -<p>It naturally followed that the Ramblers, -happening to be in Chicago at the same time, -received an invitation to visit the Collins -mansion. And it also followed that, as the -Ramblers were going to have the use of a -seven passenger touring car, Victor Collins -was more than pleased to meet them.</p> - -<p>Mr. Somers, Bob’s father, having motored -to Chicago on business, returned by train, -leaving the car at a garage, so that the boys -might use it for the remainder of the journey -to Kingswood, Wisconsin, their home.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span>When Victor Collins learned of this intention -he instantly announced a determination -to go with the crowd as far as Kenosha.</p> - -<p>“You see,” he explained to Bob Somers, -“my Uncle Ralph lives there; and he owns -the dandiest motor yacht your eyes ever -looked upon. He’s invited me to take a trip -to Milwaukee. Talk about sport!”</p> - -<p>So the morning had come when Victor’s -anticipations were about to be realized.</p> - -<p>“You’re all as brown as a bunch of street -cleaners,” he remarked, after salutations had -been exchanged. “I don’t believe that sun-tinting -will ever wear off, either. Hello, Hannibal, -hello!”</p> - -<p>He turned and faced the house.</p> - -<p>A very dignified colored man, wearing an -immaculately clean apron, had opened the -door and was standing with a large suit case -in his hand.</p> - -<p>“Bring it down and chuck it into the car,” -commanded Victor.</p> - -<p>“An awful lot of stuff for a short trip,” remarked -Tom. “You ought to throw out half.”</p> - -<p>“Fade away,” retorted Victor. “There’s another -one coming.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span>“Mercy!” snickered Tom. “Why don’t -you bring a department store along?”</p> - -<p>Hannibal made short work of depositing -the heavy suit cases in the tonneau. Then, -grinning broadly, he drew forth a letter and -handed it to Charlie Blake.</p> - -<p>“It am just come, suh,” he explained.</p> - -<p>“The handwriting spells Kirk Talbot’s -name as loud as those checks on Victor’s cap, -fellows,” cried Blake.</p> - -<p>“Kirk Talbot?” queried Tom, interestedly. -“We met Kirk often on one of our trips. -Remember, Bob?”</p> - -<p>Bob did, and smiled.</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry that he and Nat Wingate won’t -be back in the school this term,” he remarked. -“By the way, Dave, we’ll have to hustle to -catch up with our studies.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t mention it, Bob. Just think of how -the doors of that school are yawning for us -even now.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll have to yawn a mighty big, wide -yawn for you,” said Victor.</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, Charlie, read that letter out -loud,” cried Tom.</p> - -<p>Blake was soon smiling broadly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span>“Kirk has a few interesting knocks to hand -out, Bob,” he chuckled. “Just listen:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“‘<span class="smcap">Dear Charlie</span>:—</p> - -<p>“‘Your last effusion is lying on my -desk. So you are actually going to meet -Bob Somers and his chums! Say, don’t -those chaps manage to have the finest time -ever, with their aeroplanes, house-boats, automobiles -and a dash of cowboy life in between!</p> - -<p>“‘And you are going to motor back to -Kingswood with them! That’s great.</p> - -<p>“‘But I’ve got a bit of news which ought -to make Bob Somers sit up and take notice. -Nat Wingate and I have formed a football -team. Yes, it’s true. There’s a lot of good -material going to waste here in town. And -the high school team has had its own way so -long it’s time somebody took them down a peg. -And though we really hate to do it those -chaps are in for the worst drubbing of their -career, and we’re even talking about a ball -nine next spring.’”</p> - -<p>“Are we going to stay here all day?” -grumbled Victor.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span>“Just a few moments, Vic,” laughed Charlie, -resuming:</p> - -<p>“‘Now that Nat Wingate has gone those -high school chaps are like an army without -a general.’”</p> - -<p>“Huh!” remarked Tom, frowning slightly.</p> - -<p>“‘Now, Charlie, here’s what Nat and I -think. Bob Somers and his Rambler crowd -may be pretty good at bowling over grizzlies, -collecting panther skins, or busting bronchos, -but when it comes to either football or baseball——’”</p> - -<p>“Well, I like that!” broke in Tom indignantly.</p> - -<p>“Prepare yourself for the worst,” laughed -Charlie. “Listen to this:</p> - -<p>“‘I guess they are simply out of the running?’”</p> - -<p>“Did you ever, Bob Somers!” cried Tom. -“The nerve of him!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t worry. I guess the high school -eleven can take care of any crowd he brings,” -said Bob.</p> - -<p>“There are some pretty good baseball -players, though, in Kingswood,” said Tom. -“I guess it’s up to us to take hold next<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> -spring and put a little ginger into our -crowd.”</p> - -<p>“You haven’t quite the shape for a ball -player, Clifton,” remarked Victor, with a -critical stare.</p> - -<p>“Humph!” sniffed Tom.</p> - -<p>“For goodness’ sake, finish that letter, -Blake,” continued Victor, with a grin.</p> - -<p>“‘I hear that the Kingswood High has a -chance to get an athletic field,’” read Charlie. -“‘Mr. Rupert Barry owns a large plot of -ground which ought to make a dandy ball -park. But, so far, it is only a rumor, and -maybe a silly one, at that. You would think -so if you saw some of the playing the K. H. S. -has done recently.</p> - -<p>“‘Tell Bob Somers what I said. Good-bye -and good luck.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="indentright">“‘Your old chum,</span><br /> -“‘<span class="smcap">Kirk</span>.’”</p> -</div> - -<p>“A nice long letter,” drawled Dave.</p> - -<p>“Is that all you have to say about it?” demanded -Tom.</p> - -<p>“Well, Tom,” said Dave, slowly, “your suggestion -needs consideration.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>“You haven’t quite the shape for a ball -player either, Brandon,” said Victor.</p> - -<p>“Goodness—Dave’s turn now!” snickered -Tom. “What kind of a figure must a ball -tosser have, anyway?”</p> - -<p>“Somers is about right,” answered Victor, -calmly. “But a chap that is either all bones -or all fat won’t do.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll show you some day,” snapped Tom, -hotly.</p> - -<p>Baseball was a rather sore subject with -Charlie Blake. He had tried it the season -before, but lack of confidence in himself -speedily caused him to drop out of the game.</p> - -<p>Some of the boys who were not of a very -considerate nature concluded that Charlie had -a yellow streak, and, at this point, Bob Somers -earned Blake’s everlasting gratitude by sticking -manfully to him.</p> - -<p>“Say,” remarked the latter, rather dolefully, -“I’m sorry I didn’t make good on the -nine last year. I certainly tried hard enough.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe you didn’t have the right kind of -a figure,” said Tom, with tremendous sarcasm.</p> - -<p>“A nice thing to waste all this time,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span> -grunted Victor. “We ought to be burning -up some of those country roads.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” laughed Bob Somers. “Pile -in, fellows.”</p> - -<p>His eyes sparkled as they ran over the -graceful lines of the big touring machine. It -was finished in a deep, rich red, relieved by -touches of darker color. Polished lamps, -steering gear and levers, in places, shot back -the rays of the early morning sun.</p> - -<p>It was something to feel that they were -actually in possession of such a magnificent -car—theirs to command, theirs to take them -where they willed, and theirs to defy distance, -time, and railroads.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Collins was looking out of a second -story window.</p> - -<p>An instant later, Victor, from his place on -the rear cushion, shouted:</p> - -<p>“Good-bye, mother!”</p> - -<p>“Have you all those warm wraps and the -umbrella I told you to take?” she called.</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother!”</p> - -<p>“And that bottle of beef tea, and your raincoat?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span>“And will you be sure to use the cough -medicine in case you catch cold?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother!”</p> - -<p>“Well, do be careful, Victor. And don’t -fail to send a card home this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>Victor promised, his face glowing with anticipation.</p> - -<p>“We are going to have a ripping time, -mother!” he shouted. “Hooray! Let her -whizz, Somers!”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II<br /> - - -<small>THE FIRST LAP</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> crisp staccato notes of the motor suddenly -drowned the sound of his voice. From -the exhaust poured a bluish haze of gasoline -vapor. The car apparently became vibrant -with life and energy. Then, as the rapid-fire -roar quickly lessened to a low musical drone, -Bob Somers threw in the clutch.</p> - -<p>In the midst of a chorus of good-byes, the -motor car began to glide smoothly away, and, -upon looking back, the boys saw the lady at -the window waving her handkerchief.</p> - -<p>“Oh, isn’t this just stunning!” cried Victor. -“Hit it up, Somers.”</p> - -<p>Row after row of residences seemed to be -drawn swiftly toward them and sent slipping -behind. At each street crossing Bob slowed -up, allowing the boys momentary views of -Lake Michigan, only a short distance away.</p> - -<p>The few vehicles and pedestrians about appeared -as mere crawling things whenever the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> -high-powered car leaped forward in obedience -to the summons of its master’s hand.</p> - -<p>Victor Collins experienced a delightful sense -of ease and comfort as he watched the passing -show with all the zest and interest that novelty -often brings.</p> - -<p>“Go it, Somers, go it!” he urged. “Whoop -it up like sixty!”</p> - -<p>“Restraint and caution should ever be the -chauffeur’s watchword,” drawled Dave.</p> - -<p>“That’s what I think, too,” approved -Charlie.</p> - -<p>“In cities they always have so many laws -to bother a chap,” grumbled Tom. “Why, -when we were in Wyoming——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, forget it, son,” interrupted Victor. -“This beats all your old cowboy business to -pieces.”</p> - -<p>The residential section of Michigan Avenue -had been passed. The motor car was now -swinging along by the side of Grant Park. -Out over the lake they could see that the -stiff breeze was kicking up the water into -choppy waves and tossing about several small -boats whose sails cut crisply white against the -background. The far-reaching stretch of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span> -water, in the early morning light, became -lost in a scintillating haze which dazzled the -eye.</p> - -<p>“The clouds are piling up,” remarked Dave. -“I guess we’ll have some stormy weather -soon.”</p> - -<p>A succession of views passed so rapidly that -the eye could take in only their salient features. -Almost before they realized it the boys were -being carried across the Chicago River. One -look showed them an insignificant tug struggling -valiantly with a huge, clumsy barge, a -myriad of masts, a kaleidoscopic effect of hulls, -docks and buildings, with here and there -clouds of smoke and steam. Then all was -whirled behind them.</p> - -<p>“What time shall we get to Kenosha, -Somers?” demanded Victor.</p> - -<p>“About one o’clock, if everything goes well,” -answered Bob.</p> - -<p>He put on his goggles, for occasionally the -breeze brought with it a shower of flying -particles.</p> - -<p>“Good! Then we can slip over to Uncle -Ralph’s motor yacht. Did you speak, sir?”</p> - -<p>“I did,” answered Tom, with dignity. “I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span> -said it might be a good idea for the bunch to -stop over night at Kenosha.”</p> - -<p>“They might stand for you that long,” -grinned Victor.</p> - -<p>“The question is: can we stand for it?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe we’ll see you at Milwaukee,” broke -in Charlie. “Too bad, Vic, you’re not going -to stick with us all the way. You’d never -catch me going on any yacht.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t swim.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Uncle Ralph wouldn’t expect you -to swim. Anyway, you ought to be ashamed -to admit it.”</p> - -<p>“Bet you can’t, either.”</p> - -<p>“Your remark is irrelevant, as the lawyers -say,” laughed Victor. “I never yet felt a bit -nervous in the water.”</p> - -<p>“Where did you ever paddle about, I’d like -to know?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, in a tub.”</p> - -<p>“Fellows, we’re coming to Lincoln Park, -one of the finest in Chicago,” laughed Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Nothing like having your own sightseeing -car,” observed Dave.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span>“I guess the people around here think they -are seeing sights,” giggled Victor. “With -those glasses on, Somers, you look like the -speed king himself. Just wait till I get my -hands on the throttle—if there’s a mile of -straight road in front I’ll drive her up to -sixty.”</p> - -<p>“Huh! This car has to go all the way -to Wisconsin,” sniffed Tom. “We don’t want -to have to telegraph any scrap iron dealer to -hurry out and shovel up the pieces—eh, -Bob?”</p> - -<p>“Eh, Bob!” repeated Victor, “eh, Bob! -How many times a day do you get that off? -The great chauffeur and his brave passenger, -Clifton! Let Charlie take the helm. He’ll -drive slowly enough to suit you.”</p> - -<p>Tom’s eyes gleamed ominously.</p> - -<p>“Talking about speed! Why, in Wyoming, -where we didn’t have any old laws to think -about——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, why is Wyoming!” chuckled Victor. -“What a state it must be to have no laws.”</p> - -<p>“Oh ho, this park is a refreshing sight,” -broke in Dave—“a little oasis in the midst of -mortar, brick and stone. Slow up a bit, Bob,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span> -so that we may have a better chance to enjoy -the contemplation of nature.”</p> - -<p>“You talk like a botany book, Brandon,” -grunted Victor. “See here, Somers!”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Never better, thank you. Let me try my -hand at driving?”</p> - -<p>Victor’s tone indicated an expectation that -his wishes would be acceded to without objection. -At home he had been so long accustomed -to having his own way that submission -to his imperious demands had come to be expected -as a matter of course.</p> - -<p>Charlie Blake looked alarmed.</p> - -<p>“Going to do it, Bob?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Of course he’s going to do it,” grinned -Victor, satirically. “Aren’t you, Bob?”</p> - -<p>“Not until we get eighty-six miles from -nowhere,” Tom put in.</p> - -<p>“I hardly think so, Vic,” answered Bob, -good-naturedly.</p> - -<p>Victor’s expression indicated his displeasure.</p> - -<p>“All right then—I’ll let it go now; but -just wait till we get out in the open country,” -he grumbled.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span>“There’s a coolness in the air,” remarked -Tom.</p> - -<p>He looked quizzically toward Victor.</p> - -<p>“A storm is brewing,” said Dave, absent-mindedly.</p> - -<p>Presently the park was left behind. On -and on sped the motor car. There was so -much to see and so little time to see it in -that the brain of each lad held only a confused -impression of many buildings, of trees -and grassy stretches, and shining patches of -lake.</p> - -<p>“What place is this we are coming to?” -cried Tom, at length.</p> - -<p>“Evanston,” answered Victor.</p> - -<p>Some of the citizens were mildly astonished -to see a great touring car containing five lads -whirling through the town.</p> - -<p>“Hi, hi! catch on to the joy riders!” yelled -a small boy. “Where’d you get it?”</p> - -<p>“No time to answer questions, sonny,” -screeched Victor. “This is the lightning express, -the speediest wagon in the state, with -Somers, the slow-speed wizard, at the throttle. -Whoop-la!”</p> - -<p>Evanston was quickly left behind. Then<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> -came a succession of small towns along the -lake front. The sky was now almost entirely -overcast. Near the horizon rested a mass of -clouds of a murky, yellowish hue which -seemed to impart to the distant water some of -its own threatening aspect.</p> - -<p>At Waukegan the boys stopped for lunch.</p> - -<p>A curious look came over Victor Collins’ -face as Tom, with an air of much importance, -sprang into the chauffeur’s seat.</p> - -<p>“Jehoshaphat! Get out of that!” he exclaimed. -“You’re not going to chauf.”</p> - -<p>“Of course I am!” snapped Tom.</p> - -<p>“Then it’s my turn next.”</p> - -<p>“But you don’t know how.”</p> - -<p>“What!” scoffed Victor. “Anybody can -do it. How many lessons did it take before -you learned how to blow the horn?”</p> - -<p>Tom, uttering a snort of indignation, threw -in the clutch, for by this time the others were -in their places.</p> - -<p>The car had traveled over a mile before -Victor spoke again.</p> - -<p>“Say, Somers”—his tone was very mild -and sweet—“you’ll let me drive, won’t you—just -a little way?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span>“A revolution is coming,” murmured -Charlie.</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid not, Victor,” answered Bob. -“It’s too risky.”</p> - -<p>“How about Clifton? He hasn’t run into -anything yet.”</p> - -<p>“Tom took a course of instruction.”</p> - -<p>“Come now, Somers, what are you afraid -of?” Victor’s eyes were snapping. He -leaned over and touched Dave on the shoulder. -“See here, Brandon, say a word for me. -I want to chauf.”</p> - -<p>“It is not so written in the book of destiny,” -laughed Dave. “Experience and wisdom -teach us that. Experience is sometimes -necessary before wisdom can be acquired.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, bosh!”</p> - -<p>Victor brought out the words with angry -emphasis. There was nothing in Dave’s expression -to give him encouragement, and his -eye caught a twitch of amusement on Tom -Clifton’s lips.</p> - -<p>It acted upon his impetuous nature somewhat -after the fashion of the spark that explodes -the gasoline vapor.</p> - -<p>On the impulse of the moment, he seized<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span> -Dave Brandon’s cap and hurled it spitefully -upon the road.</p> - -<p>“That’s what you get for sassing me, you -big, fat Indian,” he howled. “Go and pick -it up.”</p> - -<p>The stout lad stilled a roar of protest which -began to pour from Tom’s lips.</p> - -<p>“Never mind, fellows.” His smiling face -showed no sign of ruffled feelings. “I wanted -a chance to stretch my legs. Thanks, Vic.”</p> - -<p>As the motor car came to a halt, he laid -his hand on the door.</p> - -<p>Victor Collins looked at him curiously. -Almost on the instant he felt a twinge of regret -at his childish action. He heartily wished -that Dave had flown into a rage. Then, after -a snappy exchange of compliments—at which -pastime he considered himself well able to -hold his own—things might have quieted -down without so much loss to his dignity.</p> - -<p>Dave’s unexpected calmness, however, made -him feel uncomfortably small, so he did what -he usually did when things failed to go in a -way that suited him—began to sulk.</p> - -<p>Dave “stretched his legs” for a good five -minutes. Then the motor car began to roll<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -forward again. Tom didn’t scorch exactly—he -knew that Bob Somers’ watchful eye was -upon him—but several times Charlie Blake’s -nerves received severe jolts, as trees and telegraph -poles by the roadside seemed to be -whirled by with bewildering rapidity.</p> - -<p>“Kenosha, Wisconsin, fellows!” exclaimed -Bob, at length, half rising from his seat.</p> - -<p>“Kenosha!” echoed all but Victor.</p> - -<p>“The first lap of our journey is done!” -cried Dave.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III<br /> - - -<small>THE “FEARLESS”</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Leaving</span> the motor car at a garage, the boys -made their way to the harbor. Down by the -river they found a great deal to attract their -attention. Factories with tall chimneys sent -columns of smoke whirling upward; schooners, -barges and a number of smaller craft were -moored along the stream; and these, together -with picturesque buildings, big lumber sheds -or great pilings presented so many pleasing -combinations to the eye that the artistic soul -of Dave was enraptured.</p> - -<p>The smell of fresh water was in the air, and -along with it came a faint odor of things -belonging to shipping. The gurgle and splash -of lapping waves and the creaking of boats -vainly tugging at their moorings formed a -steady accompaniment to the occasional puffing -of passing tugs or the hoarse blasts of -whistles.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span>Close alongside a big lumber schooner the -boys, who had taken turns in carrying Victor’s -heavy luggage, finally discovered the motor -yacht “Fearless.”</p> - -<p>A big, burly man busy at some work on the -wharf looked up as they approached.</p> - -<p>Captain Ralph Bunderley had been successively -the master of a barge, a coastwise -schooner and a windjammer on the Atlantic. -Having been left a comfortable fortune by a -relative, he finally retired from the sea, but, -feeling that to get away from the sight of land -occasionally was as necessary to him as water -to a fish, he had built a motor yacht some -sixty feet in length designed for speed, as well -as to withstand the rough weather on the lake.</p> - -<p>Victor, still in a surly mood, felt considerably -embarrassed, for Uncle Ralph, attired in -a suit of faded blue overalls and a greasy cap, -gave more the impression of being a man out -of a job than one of the richest citizens in the -community.</p> - -<p>The boy glanced slyly around to see if any -of his companions were wearing suspicious -grins, but, to his relief, they were too busily -engaged in inspecting the graceful lines of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> -motor yacht to pay attention to the captain’s -appearance.</p> - -<p>Uncle Ralph cordially shook hands. His -bluff, hearty way caught the fancy of the -crowd, and before long they were talking -together like old acquaintances.</p> - -<p>“There is certainly a lot of class to that -cruiser, captain!” exclaimed Tom, in his gruff -tones, “and I’ll bet it can go some, too.”</p> - -<p>“Over twenty miles an hour,” answered -Uncle Ralph, smilingly. “We’ll go aboard -now.” He raised his voice. “Hey, you Phil -Malone!”</p> - -<p>Like a jack-in-the-box, a face popped -quickly to one of the cabin port-holes.</p> - -<p>“That’s Phil,” explained the captain. “My -first mate, I call him—a bashful young chap, -especially among strangers. Consider yourselves -introduced.”</p> - -<p>The boys heard a few mumbling words. -Then the face disappeared.</p> - -<p>The “Fearless,” a raised deck cruiser with a -rakish bow, painted a creamy white, and -relieved here and there by touches of blue and -gold, made a striking appearance against the -background of restless water. Like a racer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> -impatient for the start she strained and tugged -at her cables, occasionally rolling slightly as -heavier onslaughts of choppy waves gurgled -and splashed against her hull.</p> - -<p>Before the crowd could set foot on deck Phil -Malone appeared. He was tall and angular, -with red hair, a long, gaunt face and deep-set -eyes. He looked at his visitors with such -a comical expression of astonishment that -Victor, forgetting his ill-humor for the moment, -burst into a hearty laugh.</p> - -<p>“You never expected to see a bunch of -Indians like this, hey, Phil?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Naw—I—I sure didn’t,” agreed Phil, as -he diffidently backed away.</p> - -<p>“Here now, don’t you run off. Give us a -song.”</p> - -<p>“Let Phil alone,” commanded Uncle Ralph. -“Singing isn’t his forte. He’s better at polishing -brass.”</p> - -<p>“Clifton has an awful lot that needs attention,” -mumbled Victor.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I say, fellows, this isn’t seeing the -yacht,” broke in Bob.</p> - -<p>“Let the inspection begin at once,” returned -Captain Bunderley, with a smile.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span>They followed him to the companionway -and then down into the dining saloon.</p> - -<p>Standing in the cozy interior the boys with -the exception of Victor voiced their enthusiasm -in words that brought forth chuckles of -satisfaction from the old salt’s lips.</p> - -<p>Never did woodwork, or door-knobs, or furnishings -appear more spotlessly clean than -those revealed by the cold gray rays streaming -through the open port-holes.</p> - -<p>“These,” remarked Captain Bunderley—he -indicated the ports—“are provided with heavy -plate glass and can be so locked as to make -them practically water-tight. With ordinary -windows, after a heavy sea has been pounding -against the boat for several hours, the cabin -would probably be in a mess.” Walking -across the floor, he opened a door. “Let me -introduce you to the engine room and galley.”</p> - -<p>“Phil’s the galley-slave,” confided Victor, -in a loud whisper.</p> - -<p>“Who’s the engineer, captain?” asked -Bob.</p> - -<p>“Jack Stubbs, a sailor I had with me on -many a sea voyage. Martin Ricks is the -helmsman.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span>“Now, uncle, please show the bunch your -stateroom,” put in Victor.</p> - -<p>The captain led them to a passageway -abaft the engine room, presently stepping -into a compartment finished in enamel -white.</p> - -<p>“This is enough to make even me feel like -becoming a skipper,” commented Dave.</p> - -<p>“If only it weren’t so dreadfully dangerous,” -ventured Charlie Blake.</p> - -<p>“Certainly would be with him as skipper,” -piped Victor.</p> - -<p>Out in the open air again the crowd found -an awning extending from the stern to a point -where the raised deck began. Dave expressed -the opinion that it must be very delightful to -sit there on a pleasant day, with the water -sparkling in the sunlight and a gentle breeze -sighing past.</p> - -<p>“I guess some howling blasts would make -you the sigher, instead,” laughed Victor.</p> - -<p>“Say, Bob!”</p> - -<p>Tom Clifton’s voice cut sharply into the -conversation.</p> - -<p>“Let’s hear it, Tom.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve been thinking about that ball nine<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> -of ours. Kirk Talbot had an awful nerve -to——”</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha!” grinned Victor. “Can’t you -get that off your mind, Clifton?”</p> - -<p>Tom tossed his head.</p> - -<p>“I don’t want to,” he snapped. “Besides, -I’ve got an idea, and a mighty good one. I’ll -tell you all about it to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t hurry yourself. We can wait.” -Victor nudged Charlie sharply in the ribs. -“Say, Blakelets, don’t you wish you were -going along with us on the ‘Fearless’ to-morrow?”</p> - -<p>Charlie was one of those lads who possess -a certain ill-defined dread of the water. At -almost every roll of the deck rather shivery -feelings coursed along his spine.</p> - -<p>“Gracious! I don’t see why in the world -Victor wants to go to Milwaukee by boat,” he -thought, nervously. He took a long, earnest -look at the sky, then exclaimed, with considerable -emphasis:</p> - -<p>“No, Vic, I most certainly do not!”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV<br /> - - -<small>THE CIRCUS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Ramblers and Charlie Blake secured -quarters at one of Kenosha’s principal hotels. -As Captain Bunderley had some business to -attend to, Victor decided to remain with them -until the hour for turning in.</p> - -<p>Immediately after supper the crowd gathered -in Bob Somers’ room.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon, the poet and historian of -the club, was soon reclining with his accustomed -ease at the window. The dark, gloomy -night strangely stirred his imagination. -Vague inspirations floated through his brain. -He thought of the lonely lake as the subject -for a poem; he cudgeled his brain to seize -and hold fast the elusive words which constantly -flitted before his mental vision.</p> - -<p>Presently Dave sat up. A walk in the open -air, he decided, might aid him in cornering -this near-inspiration.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers was busy writing a letter; Victor<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span> -and Charlie were talking, while Tom at a -table all by himself kept scribbling on sheet -after sheet of paper. Tom’s face wore a tremendous -frown, as though his work were of a deep -and absorbing nature.</p> - -<p>“Hello! Owing to the increased demand -for paper the price must soon advance,” -chirped Victor, suddenly. “What’s up?”</p> - -<p>“You mean what’s going down,” laughed -Blake.</p> - -<p>Tom seemed to hesitate. He glanced sternly -toward Victor, then exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“This is what I was going to tell you about. -I’m getting up a set of by-laws for our new -Athletic Association.”</p> - -<p>The room was immediately in an uproar. -Dave, fearful that all his ideas might vanish, -jumped up hastily and walked to the -door.</p> - -<p>“I’ll be back soon, Bob!” he called, with a -laugh.</p> - -<p>Out in the corridor, Tom’s voice, already -raised in a hot argument with Victor, still -reached him. In another moment he was -down-stairs and on the street.</p> - -<p>A brisk walk in the cool air promised to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -aid Dave’s faculties, as he had hoped. Already -the vague phrases in his mind were beginning -to shape themselves into definite -words.</p> - -<p>Here and there a swinging sign-board -mingled a series of dismal creaking notes -with the crisp moaning of a gusty breeze. -Autumn leaves, ruthlessly torn from their -resting places on the branches, occasionally -whirled helter-skelter through the air, to -dance merrily along the streets. Trails of -dust, banging shutters, or flickering lights -were all tributes to the tyranny of the never-ceasing -currents.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later, in a sheltered position -near an electric light, Dave was writing -stanzas at record speed. It was really delightful—the -way in which that near-inspiration -had been finally conquered.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a voice broke in upon him.</p> - -<p>“Say, Brandon, owing to the unprecedented -demand for paper in Kenosha the mills will -be compelled to work overtime.”</p> - -<p>Dave turned abruptly. Victor Collins’ -dapper little figure was standing close beside -him.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span>“Gracious; you here!” cried the writer, in -astonishment.</p> - -<p>“No; I’m back there, still kidding the -by-law committee,” chuckled Victor. “Seriously, -though, I finished him in about half a -minute and skipped after you. What have -you got there?”</p> - -<p>“Almost a poem,” confessed Dave.</p> - -<p>“Read it,” commanded Victor, imperiously.</p> - -<p>“Never!” laughed Dave.</p> - -<p>Victor argued and coaxed. He even prepared -to land a “good one” in the neighborhood -of the ribs; his little fists, tightly -clenched, gyrated fiercely. But Dave’s clever -footwork more than balanced Victor’s speed.</p> - -<p>“All right, smarty,” grumbled the boy. -“Bet it’s awful piffle, anyway.”</p> - -<p>“Come along, Vic,” laughed Dave, as he -started off.</p> - -<p>Victor Collins’ wishes were not often so disregarded -as they had been during that day. -It touched his pride.</p> - -<p>“If I don’t find a way to make these fine -chaps drop down a peg or two before to-morrow -I’ll be much surprised,” he muttered -grimly to himself.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span>Thereupon Victor set his thoughts briskly -to work in an effort to find a scheme for getting -square.</p> - -<p>Down one street, or out another, the two -wandered, often in silence, for each had many -thoughts to engage his attention, though -on widely divergent subjects. The busier, -brightly-lighted sections began to be slowly -left behind. Electric cars no longer whizzed -past them.</p> - -<p>Dave and Victor finally found themselves -on a wide, tree-lined avenue.</p> - -<p>“What a delightful retreat,” murmured -Dave. “Sitting on a nice, comfortable porch -I could get ideas for a dozen—eh?”</p> - -<p>Victor had clutched his arm.</p> - -<p>“Say, look straight ahead, Brandon!” he -cried.</p> - -<p>“I declare, I see lights, and more lights!” -exclaimed Dave.</p> - -<p>The pair began to stare earnestly toward a -number of starlike points which were moving -about in a most erratic fashion.</p> - -<p>“What in the mischief are they?” asked -Victor. “Think some of the stars have tumbled -poetically down through the clouds?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span>“Give it up,” laughed Dave. “We’ll know -before the night is over.”</p> - -<p>Victor, whose curiosity was highly excited, -now easily kept ahead of his taller companion. -But the lights had entirely disappeared, leaving -the street to end apparently in a void of -blackness.</p> - -<p>“Looks like a jumping off place,” exclaimed -Victor. “Hurry up, Brandon.”</p> - -<p>They began to walk rapidly, soon covering -a number of blocks.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the cluster of lights flashed into -view once more. Five minutes later they -heard a series of dull thuds, as of hammering, -accompanied at intervals by a low rumbling -of wagon wheels. When an open lot which -faced the street was reached Dave and his -companion saw a number of flaming torches -that sent weird streaks of yellow over the -ground, lighting up in their course groups -of men busily engaged with sledge-hammers.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon’s eyes were instantly attracted -toward a huge bill-board which rose -from amidst a tangle of weeds and grasses. -The rays from a gas lamp cast a flickering -glow over its multi-colored surface.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span>“Look, Vic,” he exclaimed, with a laugh. -“The mystery is solved.”</p> - -<p>And Victor, whose eyes were bright with -interest, read in letters that almost took in -the entire length of the board:</p> - -<p>“Ollie Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless -Circus and Menagerie.”</p> - -<p>“By George—a circus! Isn’t this jolly -good luck, Brandon?” he cried, enthusiastically.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V<br /> - - -<small>GEORGY, THE GIANT</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Victor Collins</span> had not yet arrived at an -age when a circus loses its power to thrill the -heart with joy. Each gilded chariot, each -gaudy menagerie wagon or gorgeous trapping -still awoke within his breast a responsive -chord.</p> - -<p>“They’re driving in stakes, Brandon,” he -exclaimed. “See—there’s a wagon—a four-horser, -and lots of others back. We’re just -in time to watch ’em put up the tent.”</p> - -<p>Over on the lot an odor of rank weeds and -grasses filled the air. It was all very black -and forbidding, unpleasantly suggestive of -treacherous pitfalls or deep, stagnant pools -of water, save where the rays of flaring light -streamed through the gloom.</p> - -<p>Heavy wagons drawn by four horses rumbled -their way across the bumpy, uneven field, -occasionally becoming stuck in the yielding<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -turf, whereupon the yells of drivers and cracking -of whips came sharply to their ears.</p> - -<p>“Working like the dickens, aren’t they?” -remarked Victor. “Let’s skip around a bit.”</p> - -<p>The two, steering a course around various -obstructions, made their way toward the busy -scene. Soon they caught a glimpse of a faint -grayish mass of canvas spread out over the -ground, while towering aloft like the masts -of a ship were a number of poles.</p> - -<p>“That’s the big top, or main tent,” said -Dave.</p> - -<p>“Heads up there—look out!”</p> - -<p>Above the sound of the jolting and creaking -of a big red wagon and crisp jingle of -harness came the deep-throated warning. The -leaders of a four-horse team swerved sharply -around.</p> - -<p>“Over here, you for the flying squadron,” -some one hailed from the distance.</p> - -<p>“Flying squadron! What in thunder is -that?” cried Victor, wonderingly.</p> - -<p>“The commissary department,” answered -Dave. “In all well-regulated shows that is -attended to first. Guess this wagon is full of -stuff they’ll need in a hurry for the mess tent.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span>A straggling procession, mainly of boys, -soon began to arrive; the lonely, dismal lot -was fast becoming transformed into a scene -of great bustle and activity. More torches -were flaring, and the echoing thuds of the -sledges increased in force and number. A -bright glare from a calcium light soon -streamed over the field.</p> - -<p>A force of workers with pick and shovel -were leveling the ground, while still others -spread thick layers of straw over tracts where -recent rains had formed puddles of considerable -size.</p> - -<p>Presently a murmuring chorus from the -crowds of excited children burst into a loud -hubbub of joyous shouts.</p> - -<p>“Oh, look!” laughed Victor, attracted by -the commotion.</p> - -<p>Some distance ahead, amid the wagons, a -huge form was looming up, now dim and -scarcely seen in the gloom, then brought -sharply into relief by the flaring lights.</p> - -<p>“Hurray, here’s the elephant, as I live,” -shouted Victor. “Gee, Brandon—what was -that? Didn’t you hear something?”</p> - -<p>The boys were threading a dark, gloomy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> -passage between two great wagons, now horseless, -their tarpaulin-covered tops seeming to -tower to a great height above them. A -strange sound, suggestive of a deep sigh, had -cut into Victor’s sentence, and when it came a -second time the two looked about them with -interest.</p> - -<p>They saw several bales of hay, showing -dimly against the field, another deserted -wagon, and an indistinct figure.</p> - -<p>“Hello!” exclaimed Victor.</p> - -<p>As he spoke the form began to rise, and, to -their utter astonishment, continued to rise -until it stood high above the bales, and so -high that both uttered an exclamation.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” breathed Victor. “Why—why——”</p> - -<p>“Say, who are you?”</p> - -<p>A shrill childish treble came from the towering -figure, which immediately began to move -around the barricade of bales toward them. -The boys watched him with breathless interest.</p> - -<p>“Say, who are you?”</p> - -<p>They craned their necks to look up at the -face that gazed into theirs, but the obscurity -was so great that neither could determine the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span> -age, the character, or the appearance of the -singularly tall being whose voice resembled -that of a fourteen-year-old boy.</p> - -<p>“I say—what’s the matter? Who are you, -anyway?”</p> - -<p>The third inquiry came in petulant, piping -tones.</p> - -<p>“If we could find a step-ladder,” began -Victor, struggling unsuccessfully to repress -his mirth, “it——”</p> - -<p>“That’s always the way. I’m the most -miserable chap in the whole world.”</p> - -<p>Victor lighted a match, and, shielding the -fluttering flame in the hollow of his hand, -deliberately directed the rays into the face of -the giant. They saw a small, well-shaped and -extremely boyish head crowned with dark -brown hair.</p> - -<p>“Well, now, I hope you are satisfied.” -The shrill treble held a note of resignation.</p> - -<p>“Goodness gracious! How old are you?” -demanded Victor.</p> - -<p>“Fifteen. And I’m the most miserable -chap in the——”</p> - -<p>“Why—what’s the matter?” inquired -Dave.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>“You’d better ask me what isn’t the -matter,” answered the young giant, with a -long, deep sigh. “Come on—sit down. I -do so want to talk to somebody before Peter -Whiffin gets here.”</p> - -<p>“Peter Whiffin! Who’s he?”</p> - -<p>“General manager of Ollie Spudger’s Great -Combined Peerless Circus and Menagerie. -He doesn’t allow me to talk to people. You -see”—the giant, leading the way, paused -until he had settled himself on a bale of hay, -where, after a great deal of difficulty, he managed -to dispose of his long legs in a comfortable -fashion—“well, it’s this way,” he went -on, dolefully: “Peter Whiffin doesn’t believe -in giving anything for nothing. I belong to -the show—see? People must pay to look at -the giant; so I’m smuggled around in the -dark. It’s awful. Mustn’t talk to strangers; -mustn’t do this, or that. An’ when anybody -does see me outside the tents I’m followed an’ -stared at, an’ made fun of. Oh, but I’m so -sick of it! An’, do you know——”</p> - -<p>The young giant’s wailing notes ceased, and -he peered eagerly around.</p> - -<p>“Well?” questioned Dave.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span>“I’m still growing.”</p> - -<p>“Goodness gracious!”</p> - -<p>“Yes; it’s a fact—an’ most seven feet now.” -The giant seemed almost on the verge of -blubbering. Then, with an effort, he controlled -his voice. “But say, who are you?”</p> - -<p>“One member of the Rambler Club, and -one near-member,” grinned Victor.</p> - -<p>“There it goes again—always the same; -every one has to guy me. Oh, I’m the most -miserable chap in the whole——”</p> - -<p>“Avast there, my hearty!” laughed Dave. -“I’ll explain.” And he did, while the giant -listened with rapt attention.</p> - -<p>“Oh, if I could only do something like -that, too,” he murmured, when Dave had concluded. -“What a dandy lot of fun you -fellows are going to have. But it’s no use!”</p> - -<p>“Hey, Georgy—oh, Georgy! Where in -thunder are you?”</p> - -<p>“There’s Peter Whiffin.” The giant raised -his voice. “Over here, Mr. Whiffin.”</p> - -<p>The circus manager, scarcely seen in the -gloom, and coming from the direction of the -lights, increased his pace, scrambling around -obstructions, and giving vent to his displeasure<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> -at the weeds and inequality of the ground by -emphatic exclamations.</p> - -<p>“Well, what’s all this?”</p> - -<p>Peter Whiffin had a querulous voice and a -manner which went singularly well with it. -He was a small man, and Victor’s method of -throwing light on the subject by means of a -match immediately disclosed sharp features, a -pair of shifting gray eyes, a face lined with -hollows and wrinkles, and a yellow moustache -which drooped despondently at the corners.</p> - -<p>“Well, blow me—if you ain’t ’bout the -coolest I ever see!” exclaimed Peter Whiffin, -when the fluttering flame had vanished. -“You’ve got your nerve with you, hey?”</p> - -<p>“Always carry plenty of it in stock,” said -Victor, calmly.</p> - -<p>“See here, Georgy, didn’t I tell you not to -gab with every stranger that comes along?”</p> - -<p>“I have to talk to some one, Mr. Whiffin; -I’m so miserable.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well! Says he is miserable! Did -you ever hear the like o’ it!” The manager’s -tones bespoke the deepest disgust. “Why, -ain’t he makin’ more money in a week than -most people in a month? Well, well!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span>Mr. Peter Whiffin’s emotions seemed to rise -to such a point as to almost choke his utterances. -He strode to and fro for a moment, -then exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“I’ve a good mind to fetch you one right in -the ribs. It’s ingratitood—it’s worse. An’ -his pap a-gittin’ paid every week as reg’lar as -the clock ticks! I’ll plunk you for that, I -will.”</p> - -<p>“But I don’t want to get plunked,” wailed -the giant, with a catch in his voice.</p> - -<p>“Well, then, don’t git off no more sich -nonsense. Miserable, indeed! That ’ud be -somethink for your pap to hear ’bout, eh? -Ain’t there no thanks in that nature o’ -yourn?”</p> - -<p>“What have I to be thankful for, Mr. -Whiffin? If I was only like these boys here -I’d give anything in the world.”</p> - -<p>Peter Whiffin snorted with indignation. -He did more. Seizing the giant roughly by -the arm, he commanded him to move, and -move fast, under penalty of receiving an -assorted number of hooks, straight lefts, and -right uppercuts, and accompanied his remarks -with an exhibition of these same blows, all<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span> -coming perilously near the person of the complaining -giant.</p> - -<p>“If this here chatter ain’t a bit more’n the -limit,” he growled. “An’ me not knowin’ -what I’m a-goin’ to do for a barker to-morrow!”</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter with Jack Gray?” -asked George, forgetting his troubles for an -instant.</p> - -<p>“He’s went an’ took sich a cold that his -voice sounds like a frog croakin’; that’s what’s -the matter. If I ain’t in a mess for a spieler -my name ain’t Whiffin. I can’t do it meself; -an’ there ain’t nobody worth shucks in the -hull shootin’ match.”</p> - -<p>The voice of the unhappy manager gradually -grew faint in the distance, then, presently, -became lost altogether amidst the medley of -noises that arose on all sides.</p> - -<p>“Say, Brandon, think of that poor little -giant standing for all of Peter Whiffin’s fresh -talk,” said Victor, disgustedly. “Why, if he’d -just start falling——”</p> - -<p>“And if Peter got caught beneath him it -would make a mighty sad story,” grinned -Dave.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span>The two walked out beyond the grim -shadows of the wagons, directing their course -toward the light and activity beyond. Already -the canvas of the “big top” was looming high -in the air, a dim, shapeless patch of ghostly -white. The rumble of vehicles had given -place to the clink and rattle of harness, as -teams were unhitched and driven across the -lots.</p> - -<p>A crowd of shouting children surrounded -three elephants, while others flocked around -closed cages, uttering comments which revealed -their curiosity regarding the strange -and savage inmates. Boys carrying buckets -of water passed and repassed, straining their -little arms to an alarming extent, but feeling -sure that they were having the time of their -lives.</p> - -<p>Dave and his companion soon found themselves -in the thick of the fray watching a pair -of sturdy horses hitched to the end of a long -rope which led to a block and tackle.</p> - -<p>Crack! The driver’s whip echoed sharply. -Away they went. The center of the big top -was drawn slowly up to its highest point on -the middle pole, and, within a short time, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> -limp canvas began to straighten and assume -the form of a circus tent.</p> - -<p>“Jolly well done, that,” commented Dave. -“Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless Circus -and Menagerie looks like a winner to me. -And the mess tent is all up, too.”</p> - -<p>They moved off toward it, each occasionally -halted by piles of rubbish. Twice Victor put -his foot into an unseen hole, then cracked his -shin against a piece of board.</p> - -<p>“Makes a pleasant variety, doesn’t it?” said -Dave, as he heard his companion’s howl of -disapproval.</p> - -<p>“Pleasant?” snapped Victor. “It’s a wonder -something hasn’t risen up off the ground -and broken my legs. Are we about to fall -into the town ash-pit, or what?”</p> - -<p>“We may escape such a fate as that.”</p> - -<p>Victor laughed.</p> - -<p>“Well, Brandon,” he said, “if it hadn’t -been for your encouragement to the paper industry -my ankle wouldn’t be aching like the -dickens.”</p> - -<p>“Or we shouldn’t have seen the circus, -either,” returned Dave, “which shows that -some good has come from my poems, after all.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span>At the mess tent they found preparations -for feeding the workers going on briskly. But -their attention became speedily attracted -toward several tents in which the horses were -being stabled.</p> - -<p>“Makes me think of Wyoming and old -broncho days,” went on Dave, softly. “Guess -I won’t do any more riding, though, for a -mighty long time.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, fade away with such boasting,” said -Victor. “Nothing could make me believe -that you ever rode a broncho.”</p> - -<p>“Why, I——”</p> - -<p>Dave didn’t get far with his protest.</p> - -<p>“Fade!” roared Victor. And the stout -boy concluded to abide by the command.</p> - -<p>It was not until half an hour later that the -two turned away from the noise and chaotic -confusion in which Spudger’s Great Combined -Peerless Circus and Menagerie was still involved.</p> - -<p>“I shouldn’t mind seeing the show,” remarked -Victor, “but at ten o’clock sharp to-morrow -morning Uncle Ralph’s yacht pulls -out.”</p> - -<p>“And our motor car will leave about two<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> -<span class="allsmcap">P. M.</span>,” said Dave. “So, unless something -happens mighty soon, the adventures of the -Rambler Club in this part of the country will -add only a few dozen pages to my history.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI<br /> - - -<small>JOE RODGERS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Early</span> on the following morning the crowd -was sitting in Bob Somers’ room at the hotel. -Tom Clifton, at first just mildly vexed, threatened -to become real angry. Victor’s saucy -face and ready tongue promised, before very -long, to call down upon his head a storm of -wrath from the future physician.</p> - -<p>“I tell you these by-laws and Bob Somers’ -ball nine will make a fine stir among the -chaps at the Kingswood High,” he snapped, -sternly.</p> - -<p>“Read your old by-laws,” challenged Victor, -with an aggravating grin.</p> - -<p>“I’ll not read ’em,” Tom flung back in icy -tones.</p> - -<p>“It’s all a pipe dream. Don’t believe the -club will ever be formed, anyway.”</p> - -<p>“Then don’t!”</p> - -<p>“All right—I won’t!”</p> - -<p>“But I’ll bet that before you’re three-sixteenths<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span> -of an inch taller, just the same, we’ll -have played half a dozen games.”</p> - -<p>“Oh my, oh my! Is that so?” jeered Victor.</p> - -<p>“Yes, it is so!”</p> - -<p>“Come, come, boys,” interposed Dave, -smilingly. “No joking, now. Remember to-day -is the day when our paths will be separated -by a waste of water.”</p> - -<p>“A little of it sprinkled on that flowery -remark wouldn’t be wasted,” chirruped Victor. -“See here, Clifton!”</p> - -<p>“Well?”</p> - -<p>“Going out with us now?”</p> - -<p>“No! I haven’t finished yet. You chaps -skip along. But don’t forget to come back in -time.”</p> - -<p>Victor was ready with a parting shot.</p> - -<p>“Just suppose I should shanghai the whole -bunch on board the ‘Fearless’ and take ’em -clean to Milwaukee?”</p> - -<p>“That’s the way I’d expect them to go, unless -they got all smeared up with cylinder -oil,” growled Tom.</p> - -<p>“Listen to the smart Aleck! I mean, -wouldn’t you be some scared?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>“Hey?” Tom’s usually gruff voice took on -an odd note of shrillness. “Hey?” he repeated, -with a rising inflection. “Scared of -what?”</p> - -<p>“Why, to take that big car out alone.”</p> - -<p>Tom’s forbearance was not proof against -such insinuations.</p> - -<p>“Well, I should rather say not!” he exclaimed, -hotly. “I’d drive from Kenosha to -Kingswood without the quiver of an eye.”</p> - -<p>“Hear—hear!—A new way to propel a -motor car just discovered by Chauffeur Clifton: -no clutch; no gasoline required; ‘without -the quiver of an eye’ runs a car three hundred -miles.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you’re mighty brilliant,” snapped -Tom.</p> - -<p>“Then don’t try to light on me. Are you -going to be a flopper, Clifton?”</p> - -<p>“A flopper! What in the mischief is that?”</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s just like this——” Victor -grinned in his most irritating fashion. “If -the boys shouldn’t happen to turn up you’ll -know they’ve gone to Milwaukee with me—see? -Now, to flop would mean that——”</p> - -<p>“I hadn’t the nerve to take a flyer alone, I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span> -suppose?” supplemented Tom. For an instant -he scowled almost savagely. Then, -catching a wink from Dave Brandon, the -expression of his face suddenly softened. He -gave a quiet laugh. “Can’t string me, lad; -oh no!”</p> - -<p>An approving nod from the historian rewarded -this remark.</p> - -<p>“Hope it doesn’t rain,” observed Bob, carelessly.</p> - -<p>The boys glanced through the window-panes -at an even gray expanse of cloud against -which the opposite buildings cut sharply.</p> - -<p>“Looks mighty threatening,” admitted -Dave. “Isn’t any worse than yesterday, -though.”</p> - -<p>“Come ahead, fellows. We’ll start out, -anyway,” cried Bob. “So-long, Tom. Good -luck!”</p> - -<p>“Say, you Indians, he’s the easiest chap to -jolly I ever came across.”</p> - -<p>Victor opened the conversation in this -agreeable style the moment the four had -stepped into the street.</p> - -<p>“You’d better leave Tom alone,” cautioned -Bob.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span>“He might take the law into his own -hands,” drawled Dave. He smiled whimsically. -“When Tom gets started——”</p> - -<p>“It must be something awful,” finished -Victor, with a gurgle of mirth.</p> - -<p>“Clifton’s a mighty fine chap, Vic,” declared -Charlie, reprovingly. “Wait till you -know him a bit better. Where away, Bob?”</p> - -<p>“It’s Spudger’s Great Combined Peerless -Circus and Menagerie for me.” Victor spoke -in tones which admitted of no argument. He -poked Dave playfully in the ribs. “How -about it, Brownie?”</p> - -<p>The historian grinned complacently.</p> - -<p>“I’m willing. What do you say, fellows?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I wanted to take another look at -Captain Bunderley’s yacht,” answered Bob, -slowly. “Still——”</p> - -<p>“Run along, then,” grinned Victor. “Brandon’s -on my side. Where do you stand, Blakelets? -Don’t hesitate. He who hesitates is -lost.”</p> - -<p>“No one ever could be in a nice little place -like Kenosha,” said Charlie, with a faint smile.</p> - -<p>“Very good—that is for you. Which is it—circus -or boat?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span>The “grind” had long since outgrown such -amusements as the circus. Thoughts of the -sawdust arena conjured up before his mental -vision nothing but frivolity and foolishness, -so a prompt, “I’m with Bob, Vic,” answered -the query of the lawyer’s son.</p> - -<p>“My name isn’t Bob Vic,” smiled Victor.</p> - -<p>The smile presently grew into a laugh of -such proportions that he began to slap his -knees in the paroxysm of mirth.</p> - -<p>“Well?” demanded Bob, somewhat astonished.</p> - -<p>“For goodness’ sake, what is the matter -now?” asked Charlie. “You’re the funniest -chap I ever saw. Cut it out. People are -looking.”</p> - -<p>“Let ’em look,” gurgled Victor. “Something -rich just struck me. Ha, ha! Maybe -Brandon could get a job as clown. Ha, ha! -Wouldn’t that round face of his look swell -touched up with a little powder and paint, -eh? He could read some of those famous -poems, too!”</p> - -<p>“I’ll give the matter careful consideration,” -said Dave, good-naturedly. “And you might -try for the position of animal tamer.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span>“I’m an Indian tamer, now,” piped Victor. -He seized Dave’s arm, jerking him around. -“You and I are going this way, Brownie. -So-long, Boblets. In about an hour we’ll -meet you and Blakelets at the wharf.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” laughed Bob. “I guess you’ll -find us swapping land tales for the sea tales of -Captain Bunderley. So-long.”</p> - -<p>Victor’s delicate fingers closed tightly -around Dave’s wrist.</p> - -<p>“Come ahead fast,” he ordered, imperiously. -“Must be an awful lot to see around that show.”</p> - -<p>In a short time the two turned a corner -where they came in sight, far ahead, of a -group of dull gray tents and tarpaulin-covered -wagons.</p> - -<p>On the lot the two boys found, despite the -early hour, a scene of great activity. Stock -was being watered or fed, while performers -and other employees crowded the men’s tent. -Huge wagons cast blurred shadows over the -ground. One lone chariot, left outside to -whet the appetite of the curious, stood before -the main entrance. Its gilt ornamentation, -of wondrous curves and twists, framed a -painting in which the artist had allowed his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span> -fervid imagination full sway. A hunter, in -the African wilds, lay in the midst of tall, -tangled grass with the paws of a gigantic lion -planted on his breast. The animal’s mouth, -astonishingly wide open, revealed a row of -glistening teeth.</p> - -<p>“That artist was certainly great on the -dental work,” pronounced Victor.</p> - -<p>To another school of art, according to Dave, -belonged several huge canvases which flanked -the main entrance. These were painted with -a bolder, broader touch, and represented -“Adolphus,” the world-renowned boy giant, -“Zingar,” the celebrated dwarf, “Monsieur Ormond -de Sylveste,” wizard of bareback riders, -in his speed-defying and world-stupefying exhibition, -“Tobanus,” the apparently jointless -wonder, a contortionist and sword swallower, -and, lastly, “Colossus,” “Titan,” and “Nero,” -the three great African elephants whose stupendous -feats had amazed the whole civilized -world.</p> - -<p>“Some show, this,” laughed Victor, his eyes -roaming over the scene with great interest.</p> - -<p>They crossed the lot, peeped into the mess -tent, then wandered from place to place, sometimes<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span> -walking in the shadow of monster -wagons or long trucks whose heavy wheels -were often sunk deep in the turf.</p> - -<p>“Looks as if Spudger’s was here for life,” -commented Victor.</p> - -<p>“And yet the circus will probably leave -to-night,” said Dave. “A strenuous life, -indeed—positively makes me weary even to -think of it. Oh ho! Come on, Vic.”</p> - -<p>A nice, comfortable-looking stump a few -yards away had attracted the historian’s attention. -Its call was altogether too strong to be -resisted. Unheeding the loud expostulations -of Victor, he walked over, and, with a sigh of -satisfaction, seated himself upon it.</p> - -<p>“A fine place to get a good perspective of -the show, Vic,” he exclaimed. “I’d like to -make a sketch.”</p> - -<p>“It won’t be done while I’m here,” said -Victor, in positive tones; “unless,” he added, -mischievously, “you can work while your -neck is being tickled with a blade of grass.”</p> - -<p>“Tyrant!” laughed Dave. He raised his -finger warningly. “I give notice, however: -no power can budge me for at least five -minutes.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span>Victor looked displeased.</p> - -<p>“That’s a challenge. We’ll see about it,” -he snapped.</p> - -<p>The lad immediately made an attempt to -convince Dave that his opinion on the subject -was an entirely mistaken one. But all his -pushing and tugging merely resulted in Victor -making himself quite hot and uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>It annoyed him very much indeed.</p> - -<p>A second and more strenuous effort to dislodge -the stout boy brought forth a mild -protest.</p> - -<p>“Quit it!” commanded Dave.</p> - -<p>“Humph; I don’t have to!”</p> - -<p>The next instant Victor found his wrists -being held in a grip of steel.</p> - -<p>“Let go, Brandon; let go!” he stormed. -“I’ll punch your head if you don’t.”</p> - -<p>“Promise to stop, Vic?”</p> - -<p>“No; I’ll promise nothing, you big Indian, -you large spot in the landscape! Let go!”</p> - -<p>“Only when I have your word, Vic.”</p> - -<p>Victor struggled furiously to free himself.</p> - -<p>“How dare you grab me like that, Brandon?” -he howled. “Ouch! It hurts like -fun. Gee, if I don’t get square with you for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span> -this I never saw a senator—and my father’s -best friend’s a senator!”</p> - -<p>“Hello, Jumbo, what’s up?”</p> - -<p>This salutation, uttered in very loud tones, -put a stop to further hostilities.</p> - -<p>Both instantly turned.</p> - -<p>A lad—and a very odd-looking lad indeed—had -just stepped from behind a wagon and -was surveying them with a curious mixture -of amusement and surprise. He appeared to -be about fifteen years of age. His round, -chubby face was liberally besprinkled with -freckles; a mop of thick yellowish hair, supporting -a dilapidated cap, straggled across a -broad forehead, the wind occasionally blowing -it in his eyes.</p> - -<p>Dave found it difficult to repress a laugh.</p> - -<p>“Looks like a real little character,” he said, -softly, to himself.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Jumbo, what’s up?” repeated the boy.</p> - -<p>He shuffled forward, his movements being -somewhat impeded by a huge bucket of water -in one hand and a broom in the other.</p> - -<p>“Say—if ye’re abusin’ that little kid I won’t -stan’ for it. Do you get me?” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Victor, already angry, bristled up.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span>“Why, we were only fooling, you silly -duffer,” he retorted; “and——”</p> - -<p>“Good-morning!” put in Dave, politely.</p> - -<p>“Mornin’! Weren’t no scrap, then? Say, -Jumbo, you’re too late; Whiffin’s hired a fat -man a’ready. You lookin’ for a job, Buster?”</p> - -<p>Victor swelled up with hot indignation. To -be addressed in such slighting terms by a boy -whose rough attire and general appearance -indicated a very low status in society was -more than his nature could stand.</p> - -<p>“Get away from here, boy,” he snapped. -“We didn’t say anything to you.”</p> - -<p>The freckle-faced lad’s mouth flew open. -He set down broom and bucket.</p> - -<p>“Well, by gum, I said somethin’ to you.”</p> - -<p>“And you needn’t say any more. Go on -about your business.”</p> - -<p>“If yer wasn’t so small I’d fetch you a clip -for that.”</p> - -<p>Victor’s anger rose to the boiling point.</p> - -<p>“Chase him away, you Indian!” he shouted -to Dave. “See here, Freckles, my father is -one of the biggest lawyers in Chicago.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t keer if he owned a whole sideshow, -an’——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span></p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p070.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">“ARE YOU WORKING FOR THE CIRCUS?”</p> - -<p>“Come, come!” interposed Dave. “This -won’t do.” A touch of authority in his tone -stopped a hot reply from Victor. “Are you -working for the circus?—Yes? Well, what is -your name?”</p> - -<p>“Me name is Mister Joe Rodgers.”</p> - -<p>This answer, accompanied by an expansive -grin and a wink, to Victor’s utter astonishment -and disgust, brought forth a low chuckling -laugh from the stout boy.</p> - -<p>“Come on, Brandon,” urged Victor, stiffly. -“You’re keeping the water-carrier from his -job.”</p> - -<p>“Say, ain’t them clothes o’ hisn somethin’ -fine? Bet he never did a lick o’ real work in -his life. D’ye know what a pay envelope -looks like, bub?”</p> - -<p>Victor brandished his small white fists furiously -and dashed in front of the circus boy. -But Dave, quickly springing between the two, -prevented actual hostilities.</p> - -<p>“Cut it out, Victor,” he said, sternly.</p> - -<p>“Get away, you big lump!” howled young -Collins. “Take his part—that’s right. You’ve -got a yellow streak a yard wide.”</p> - -<p>“By gum, him an’ Peter Whiffin ’ud make<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span> -a fine pair this mornin’,” exclaimed “Mister -Joe Rodgers,” with a long, critical stare at the -lawyer’s son. “Ha, ha! Whiffin can’t find -no barker; he’s up ag’in it bad. Him an’ -him”—he indicated Victor—“is sure like cats -that’s had their tails trod on hard. I’d like -to cool ’em off with this bucket o’ water. I’m -a purty good feller, I am; I ain’t a bit perwerse. -But don’t nobody rile me.”</p> - -<p>“All of which relieves our minds,” remarked -Dave, gravely. “Hold on, Vic!”</p> - -<p>Victor, however, thoroughly disgusted, had -no intention of waiting. Only a week before -the hand of a senator had patted him on the -shoulder in a fatherly way—and now! Well—“Mister -Joe Rodgers” evidently didn’t -know to whom he was talking. It was outrageous; -and, what was more, Dave had calmly -permitted both of them to be insulted without -even putting in a word of protest.</p> - -<p>“I wish I’d never heard of this confounded -bunch of wonders,” he said in audible tones.</p> - -<p>A glance over his shoulder showed Dave -looming up close behind and the water-carrier -tramping across the lot with his heavy burden.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m mad clean through, Brandon,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> -snapped Victor. “Don’t take my arm. No; -I won’t listen.”</p> - -<p>He did, however. Dave had a way that -was hard to resist. The historian’s job was -not an easy one, but there were so many interesting -sights and sounds connected with -“Spudger’s Peerless” that the angry look on -Victor’s face gradually faded away.</p> - -<p>After every portion of the grounds had been -visited Victor spoke up.</p> - -<p>“It’s time to get over to the wharf, Brandon,” -he said. “Guess by this time Somers -has talked Uncle Ralph off his feet.”</p> - -<p>“Then, to save him from serious injury, -we’ll hurry,” laughed Dave.</p> - -<p>“Aren’t you going to say good-bye to your -new-found friend, ‘Mister’ Joe Rodgers?”</p> - -<p>“A queer little chap,” mused Dave. “Guess -I’ll never see him again.”</p> - -<p>“And I certainly hope I never shall,” voiced -the other, with a growl.</p> - -<p>When the two arrived at the wharf an -amazing howl of dismay from Victor was -Dave Brandon’s first intimation that something -extraordinary had happened.</p> - -<p>The “Fearless” was nowhere to be seen.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VII<br /> - - -<small>DESERTED</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Victor</span> stared at Dave in unconcealed astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Hello! What do you think of that, Brandon?” -he gasped. “The yacht has actually -gone off without me.”</p> - -<p>“Of course not, Vic!”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps it’s right before my eyes—only I -can’t see it?” exclaimed Victor, witheringly. -“Or maybe you think Uncle Ralph is putting -the ‘Fearless’ through some funny capers a -mile up in the sky?”</p> - -<p>“It’s a kind of puzzle, I’ll admit. But——”</p> - -<p>“I don’t like it a little bit,” broke in Victor, -beginning to pace the wharf. “Uncle -Ralph intended to leave at ten. It’s nine-fifteen -now.”</p> - -<p>“Very likely he has taken Bob and Charlie -on a short cruise,” suggested Dave, consolingly.</p> - -<p>“What for, I’d like to know?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span>“So should I.”</p> - -<p>“Looks mighty queer to me.” A heavy -scowl rested on Victor’s face. “Let’s get off -this old pile of boards, and——”</p> - -<p>“Go back to the hotel, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“You suppose wrong, as usual. In the -mood I’m in I might give the by-law committee -what I almost handed to Joe Rodgers. -Back to that fine combination of Spudger and -Whiffin.”</p> - -<p>“But there’s three-quarters of an hour to -spare, and the yacht is almost sure to be back -within that time,” objected Dave, glancing at -his watch.</p> - -<p>“I won’t wait.”</p> - -<p>Dave’s resourcefulness was called into play. -By means of a vigorous argument he managed -to prolong their stay for a few moments, at -the expiration of which he found himself -alone. Laughing softly, he sat down on a -box on the edge of the wharf.</p> - -<p>Ten o’clock arrived. Dave took another -careful survey of the river, but, seeing no -signs of the motor yacht, he accordingly -walked off to join the figure loitering in the -distance.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span>“I knew it wouldn’t be there,” was Victor’s -greeting.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps in a quarter of an hour——” began -the stout boy.</p> - -<p>“Nix,” interrupted Victor. “Uncle Ralph -has kept me waiting; I’ll keep him waiting. -I’m going to the circus.”</p> - -<p>“Tyrant!” laughed Dave. “Lead on, -Prince. I’ll follow.”</p> - -<p>“Here now: don’t you start any funny -prattling, Brownie. My name is Victor.”</p> - -<p>“Human nature is indeed a curious study,” -sighed the historian.</p> - -<p>After another trip to Spudger’s the boys -started for the wharf again.</p> - -<p>“Gee, if Uncle Ralph isn’t there by this -time I’ll give it up,” remarked Victor.</p> - -<p>Uncle Ralph wasn’t there. And if Victor -did give it up he kept right on talking.</p> - -<p>The lad’s face reflected his keen disappointment. -He was beginning to feel very angry -and disgusted. He was also extremely mystified. -What could it mean?</p> - -<p>“It looks as if I’m going to get cheated out -of that dandy motor yacht trip to-day, Brandon.” -The scowling lines on his forehead<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span> -deepened. “By George, I never felt so mad -in all my life. It’s after eleven, now.”</p> - -<p>The two were so busily engaged in conversation -that they failed to notice a little fat man -who presently emerged from a shanty not far -away and ambled slowly out on the wharf -toward them.</p> - -<p>With his face wreathed in smiles he approached, -coughing in a sort of apologetic -fashion as he said, touching his cap:</p> - -<p>“I beg pardon, gents, but I’d like to speak -to ye jist a moment.”</p> - -<p>Victor eyed his slouchy figure with a disdainful -stare.</p> - -<p>“No—no; not even a cent!” he exclaimed -almost spitefully. “You’re husky enough to -work. Go hustle after a job!”</p> - -<p>The humorous light instantly left the little -fat man’s eyes, to be followed by such a ferocious -expression that Victor thought it wise to -walk briskly away.</p> - -<p>“Wal, if it don’t beat all,” growled the offended -citizen. He struck the palm of his -hand a savage blow. “Wonder what the captain -’ud say to that?”</p> - -<p>Finding no answer to this perplexing problem,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span> -he started to follow the retreating lads; -then, apparently reconsidering, stopped short.</p> - -<p>“They kin find out for theirselves,” he -grunted, decidedly.</p> - -<p>When Victor, a few moments later, shot a -glance over his shoulder he saw the man -walking slowly away from the wharf.</p> - -<p>“The idea of a husky lump like that asking -for money!” he sniffed.</p> - -<p>“He didn’t,” returned Dave.</p> - -<p>“Well, he was going to. I’m glad I called -him down. And I don’t care what you say, -Brandon, there’s something funny about this -boat business,” Victor almost screeched.</p> - -<p>“We’ll go right over to the hotel now, and -see Tom,” said Dave, firmly.</p> - -<p>There was a significance in his manner -which Victor had already learned to comprehend—it -meant that his wishes were to be -obeyed. Fuming with impatience, and feeling -a deep sense of personal injury at the way -things had gone, he followed his companion.</p> - -<p>“The garage is on our way,” remarked -Dave, a few minutes later. “I want to see if -that motor car has been made ready for our -trip.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span>Benjamin Rochester, the colored lad, with -an oily rag and a can of gasoline in his hand, -looked up quickly as their forms were silhouetted -against the open doorway.</p> - -<p>“Fo’ de land’s sake,” he gasped, “I thought -you fellers had done gone!”</p> - -<p>“Hello!” cried Dave.</p> - -<p>He looked sharply around the garage. But -the huge form of the Rambler Club’s motor -car was not revealed to his eager gaze.</p> - -<p>“What has become of our car, Benjamin?” -he demanded, sternly.</p> - -<p>“De lan’ sake! You didn’t know?”</p> - -<p>“Now what’s coming, I wonder!” growled -Victor.</p> - -<p>“Why, dat tall young gemman has jist -took it away, suh,” answered Benjamin, scenting -a mystery, and beginning to show the -whites of his eyes.</p> - -<p>“Took it away?” exclaimed Dave, incredulously. -“You can’t mean that our Tom -took the machine away?”</p> - -<p>“Fo’ de lan’s sake! An’ yo’ didn’t know?”</p> - -<p>“Well, this beats the Dutch, and the -American, and the English, all put together!” -exploded Victor, so fiercely that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span> -Benjamin, somewhat startled, side-stepped -out of range.</p> - -<p>“And where was he going?”</p> - -<p>“To Milwaukee, suh.”</p> - -<p>“To Milwaukee?” echoed Dave and Victor, -almost in the same breath.</p> - -<p>“Dat’s perxactly what he done said, suh.”</p> - -<p>The boys looked at each other in amazement. -Victor clenched his small fists and -whistled shrilly, while Dave gazed thoughtfully -at the grinning countenance of Benjamin -Rochester.</p> - -<p>“Tom gone to Milwaukee!” he murmured, -in highly perplexed tones. “And left no -message for us?”</p> - -<p>“No, suh; de gemman didn’t say nuffin,” -answered Benjamin. He wagged his head -knowingly. “But I had me s’picions, suh; -’deed I had. He acted awful queer, like he -were done skeered, suh; an’ kep’ a-lookin’ an’ -a-lookin’.”</p> - -<p>“Here, Brownie”—Victor Collins seized -Dave’s wrist and fairly dragged him toward -the door—“come right along. I’ve got an -idea.”</p> - -<p>The instant they were outside, Victor, his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span> -eyes sparkling, stopped by the curb and began -a broadside.</p> - -<p>“Say, Brandon, remember how I kidded -Clifton this morning?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Dave.</p> - -<p>“Well, I guess he was actually thin-skinned -enough to believe I really meant it. I’ll bet -he went tearing over to Uncle Ralph and jollied -him into going off without me.”</p> - -<p>“What a ridiculous idea, Vic!” laughed -Dave. “Why should Tom have done such a -thing?”</p> - -<p>Victor eyed him scornfully.</p> - -<p>“Just to get ahead of the game, that’s why. -Don’t you see?”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t, Vic.”</p> - -<p>“Then brush up your perceptive faculties -a bit. Here it is a second time: he was so -afraid that I might get Uncle Ralph to take -you chaps to Milwaukee as a joke—see?—that -he sets his wits to work, goes over to the yacht -to find out, discovers that you and I are at the -circus, and plays the joke first. See again?”</p> - -<p>“Bob and Charlie would never have stood -for such a thing,” declared Dave.</p> - -<p>“They would!” returned Victor. “And I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span> -know Uncle Ralph; he’s just the one to fall -for a game like that.”</p> - -<p>The stout boy raised his hand protestingly.</p> - -<p>“Why, Vic!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t ‘why Vic’ me!” snapped Victor. -“I tell you, Uncle Ralph Bunderley probably -sat down and roared.”</p> - -<p>“You won’t think so when you feel in a -better humor,” laughed Dave.</p> - -<p>“I don’t care what you say, Brandon; that’s -the way I figure it out. Anyway, if that long-legged -Indian did engineer it”—he flourished -his fists savagely—“he’ll stop a few of these!”</p> - -<p>“Let’s try and reason——”</p> - -<p>“There isn’t any reason to it. That Clifton -fellow has just turned the trick; he’s getting -square for some of the true things I said about -him.”</p> - -<p>“Nothing of the sort,” said Dave.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I reckon you’ll stand up for that grand -and perfect Clifton. Honest, though, I didn’t -think the sly, foxy Indian would do Brownie -up brown like this.”</p> - -<p>Dave, refusing to countenance such an idea, -propounded theory after theory, each of which -his companion promptly rejected.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span>“There’s no use talking, Brandon,” he exclaimed, -at length. “I declare, I’m mad -enough to punch his head off. The yacht’s -gone; the gasoline tank’s gone; and we’re here -in Kenosha.”</p> - -<p>“And I’m likely to stay for some time to -come, unless the fellows turn up.”</p> - -<p>The worried expression on the historian’s -face gave place to a broad grin.</p> - -<p>“Why?” demanded Victor.</p> - -<p>“Because I’m stranded—broke—cast into -the seething vortex of life without gold, silver, -nickel, or even copper to lend me a helping -hand.”</p> - -<p>“How in the dickens did such a thing as -that happen?”</p> - -<p>“It’s this way, Vic: after I’d paid my way -out to Chicago I didn’t have a red cent left. -So I was obliged to throw myself on the tender -mercies of the crowd until we reach Milwaukee.”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t this all another joke?” queried -Victor, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it, Vic.”</p> - -<p>“Well, if they’ve been lending you cash -how is it you’re broke?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span>“I was going to get another five from Bob -this morning.”</p> - -<p>Victor’s eyes began to twinkle. Then, like -a flash, his mood completely changed. A -wide grin merged into a laugh; his slender -form shook with a perfect storm of merriment, -while Benjamin, from the doorway, looked on -with wondering eyes.</p> - -<p>“My, oh my, but don’t I feel sorry for you, -Brownie!” he gasped, between another succession -of outbursts. “Broke? Gee! I’ll bet -you are just shaking in your shoes.”</p> - -<p>Dave smiled calmly.</p> - -<p>“Maybe so, Vic,” he returned, good-naturedly. -“Perhaps our stay in Kenosha may -add more pages to my history than I anticipated.”</p> - -<p>To Victor’s mind there was something extremely -comical in Dave Brandon’s unexpected -situation. His face now actually beamed. -Things were at last breaking in a way to suit -him. Without a move on his part, events -had so shaped themselves that at least one -member of the Rambler Club was likely -to come tumbling down several pegs in a -hurry.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span>Victor wasn’t really such a bad chap. He -simply possessed an over-supply of the weaknesses -of human nature, which had been -fostered—unintentionally, of course—by a too-indulgent -parent.</p> - -<p>“I’ll lend the big Indian just as much of -the cash as he wants,” reflected the boy, “but -he’ll have to get off his high perch and ask -me for it. Gee, won’t I laugh when the great -depending-upon-himself fellow hollers for -help!”</p> - -<p>In a moment, slapping Dave on the shoulder, -he said:</p> - -<p>“What are you going to do?”</p> - -<p>“Go back to the hotel. Perhaps Tom may -have left some message for us.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t believe it.”</p> - -<p>With a sigh, Dave started off.</p> - -<p>“Good-bye, Benjamin,” he called, catching -sight of the wondering colored lad. “I only -hope this is ‘much ado about nothing,’ -or——”</p> - -<p>“It won’t be any ‘Tempest in a teapot’ -when I get hold of Wyoming Tom,” said -Victor, decidedly; “and don’t you forget it.”</p> - -<p>“Dar am sartingly somethin’ queer ’bout dat<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> -dar bunch,” murmured Benjamin Rochester, -shaking his head knowingly.</p> - -<p>When the two arrived at the hotel the clerk -told them that Tom had left no message.</p> - -<p>“Of course the tall Indian didn’t!” exclaimed -the smaller lad.</p> - -<p>To his astonishment, Dave ambled slowly -into the reception room and took a seat.</p> - -<p>“I say, Brownie,” remarked Victor, “I’m -going out to get some grub.”</p> - -<p>“Hope you’ll enjoy it,” came an easy response.</p> - -<p>“Why in thunder doesn’t he ask?” thought -Victor. Then, aloud, he added:</p> - -<p>“Aren’t you hungry, Brownie?”</p> - -<p>“Sure, Vic; always am.”</p> - -<p>“Coming, then?”</p> - -<p>“Can’t!”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“For obvious reasons, my dear sir.”</p> - -<p>“Humph! Wants me to offer it to him. -Not on your life!” was another of Victor’s -reflections. “How are you going to manage, -Brandon?”</p> - -<p>“Time will tell, Vic.”</p> - -<p>The Chicago boy stood, irresolute; his better<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span> -nature prompted him to offer assistance. But -the slights Victor imagined he had suffered -suddenly flashed into his mind.</p> - -<p>“No; I won’t do it. If the duffer is too -all-fired proud to speak up he’ll get out of his -fix the best way he can.”</p> - -<p>“No use to wait for me, Vic,” said Dave.</p> - -<p>“Just as you say, Brandon. So-long!”</p> - -<p>Once outside the room, however, Victor’s -conscience smote him. He walked back and -poked his head inside the doorway. “I’ll -give him another chance,” he said to himself.</p> - -<p>“Say, Brandon, what’s your program?”</p> - -<p>“Time will tell, Vic,” responded the stout -boy.</p> - -<p>With a snort of disgust, Victor turned on -his heel.</p> - -<p>“This ought to teach the big Indian a jolly -good lesson,” he muttered, fiercely. “After a -while he’ll be singing a mighty different -tune.”</p> - -<p>When Victor Collins, refreshed by an ample -repast, returned to the hotel he received his -third surprise of the day.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VIII<br /> - - -<small>TOM AT THE WHEEL</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> moment the door had closed behind -his friends Tom Clifton prepared to make good -use of the time.</p> - -<p>“Now I’ll be able to finish it up in great -shape,” he said softly to himself.</p> - -<p>He listened, his face wearing a very serious -expression, until their cheery voices were stilled -by distance, then drawing a voluminous collection -of papers from his inside pocket he -spread them out carefully on the center table -and set to work.</p> - -<p>Evidently the problems which confronted -him were of a very profound and complex -nature. The lines on his forehead deepened; -occasionally he uttered a half sigh, as some -particularly knotty point was encountered; -then, losing patience, he rose to his feet and -walked toward an armchair near the window.</p> - -<p>Picking up a book, the well-worn appearance -of which indicated much usage, he opened it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span> -at random and began to read a description of -the deltoid muscle, its origin, insertion and -various functions.</p> - -<p>But a treatise on anatomy, just then, couldn’t -hold Tom’s attention long.</p> - -<p>“By George, that twenty-second article is a -sticker,” he exclaimed, aloud. “I’ll get it -through.” He looked at his watch. “Gee, -I’ll have to hurry. Isn’t Victor the freshest -little dub? Afraid to take the car out alone, -am I? He certainly does make me tired.”</p> - -<p>When the obstinate twenty-second article -was finally conquered the lad breathed a sigh -of relief, and a good-natured grin replaced the -scowl on his face, as he began gathering the -loose sheets of paper together.</p> - -<p>“It’s a dandy piece of work, all right—bet -Dave’ll think so, too,” he reflected. “We’re -going to make some stir in the Kingswood -High this term.”</p> - -<p>Tom busied himself for a few moments in -replacing his belongings in a suit case. This -done, he glanced at his watch once more.</p> - -<p>“It’s most time for ’em now,” he murmured. -“Crickets! I’m anxious to hop into that car -again.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span>Thoughts of the pleasant journey before -them and the sensation which his by-laws -were certainly bound to create were in his -mind to the exclusion of all else, but, as time -passed by, the former steadily gained the -ascendency.</p> - -<p>“What’s keeping those chaps, I wonder?” -Tom, in his impatience, paced the floor. -“They ought to have been here before this.”</p> - -<p>The next quarter of an hour was really a -distressing period to the tall boy. Every step -in the corridor, every voice which penetrated -into the room, made his heart beat with hope. -But as each faded away it left him annoyed, -even angry.</p> - -<p>“Never knew Bob Somers to fail in his -word before,” he repeated several times.</p> - -<p>Unable to stand the dreary task of waiting -any longer Tom slapped on his cap, and, in a -moment, was down-stairs at the door.</p> - -<p>He looked searchingly along the street in -both directions. But there were no familiar -faces in the ever-passing throng.</p> - -<p>“Hang it all,” he growled. “If we were in -Chicago I might understand it, because there’s -a fire every few minutes, or some kind of a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span> -rumpus going on. But here!—Why don’t -those chaps come back?”</p> - -<p>No answer was suggested by the mental -query which insistently propounded itself; so, -finally, with a last long look and grunt of disapproval, -Tom climbed back to Bob Somers’ -room. The book on anatomy reappeared, and -the student, with an air of deep injury, once -more began to read.</p> - -<p>It was, at length, fully fifteen minutes beyond -the time appointed for the yacht to leave.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Tom sat bolt upright. He seemed -as startled as though some one had clapped -him unexpectedly on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>Could it be possible?</p> - -<p>He drew a long, deep breath. A dreadful -suspicion had entered his head. He tried to -cast it off with scorn; but, somehow, the -thought would not down. Were the boys -testing his courage? Had they actually gone -away with Victor on the motor yacht? Did -the crowd wish to find out how he stood in -relation to the “flopper” class? And yet it -wasn’t like honest, straightforward Bob Somers -to act in such a way.</p> - -<p>The precious book of anatomy fell unheeded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span> -to the floor, as Tom restlessly paced up and -down, while conflicting ideas chased each -other swiftly through his brain.</p> - -<p>“I don’t—can’t believe it,” he said, aloud. -“Of course not! What a silly idiot I am. -The crowd’ll be here soon. Mustn’t let ’em -think they had me aeroplaning.” He smiled -grimly as an idea struck him. “I’ll just -sprint down to the wharf and settle it.”</p> - -<p>So Tom, with unseemly haste, again dashed -down-stairs, and did almost “sprint” through -the streets in the direction of the river. It -was quite a long distance, too, but probably -few had ever covered it in so short a time.</p> - -<p>The moment his eyes rested on the familiar -pilings at which Captain Bunderley’s motor -yacht was usually moored he stopped short -and uttered a low whistle. His suspicions -were not without foundation, after all.</p> - -<p>The “Fearless” had gone.</p> - -<p>Yes, the “Fearless” had gone! There -could be no doubt about it. Tom Clifton felt -a strange variety of emotions assail him. He -eagerly scanned the river, half expecting to -see the yacht somewhere on its surface. But -his search was in vain.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>“Well, well! Victor must have actually -managed to pull off that trick,” he growled.</p> - -<p>Smarting with indignation, the lad covered -the space between him and the end of the -wharf in record time.</p> - -<p>A small, stout man sitting on a barrel looked -up as he approached.</p> - -<p>“Hey,” began Tom, “were you here this -morning when that motor yacht left?”</p> - -<p>The stout man, with a whimsical light in -his eye, was gazing hard into the boy’s face.</p> - -<p>“Yer hat is a great distance up from the -ground, me lad,” he remarked, casually. -“Kin ye see acrost to the lake from there?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, cut it out. I’m no lighthouse!” -snapped Tom, forgetting politeness in his ruffled -state of mind. “Were you——”</p> - -<p>The stout man stopped him.</p> - -<p>“I were, for sure,” he answered, emphatically.</p> - -<p>“See any boys on board?”</p> - -<p>“I did—sure ag’in.”</p> - -<p>“Been gone long?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, a right smart spell. Runned off -without yer, did they, mate? Some people is -mean enough for anythin’.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span>Tom was too angry and disturbed to make -any reply to this observation.</p> - -<p>“My, but wouldn’t I like to punch that -little Victor,” he thought. “I didn’t think it -of Bob Somers; or Dave, either. Looks as -though the whole bunch is trying to have a -big joke at my expense. Hey?”</p> - -<p>The little man was speaking again.</p> - -<p>“Ye oughter be real glad ye weren’t took -along, mate,” he remarked, pleasantly. “Ye -look kinder peart now; but a right smart -spell o’ tossin’ about out there ’ud take that -out o’ you. I always says, give me seasoned -water every time.”</p> - -<p>“Seasoned water?” queried Tom.</p> - -<p>“Sure, mate; some as has plenty o’ salt in -it. I’ve sailed on both kinds, an’ I know.”</p> - -<p>“Then I suppose the lake makes you feel -a bit peppery at times, eh?” grunted Tom, as -he strode rapidly away.</p> - -<p>“Well, of all things!” he exclaimed, hotly, -when out of hearing distance. “Isn’t this the -limit! A dandy trip bungled at the very -start; and all on account of that little spoiled -kid. By George, they certainly have put it -up to me to take our car to Milwaukee all<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span> -alone. Think I’ll ‘flop,’ eh, as Victor calls -it? Well, I rather guess not!”</p> - -<p>Tom looked very savage indeed; his fists -were tightly clenched, and he glared about -him in a way that might have attracted attention -had any observers been near.</p> - -<p>The cool gusts of wind which continually -swept against the lad, together with the busy -scenes along the wharves, finally began to -calm his belligerent spirit. The first effect of -the unpleasant situation wearing off left him -with a dogged feeling of determination to -show his mettle.</p> - -<p>Presently Tom sat down on an old box, -from which position he had a good view of -the river. But another period of waiting -brought no result, and he rose to his feet more -disgusted than ever.</p> - -<p>His mind had been busily engaged. He -did not intend to let any one, even his best -friends, play jokes on him.</p> - -<p>“If the bunch doesn’t turn up mighty fast,” -he reflected, “I’ll have a little fun in that car -all by my lonesome. No doubt now—it’s -Milwaukee for mine.”</p> - -<p>The boys didn’t turn up. Whereupon Tom,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span> -deciding that he had, with Sherlock Holmes -intelligence, made the proper deductions, went -back to the hotel. There he gathered together -the few articles of luggage which the crowd -carried with them and paid their bill.</p> - -<p>“I’ll be back soon with the car,” he explained, -briefly, to the clerk.</p> - -<p>At the garage the proprietor was mildly -surprised to see only the very tall lad returning -to take charge of the motor car, but, concluding -that it was none of his affair, he made -no comments.</p> - -<p>The machine seemed to have increased -marvelously in size since Tom had last seen -it. In the midst of other vehicles it loomed -up in a positively gigantic fashion. How -easily he could picture in his mind Dave -Brandon lolling in comfort on the rear seat. -What a strange, dismal silence hovered over -the big car now! A peculiar sense of loneliness -stole over him. He stood, irresolute. -Then, in an instant, and with a shrug of his -shoulders, he climbed up to the chauffeur’s -seat.</p> - -<p>“Yes, suh, I done filled the tank with gasoline,” -explained a smiling colored lad, in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span> -answer to his query. “Dar ain’t nuthin’ to be -did. Whar’s ye goin’, suh, if I might ask?”</p> - -<p>“To Milwaukee,” answered Tom.</p> - -<p>“Sho, dat am sartingly a fine trip. Yes, -suh, de way am clear.”</p> - -<p>Tom Clifton’s hand trembled a little as he -laid it on the steering wheel. Without the -presence of the others to strengthen his courage -the task of driving the car through the -city streets assumed more formidable proportions -than he liked. But, giving the button on -the dash a push, he muttered, determinedly:</p> - -<p>“I’ll play the game right to the end.”</p> - -<p>In another instant the echoes of the engine’s -rapid pulsation thundered through the garage. -A cloud of gasoline vapor swirled aloft, to lose -itself among the rafters. The clutch was -thrown on.</p> - -<p>“So-long, Benjamin!”</p> - -<p>“So-long, Mistah! I done hopes yo hab a -bully trip.”</p> - -<p>The big touring car slid easily past the -doorway; a series of warning blasts from the -horn sounded, and Tom was on the street.</p> - -<p>Once outside, with the machine responding -to his slightest touch, he soon began to feel a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span> -little easier in mind. Yet how empty the car -seemed! How he missed the cheery voices -and merry laughter of his companions! Why -had they allowed themselves to be so influenced -by Victor—why?</p> - -<p>And then the thought that he had acted -too impulsively flashed through Tom’s mind.</p> - -<p>“Suppose I should find ’em at the hotel? -They’d have a jolly good laugh at my expense, -after all,” he reflected.</p> - -<p>But, on this point, he need not have disturbed -himself. Neither Victor nor any of -the others was at the hotel when the car -stopped before the entrance.</p> - -<p>“Those chaps even had the confounded -cheek to leave their traps for me to look -after,” grumbled Tom, as the boy in bright -brass buttons assisted him in stowing away the -luggage. “Well, all right. The first inning -of the game’s been played. Here’s the beginning -of the second.”</p> - -<p>Once more the touring car was in motion. -With all the responsibility resting on his -shoulders, the lad experienced new and novel -sensations—and most of them were not altogether -pleasant. He sadly missed Bob Somers’<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span> -words of caution and advice. Approaching -the public square, with numerous vehicles -and pedestrians on all sides, he became decidedly -nervous.</p> - -<p>Just as the car rolled toward the principal -crossing, around the corner of which Tom -decided to turn, a tall man who had been -reading a newspaper by the curb suddenly -stepped out into the street.</p> - -<p>With a cry, Tom reached over and sounded -the horn sharply. He took his foot off the -clutch and threw on the break. It was an -instant of intense satisfaction to him—and, -perhaps, some surprise, when the touring car -abruptly stopped.</p> - -<p>And, meanwhile, a flying leap had taken -the man to safety.</p> - -<p>At the moment of landing, fully a yard -from the starting point, his temper took effect -all at once.</p> - -<p>“Hey there, what’s the matter? Ain’t you -got no eyes?” he demanded, in amazingly -gruff tones.</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s a good one!” cried Tom, -though his voice was somewhat shaky. “How—how—about -yourself?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span>“Don’t pass out any flip talk, now. I -won’t stand for it.”</p> - -<p>“Better wait until I do.”</p> - -<p>The angry citizen paused, took a good look -at the tall chauffeur, then:</p> - -<p>“Why, you ain’t nothin’ but a kid!” he -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Tom’s face flushed.</p> - -<p>“I’m old enough to know what I’m doing,” -he answered, witheringly.</p> - -<p>“You are, hey? There ought to be a -law passed against letting fellers what ain’t -cut their eye teeth yet drive regular whaleback -ships like that through the streets. -What are you doing in there, anyway, -boy?”</p> - -<p>“If you throw any more words in this direction -you may find out.”</p> - -<p>“Got a license for knocking folks down, -have you?”</p> - -<p>A small crowd had already gathered, and -seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the situation.</p> - -<p>“Don’t let ’im faze you, chaufyer,” screeched -a very small lad.</p> - -<p>Tom, making a strong effort to appear cool<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span> -and dignified, leaned forward. His eye caught -the tall man’s.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to say this,” he roared: “if the -city intended the middle of the street to be -used as a place for reading newspapers they’d -have put a few benches and chairs along it.”</p> - -<p>Chuckles of mirth came from the audience.</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha! You’ve got ’im goin’,” piped a -very youthful citizen.</p> - -<p>“Goin’! He’s the one that will be goin’!” -roared the man whose life had been saved. -“Where’s there a cop? Where’s that officer I -saw on the corner a few moments ago?”</p> - -<p>“If he hadn’t gone, too,” cried Tom, looking -around, “he’d pinch you for disorderly -conduct and blocking the highway. Get out -of the road. This machine is going to buzz -like a sawmill.”</p> - -<p>An elderly lady, who disliked everybody -that rode in an automobile, declared to a -companion that Tom was the most brazen-looking -young scamp she had ever seen; and, -the fact is, he did not at that moment appear -very angelic.</p> - -<p>Snorting indignantly, and still somewhat -unnerved, Tom threw in the clutch.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span>He had expected to spend some time scouting -around in the center of the city. But this -experience caused him to decide that the more -quiet streets would do just as well.</p> - -<p>“That chap was certainly a grouch,” he -murmured, still highly indignant. “But I -guess my remark about the benches squelched -him.”</p> - -<p>A number of blocks were passed, each instant -bringing him nearer to the wharf where -the “Fearless” had been moored.</p> - -<p>“Bet, by this time, the yacht is back,” he -murmured, hopefully. “I’ll never let on how -the boys had me going, both in and out of the -car.”</p> - -<p>The river soon swept into view. Tom, peering -eagerly ahead, felt his spirits sink again. -A number of boats dotted the gray, gloomy-looking -surface, but the motor yacht “Fearless” -was not among the number.</p> - -<p>“Well, well! I might have known I was -right.”</p> - -<p>The car came to a full stop. Tom sat for -many minutes absorbed in deep reflection. -Then a grim smile played across his features.</p> - -<p>“I’ll show ’em how well I can play the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span> -game,” he cried once more to the empty air. -His hand gripped the horn bulb. A resounding -blast instantly followed. “There goes the -signal for the third inning. I’ll make a home -run to Milwaukee, and bob up smiling.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IX<br /> - - -<small>SPEEDING</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">I certainly</span> hope we don’t meet any more -mean, tricky little kids,” soliloquized Tom, as -the touring car rushed steadily ahead, each instant -leaving the city of Kenosha further and -further behind. “By George—the nerve of -him! Well—the fellows will find out that -when it comes to matching wits they haven’t -much on me.”</p> - -<p>Tom Clifton’s confidence had returned; the -strange feeling of loneliness which at first had -persisted in hanging over him, as well as the -half-defined fear of something happening to -the motor were rapidly being dispelled. The -six cylinders, operating with perfect precision, -sent off on the breeze their steady vibrating -roar. Tom’s cheek was flushed with the excitement -and novelty of his position. He -seemed to have grown into man’s estate at a -bound.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span>“I guess when I meet the yacht at Milwaukee -I’ll have the laugh on the whole -bunch,” he thought, with a cheerful grin.</p> - -<p>The weather was still threatening. A stiff, -cold breeze constantly blowing in his face -made the goggles very acceptable indeed, and -he had found it prudent to put on his heavier -coat. Now and again he caught glimpses of -Lake Michigan. Far out on the great body -of agitated water he could see tossing whitecaps -gleaming like silver against the gray -background of choppy waves.</p> - -<p>“Shouldn’t wonder if I got caught in an -awful blow before long,” he said aloud, somewhat -anxiously.</p> - -<p>At times the route took him not far from -the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. Occasionally -trains thundered by, their whistles -sending shrieking blasts that died out in -throbbing echoes over the dreary landscape.</p> - -<p>Tom felt an almost irresistible impulse to -throw on all power and race these defiant-looking -iron monsters, but thoughts of the law -and of sharp-eyed constables deterred him.</p> - -<p>At length a village sprang into view ahead. -On closer inspection it seemed to have the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span> -usual accompaniments of barking dogs, cackling -geese, and countless chickens.</p> - -<p>Only by the narrowest margin were several -terrible casualties among the bird family -averted that day. Tom’s heart beat fast with -apprehension as a small army of geese, led by -an ancient gander, suddenly swooped directly -in the path of the oncoming machine.</p> - -<p>The fierce yells of a blue-shirted man leaning -against a fence did not help to ease his -troubled spirit.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!”</p> - -<p>The words broke impulsively from Tom’s -lips, as, with frantic haste, he operated the -steering wheel.</p> - -<p>For an instant he expected to hear an awful -cackling ringing in his ears. But the big -touring car swerved sufficiently to clear the -rear guard of frantically flying legs.</p> - -<p>“By George! And never even ruffled a -feather!” cried Tom, in great relief.</p> - -<p>The village was quickly passed. On reaching -a bend a stretch of almost straight road -lay before him. The country looked very -deserted and lonely. Here and there a house, -far off in the fields, patches of trees, or the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span> -crooked line of a fence alone broke the monotonous -landscape.</p> - -<p>The temptation to “burn up the road” was -too great to resist. Tom threw on power until -the telegraph poles seemed to be literally -hurling themselves through space toward -him. He had certainly recovered his nerve, -a fact on which he proudly congratulated -himself.</p> - -<p>But the thrills produced by the terrific -speed were of no ordinary kind, causing him -before long to slow down considerably.</p> - -<p>“Gee! Now I’ve done it, I won’t do it -again,” he muttered, with all the elation of a -chauffeur who has captured a world’s record. -“Awful risky, that! Maybe Bob Somers -wouldn’t have opened his eyes. Hello—Racine!”</p> - -<p>Beyond an open field houses were coming -into view, and still further beyond several -church spires pierced the lowering atmosphere.</p> - -<p>At a moderate speed, Tom kept on, while -evidences that a busy, thriving town lay ahead -constantly increased. Before long the machine -was rolling over a wide, pleasant avenue<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span> -lined with houses set some distance apart, -many having fine lawns in front.</p> - -<p>As the character of the street changed so -did Tom’s feelings. When the livelier sections -of the city were reached nervousness -once again had him in its grip. But, with -firm determination, he mastered the tremors -which, for a time, threatened to interfere with -his manipulation of the steering wheel.</p> - -<p>“Easy, boy—easy!” he counseled to himself.</p> - -<p>The big machine was rounding a corner -which reminded him of the one in Kenosha. -“Main Street,” he read on a near-by sign.</p> - -<p>“Pretty brisk, too,” murmured Tom. -“Must be a busy time of day.”</p> - -<p>Clang, clang, clang!</p> - -<p>In response to the insistent warnings of a -rapidly-approaching electric car he drew near -the curb. Then a two-horse dray swung -sharply off from the car tracks and compelled -him to come to a stop.</p> - -<p>Tom was just in the humor to call out -gruffly:</p> - -<p>“Hey, there! Where are you going?”</p> - -<p>But the trolley car at that instant whizzed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span> -rapidly past, and the boy concluded, just in -time to check the remark, that the driver of -the dray was justified in his action.</p> - -<p>This far from exciting incident was the only -one which marked the passage of the motor -car through the streets of Racine. Tom, however, -drew a long, deep breath of relief when -clanging gongs, blasts of automobile horns -and the rattle of wagons were but a memory -and the open country lay stretched once more -before him.</p> - -<p>In the middle distance the moisture-laden -air seemed to dip down, and through this veil -the views beyond were revealed in misty -patches. Every minute it looked as if the -scudding clouds would begin to dissolve themselves -in torrents of driving rain. All vegetation -glistened with cold gray reflections -caught from above. Yet, as the motor car -sent the mile-stones, one after another, slipping -past, the expected did not happen.</p> - -<p>“It will mighty soon, though, I’m thinking,” -mused Tom. “By gum, this is rather -lonely work. Houses ahead! Good! Signs -of life out here are certainly scarce.”</p> - -<p>It was a very pretty little village along the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span> -principal street of which the car presently -rolled. He caught several glimpses of men -working in fields; of others gathered in front -of a store. They hailed him; he sent an answering -salute; then, in a few moments, the -last house had been reached and passed.</p> - -<p>As the journey approached its end Tom -Clifton’s impatience increased. Several times -he drove the car for short stretches at a clip -which almost rivaled his first daring attempt -at speeding. Another village was passed, and -then another. Some distance to his right an -occasional column of rapidly-moving smoke -or jets of steam marked the progress of north -or south-bound trains.</p> - -<p>“Easy job—I didn’t have any trouble finding -the way,” grinned Tom. “One look at -our road map was enough. By George; it’s a -lucky thing, too, that I remember the place -where Captain Bunderley said his motor yacht -was always moored at Milwaukee. ‘Right by -the East Water Street bridge, boys,’—those -were his very words. She ought to have arrived -by this time. And I know how to steer -the machine there straight as a carrier pigeon -scoots for home.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span>“Hey there, young feller!”</p> - -<p>The motor car was nearing an intersecting -road. It bore an appearance strangely similar -to numerous others passed that day, but -whereas they had generally been deserted on -this particular one he saw a small slight man -of uncertain age sprinting toward him at a -lively rate of speed.</p> - -<p>“Hey there, young feller!” came the hail -a second time.</p> - -<p>In obedience to the authoritative summons, -Tom slowed up, stopping just as the man, -breathing hard, reached the main road.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER X<br /> - - -<small>THE CONSTABLE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Rambler’s gaze rested upon an odd-looking -man who wore a gray beard. His -skin was tanned to a coppery color; around -his eyes innumerable wrinkles had formed, -giving to his face a curious quizzical expression.</p> - -<p>“Goodness—a county constable!” thought -Tom.</p> - -<p>The first words he heard confirmed this unpleasant -suspicion.</p> - -<p>“You’ve been scorchin’, ain’t ye?”</p> - -<p>“Scorching?” howled Tom, indignantly. -“Why, I never even scorched a biscuit.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a good one. I saw ye.”</p> - -<p>“No, sir! It was only a reasonable rate of -speed.”</p> - -<p>“How many good telegraph poles did ye -knock down along the route?” asked Tom’s -questioner, sarcastically.</p> - -<p>“I put every one right back in its place.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span>“You look like one o’ them pampered fellers. -Most likely yer dad’s a millionaire.”</p> - -<p>“Nothing of the sort!” broke in Tom, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“What ain’t?”</p> - -<p>“What you said.”</p> - -<p>“What I said ain’t nothin’ o’ the sort, eh? -Wal, it’ll go easier with yer if ye ain’t forgot -the politeness ye l’arned in early youth. -Back there”—he waved a brown finger in -the air—“ye scorched; own up now!” His -words were jerked out with incisive emphasis. -“Own up now!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe I did go a little fast,” admitted -Tom, hesitatingly, “but—but—here! What -are you doing?”</p> - -<p>The countryman, without waiting for anything -further, had calmly stepped on the running -board. He leaned over to open the door.</p> - -<p>Next instant the highly-indignant chauffeur -saw him climbing into the car.</p> - -<p>“The court-house ain’t so very far,” announced -the unexpected passenger, calmly -seating himself on the rear cushions. “Cheer -up, young feller. ’Twon’t be more’n fifteen -dollars; an’ if ye hain’t got it the county allus<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span> -takes good keer o’ the machine till ye comes -out.”</p> - -<p>“This is a pretty kettle of fish!” cried -Tom, hotly.</p> - -<p>“Some o’ the prettiest fish I ever see has -been ketched right around here, son. But -don’t let yer machine git rusty. Even machine -oil has riz in price.”</p> - -<p>Tom was too disgusted to make any rejoinder. -He turned his head, to stare hard -into a pair of twinkling gray eyes. An awkward -silence followed.</p> - -<p>“Did you mistake this for a sightseeing -car?” demanded Tom, at length. “Please -step right out!”</p> - -<p>The other grinned complacently.</p> - -<p>“I’m only a little bunch,” he confided, -“but when I worked in lumber camps me -pals said I were as strong as a steel trap; and -that’s pretty near so. Nobody has ever put -me off an automobile yit.” He laughed softly. -“Feel like trying it?”</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” asked Tom, wrathfully.</p> - -<p>The man settled the matter beyond all -question. From an inside pocket he produced -a small, ominous-looking shield.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span>“How does that strike ye?” he asked, mildly.</p> - -<p>“Then you’re a—a constable, after all?”</p> - -<p>“If ye’d guessed a year ye couldn’t hev -guessed better. This is a free country; but -when the majesty o’ the law has been damaged -fifteen dollars’ worth——”</p> - -<p>“But I didn’t scorch—an’ you know it!” -cried Tom.</p> - -<p>“Softly, young feller. It’s lucky for you -Jack Piker didn’t see that last lap o’ yourn, -that’s all. I’m an easier man than him.”</p> - -<p>“I could have gone twice as fast,” insisted -Clifton, angrily.</p> - -<p>“So much the worse if ye had.”</p> - -<p>The boy pleaded and coaxed. There was no -reason why he should be delayed; he was going -moderately fast, but not at any rate of speed that -could be considered illegal. None of his arguments, -however, appeared to have the slightest -effect upon the little man on the rear seat. Occasionally -a low, chuckling laugh escaped him. -The lines around his eyes deepened.</p> - -<p>“When you git finished start ’er up,” he -commanded, firmly.</p> - -<p>And Tom, fairly boiling over with indignation, -“started up.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span>He squared his shoulders; his jaws clicked -together.</p> - -<p>“And it’s all on account of that miserable -Victor Collins,” he muttered. “Never mind! -I haven’t been touched out at first yet. Wait -till I get before the justice!”</p> - -<p>Tom had so many thoughts to keep his -mind occupied that the next town emerged -into view through the gloomy haze ahead -with surprising suddenness.</p> - -<p>“South Milwaukee,” announced a gruff -voice from the rear.</p> - -<p>Tom scorned to reply.</p> - -<p>The hum of smoothly-working machinery, -the soft whirr of wheels and the chant and -moan of the wind were the only sounds which -broke the silence as the distance became less -and less.</p> - -<p>Finally the motor car was on the principal -street of the town. Tom had been expecting -every instant to receive orders to proceed at -once to the hall where justice held full sway, -but, so far, the little man, beyond hailing several -acquaintances with considerable enthusiasm, -had remained silent.</p> - -<p>“Ah—now it comes!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span>A long finger was tapping his shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Stop!” commanded the passenger.</p> - -<p>Tom looked hastily about him, but could -see no building suggestive of a court-house.</p> - -<p>The machine drew up to the curb and came -to a halt.</p> - -<p>“I certainly am much obliged to you, son.”</p> - -<p>“Eh? What do you mean?” queried Tom, -in surprise.</p> - -<p>The little man’s eyes were twinkling merrily. -Suddenly he burst into a series of loud guffaws, -while young Clifton’s look of astonishment -momentarily increased.</p> - -<p>“Ain’t I speakin’ English?”</p> - -<p>“Hang it all; I—I don’t understand it.”</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha! Of course ye don’t. But ask -anybody nigh-abouts who knows Jerry Dinglar -an’ they’d tell ye he’s the greatest practical -joker in town. I simply can’t help it.”</p> - -<p>“You—you—surely don’t mean that this is -all a lark, do you?” exclaimed Tom, hopefully.</p> - -<p>One square look into Mr. Dinglar’s eyes was -enough to reveal the truth.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!”</p> - -<p>Tom breathed a sigh of relief. He felt so<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span> -joyous that his anger melted entirely away. -Willingly he seized and shook the lean brown -hand which was thrust toward him, suppressing -with difficulty a desire to indulge in boisterous -mirth.</p> - -<p>“Only a joke!” he exclaimed. “Ha, ha!—But”—his -face suddenly became grave -again—“aren’t you really a constable?”</p> - -<p>“I’m the greatest stickler for facts you ever -heard of,” confided Mr. Dinglar. “Sure I am -a constable. Now let me tell you somethin’—let -it soak in good, too: back there ain’t in -my jurisdiction; Piker attends to that most o’ -the time, an’ I’m generally off to the north o’ -here. But I wanted to git a lift inter town—understan’? -An’ when I see a young -chap comin’ along swift as an Injun arrow -I makes up my mind to hev it. See the -p’int?”</p> - -<p>Tom admitted that he caught the idea.</p> - -<p>“But why in thunder didn’t you just ask -me?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>Jerry Dinglar shook his head.</p> - -<p>“Me friends all like me well enough, but -I’ll wager they’d give somethin’ big if I’d only -move out o’ the county, yes, they would.”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span> -His chuckling laugh came again. “See the -p’int?”</p> - -<p>Tom nodded.</p> - -<p>“I had to hev my little joke; an’ you look -enough like my own son to be his brother.”</p> - -<p>Tom turned his face away to hide a rather -odd expression.</p> - -<p>“Only he ain’t stretched out to ’most the -breakin’ p’int, as you are,” added the official. -“Anyway, it made me do you a good turn.”</p> - -<p>“How?” asked Tom, interestedly.</p> - -<p>“If Jack Piker had saw what I see’d it -would hev been fifteen dollars’ worth o’ law -busted, sure. Better take advice o’ one who -introduces automobile fellers to the judge -every week—be keerful; don’t do it ag’in. -That’s what I was wantin’ ter impress on yer -mind—understan’?” The little man clapped -him on the shoulder. “I don’t know where -ye come from, an’ I don’t know where ye’re -goin’, but I like ye, ’cause you kin take a joke. -See the p’int?”</p> - -<p>Tom grinned.</p> - -<p>“Sure! Some chaps are so thin-skinned -they get mad at everything,” he said, loftily.</p> - -<p>“That’s it. Good-bye, an’ much obleeged!”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span> -And, with these words, the little constable -hopped nimbly to the ground, gave a parting -wave of his hand and walked rapidly away.</p> - -<p>“By George, that’s a comical one for you,” -said Tom, to himself. “I feel just like a chap -who has beaten the ball to first. Ha, ha! I -wasn’t scorching, though; that is, not when -he saw me. But still”—he smiled rather -grimly—“I’d better be on the safe side and -crawl the rest of the way.”</p> - -<p>Once more the machine was in motion. -South Milwaukee soon fell far behind and -within a half hour he was approaching the -city. A confused mass of buildings, and an -occasional chimney rising high above them, -lifted themselves faintly from obscurity. -Here and there factory smoke raced with the -low-hanging clouds and deepened their lowering -surfaces into a still darker tone.</p> - -<p>Tom paid no heed to the depressing air of -gloom which seemed to pervade all nature. -He was too anxious to reach the East Water -Street bridge and bring his lonely trip to a close.</p> - -<p>And suppose the motor yacht “Fearless” -should not be there, after all?</p> - -<p>This unpleasant thought, occasionally penetrating<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span> -Tom’s armor of confidence, brought -an expression of deep concern to his face.</p> - -<p>“Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll have -to play the game some more,” he sighed. -“Anyway, it’s up to me to make good; and I -will.”</p> - -<p>The outskirts were quickly passed. The -scattering array of houses gave place to thickly -built up sections, which, as he progressed, became -more and more lively. At length Tom -drove along Kinnikinnic Avenue, finally crossing -the river of the same name. Then the -motor car swung into Clinton Street, and, on a -straight road, leaped forward, overtaking and -nosing past every vehicle bound in the same -direction.</p> - -<p>Tom, in his impatience, forgot all self-consciousness, -handling the car with a skill almost -equal to that of Bob Somers’. His heart -was beating high with hope and expectancy.</p> - -<p>A deep, hoarse whistle vibrating over the -air told of traffic on the Milwaukee River. -The sound brought with it, too, the pleasing -message that his goal was almost reached.</p> - -<p>Within a few minutes he would know—what?</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span>Up to the limit of speed allowed by law -dashed the motor car, Tom eagerly straining -his eyes for the first glimpse of the East -Water Street bridge, which, according to his -map, must be just ahead.</p> - -<p>“Ah ha; there it is!”</p> - -<p>The draw was opening to allow a boat to -pass. Tom saw the great arms of the structure -rising higher and higher against the sky. -To the left the bold, impressive lines of a -whaleback steamer loomed up, with flags on -its fore and aft masts straightened out in the -wind.</p> - -<p>Presently the dull, leaden-looking water of -the Milwaukee River flashed into view. At -the East Water Street bridge its course toward -Lake Michigan changes to a southeasterly direction. -Another moment, and Tom’s eyes -were roving swiftly over the stream.</p> - -<p>A pang of bitter disappointment shot -through him—the “Fearless” was not in -sight.</p> - -<p>He threw out the clutch and the motor car -stopped.</p> - -<p>“Stung again, maybe!” groaned the chauffeur. -He sat motionless for an instant, deep<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span> -in thought, then mumbled, “What a silly -chump I am! Come to think of it, Captain -Bunderley said ‘Near the bridge.’ I can’t do -much scouting around in this car, so I’ll shoot -it over to the nearest garage and sprint right -back.”</p> - -<p>A boy, in answer to his inquiries, directed -him to cross the bridge and keep straight on -until Wisconsin Street was reached.</p> - -<p>“Guess you’ll find one along there,” he -said. “Say, ain’t that a whopping big machine! -How much do you get a week for -running it?”</p> - -<p>“Twice as much as nothing,” answered -Tom, with a faint grin.</p> - -<p>As soon as the bridge settled back into place -the motor car was put in motion. Tom directed -his course along East Water Street, -driving with great caution, until he reached -an important business section. Not far from -Wisconsin Street he found a garage and left his -machine.</p> - -<p>The next thing that Tom Clifton did was to -hunt up a restaurant and refresh himself with -a good meal. This acted so wonderfully upon -his spirits that he walked out on the street<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span> -feeling renewed confidence in the correctness -of his deductions.</p> - -<p>“Bet I’ll find the yacht in half an hour,” -he said to himself. “Here’s where the hunt -begins.”</p> - -<p>But although Tom Clifton thoroughly explored -the river in the neighborhood of the -East Water Street bridge, the late afternoon -found him still searching, with hope gone -down to the zero point.</p> - -<p>“I’ve made the circuit of the bases and -been put out at home,” he muttered. “What -do you think of that for awful luck!”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XI<br /> - - -<small>GETTING A JOB</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Benjamin Rochester</span> was not the only person -in Kenosha into whose brain a germ of -suspicion concerning the boys had found -lodgment. The very dapper and polite hotel -clerk, having overheard scraps of conversation -between Dave and Victor which plainly indicated -an unusual state of affairs, set his -thoughts in motion.</p> - -<p>“It did seem mighty odd to me when that -long-legged chap beat it,” he murmured, softly. -“Queer, too, that a parcel of boys should be -sporting around in a machine fit for a multi-millionaire. -I won’t say there’s anything -wrong about it, but——”</p> - -<p>A step attracted his attention.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon, wearing his usual good-natured -smile, had approached the desk.</p> - -<p>“I was wondering if I could be accommodated -here for a few days,” began the historian, -blandly. “You see——”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span>The clerk smiled affably. He also coughed -apologetically. His thoughts ran like this: -“Oh, no, my fine fellow, you can’t work any -slick scheme on us.” Then he said:</p> - -<p>“Very sorry, sir, our terms are strictly cash -in advance, especially when luggage has been -taken away. Of course I don’t doubt that -you’re all right,” he added, in a tone which -expressed all the doubt in the world.</p> - -<p>“Oh!” exclaimed Dave.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said the clerk.</p> - -<p>The historian remained thoughtful for a -moment.</p> - -<p>“Pardon me,” he said, quietly turning -away.</p> - -<p>“He looks like a pretty good sort,” mused -the clerk, glancing at Dave’s retreating form. -“Still, you never can tell; usually they’re the -slickest kind.”</p> - -<p>A few minutes later Dave reappeared.</p> - -<p>“When Victor Collins comes in will you -kindly give him this?” he said, handing the -clerk a sealed envelope.</p> - -<p>Once outside, Dave, with a twinkle in his -eye, began to walk as though he had some -important mission to perform.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span>“Well, well!” His smile broadened. “I -was certainly never placed in such a remarkable -situation before. It has an element of -grim humor in it, too. But for this hungry -feeling I’d laugh out loud. Stranded! -Think of the fearfulness of it! Actually -stranded!”</p> - -<p>Dave’s reflections, however, did not drive -away his cheerful expression.</p> - -<p>“Now that the chaps have disappeared,” he -mused, “their kindly support must needs be -withdrawn. Here I am, left high and dry on -the shores of adversity, with two awful alternatives -facing me: to borrow, or not to borrow; -to depend upon myself, or not to depend -upon myself.”</p> - -<p>The humor of it all appealed irresistibly to -the historian; he laughed to himself, although -his eyes were turned longingly toward a restaurant -in the window of which a tempting -collection of food products was displayed.</p> - -<p>“There’s no telling how or when we fellows -will get together again,” mused Dave. “Something -has to be done quickly. I believe I’ve -struck the best plan. Anyway, it won’t do -any harm to try it. Although”—he laughed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span> -aloud—“I reckon little Vic will be considerably -surprised—even shocked.”</p> - -<p>Dave had completely thrown off his usually -languid air. He walked briskly, with a certain -look in his eye which his chums would -have known meant a determination not to be -swerved.</p> - -<p>He slackened his rapid pace only when a -group of circus tents finally appeared in view. -A few minutes later he crossed the lot, directing -his steps toward the mess tent.</p> - -<p>He found it crowded with men and women -seated before rough board tables. A savory -odor filling the enclosure made Dave sniff the -air with keen relish. It also served to increase -his tremendous desire for a good square meal.</p> - -<p>Several waiters in white caps and aprons, -balancing trays, hustled along the narrow -aisles. A constant rattle of dishes and the -jingle of knives and forks mingled in with -the buzz of conversation. Sometimes a bawling -voice sharply punctuated this medley of -sound, and now one close at hand suddenly -roared out:</p> - -<p>“Hey! Watcher want?”</p> - -<p>Dave looked around, to find himself the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span> -target for many pairs of staring eyes. It was -a little embarrassing—very little, however. -He looked over the rows of grinning faces and -was about to reply when a boy not far off suddenly -popped up from his seat.</p> - -<p>“Well, if it ain’t Jumbo ag’in!”</p> - -<p>A roar of mirth echoed through the mess -tent. Sallies began flying thick and fast. -Dave, however, stood his ground.</p> - -<p>“I’m looking for Mr. Whiffin,” he said, -calmly.</p> - -<p>Joe Rodgers, arrayed in the reddest of red -vests, put his small form in motion, and, with -remarkable disregard for the feet and shins -about him, pushed his way forward.</p> - -<p>“Hey!” screeched Joe, shaking his fist at -a particularly loud-voiced person who was -busy hurling questions at Dave. “Let that -’ere feller alone. I’m his guardeen.”</p> - -<p>“Where is Mr. Whiffin, Joe?” asked Dave.</p> - -<p>“I dunno. But if ye hear a row goin’ on -anywheres steer fur it, an’ you’ll find him,” -answered Joe. “What d’ye want with ’im, -anyway?”</p> - -<p>Dave, uttering a sigh of relief, withdrew -from the curious stares, the loud voices and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span> -general noise and confusion which pervaded -the tent. Joe was at his side.</p> - -<p>“What d’ye want with Whiffin, Jumbo?” -he repeated.</p> - -<p>“Joe,” remarked Dave—he placed his hand -on the lad’s broad shoulder—“if you don’t -mind, I’d rather you’d call me Dave—Dave -Brandon’s my name.”</p> - -<p>“All right. I’ll call you Dave Jumbo,” -said Joe, gravely.</p> - -<p>The historian burst into a hearty laugh.</p> - -<p>“Dave Jumbo?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m wise to what ye wants, Dave.” -Joe stared earnestly into the other’s face for -an instant. “Ye’re a good feller, all right—I -kin see that,” he exclaimed. “Say,—what’s -became o’ the little grouch?”</p> - -<p>Dave explained.</p> - -<p>“Gone off for to eat, eh? Well, did ye take -sich a fancy to Whiffin ye couldn’t stay away -from the show, eh?”</p> - -<p>“Joe, I’m looking for a job.”</p> - -<p>Joe’s eyes bulged out with real astonishment.</p> - -<p>“What—what!” he gasped. “You’re kiddin’ -me, for sure.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span>“Oh, no; I mean it, Joe.”</p> - -<p>“But say, what does a feller wearin’ clothes -like them you’ve got on want with a job?” -The idea apparently staggered “Mister” Joe -Rodgers. He thrust his hands into his -trousers pockets. “Aw, git out!” he sniffed, -after a moment of deep reflection. “Ye can’t -git across with no sich stuff as that.”</p> - -<p>It took Dave five minutes of valuable time -to make Joe credit the earnestness of his -intention. But once convinced, Joe immediately -became the historian’s enthusiastic -ally.</p> - -<p>“But—but I don’t believe ye kin do it,” -he said, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“Lead me to Whiffin, and we’ll see,” -laughed Dave.</p> - -<p>After a short search they found the manager -of “Spudger’s Peerless” at the entrance -to the main tent.</p> - -<p>“Well?” he demanded, as Dave spoke up.</p> - -<p>“I understand that you need the services of -a good barker,” began Dave.</p> - -<p>“What’s that to you?” demanded Peter -Whiffin, in a querulous tone, arching his eyebrows -in surprise.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span>“Only that I’d like to have the job myself, -sir.”</p> - -<p>The manager looked at the stout boy as -though he had never heard anything quite so -strange in all his life.</p> - -<p>“What?” he snarled. “You—you—get -out; go away from here a thousand miles!”</p> - -<p>“Give ’im a chanc’t, Mr. Whiffin,” pleaded -Joe. “Maybe he kin make good.”</p> - -<p>“Make good, nothin’!” growled the other. -“There ain’t anything to prewent your goin’.”</p> - -<p>“Only a powerful disinclination to drag -myself away from Spudger’s Peerless Circus -and Menagerie,” laughed Dave. “Come now, -Mr. Whiffin”—he changed his jocular tone to -one of seriousness—“I know that a barker is -absolutely necessary to the success of your -show. As Joe says, give me a chance.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Peter Whiffin seemed to hesitate. He -looked sharply at the boy; then, reaching a -sudden decision, crooked his forefinger and -turned on his heel.</p> - -<p>Dave, with Joe not far behind him, followed -the manager into the menagerie tent.</p> - -<p>A really delightful odor of sawdust filled -the air. Colossus, Titan and Nero stood in a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span> -corner, restlessly swinging their trunks, while -in the open dens lined up on either side savage -animals paced ceaselessly to and fro.</p> - -<p>“Now see here,” began Peter Whiffin, cocking -his head to one side and looking very -fierce indeed, “I wouldn’t listen to yer yawp -for eight seconds but for two things: first, -you’ve got the biggest nerve of any boy I ever -see; an’ second, I do need a barker. But -I’m from Missouri—if yer know what that -means.”</p> - -<p>“Want to be shown, eh?” laughed Dave.</p> - -<p>He stepped off a few paces, and, with a -wink at Joe, began a steady flow of eloquence, -describing Spudger’s great show in the highly -imaginative language of a press agent.</p> - -<p>“I’ve heard worse,” commented Peter -Whiffin, grudgingly, attempting to hide his -satisfaction. “Give us another round.”</p> - -<p>An expression of surprise on the manager’s -face gradually deepened. Dave, thoroughly -imbued with the humorous side of the proceeding, -and determined to do himself credit, -had managed to cast aside all feelings of embarrassment. -He raised his voice until its strong, -clear notes fairly rang through the tent.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span>“But did ye ever speak before a mob?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve recited in school many times,” answered -Dave.</p> - -<p>“Well, this job ain’t like speakin’ to a lot -o’ kids, mind yer,” warned Mr. Whiffin. “I -reckon you’ll feel like takin’ to the tall timber -when ye faces a real crowd.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll risk it,” said Dave, in a confident -manner.</p> - -<p>“An’ I’m game enough to take a chance on -ye.” Peter Whiffin cast an angry look toward -Joe Rodgers, whose joy at the decision seemed -altogether out of proportion to its importance. -“Ye kin try it this afternoon. But ye’ll need -to git the biggest kind o’ a hustle on ye; the -show’s goin’ to start mighty soon.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Mr. Whiffin. What’s the pay?”</p> - -<p>“For this afternoon an’ to-night two dollars -an’ grub, in case ye make good.”</p> - -<p>Whiffin led the way to the entrance, and, as -they walked outside, Dave’s eyes ran over the -lot. A large number of grown people, as well -as children were headed toward it. He saw -that haste was, indeed, necessary.</p> - -<p>“I’ll skip over to the mess tent now,” he -said, briskly, “and——”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span>“What! Ye ain’t had no grub yit?” exclaimed -Mr. Peter Whiffin, in astonishment.</p> - -<p>“No! But——”</p> - -<p>“Well, don’t waste your time in jawin’. -Take ’im over, you Joe. Then git right back -on the job, or you’ll hear somethin’ ye don’t -like. Report to me in fifteen minutes, young -feller.”</p> - -<p>“That’s Whiffin,” growled Joe, as the two -promptly walked away. “Him an’ me don’t -hit it nohow. Say, Jumbo—I mean Dave—you’ve -got nerve, all right. If ye kin chuck -the talk to the crowd as well as ye did afore -Whiffin you’ll have Jack Gray a-guessin’.”</p> - -<p>The mess tent was almost deserted when -Dave, escorted by Joe Rodgers, to the amazement -of several waiters, a clown, and a few -members of the “Celebrated Randolpho -family,” wizards of the flying trapeze, walked -up to a table and sat down.</p> - -<p>“What ees this?” murmured Randolpho, -Senior, who, however, was no relation to the -other “Randolphos.” “Aha, it ees the same -fat boy I have see here before.”</p> - -<p>Joe Rodgers immediately made Mr. Whiffin’s -orders known to those in charge, and in a few<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span> -minutes the historian was served by a grinning -and much mystified waiter.</p> - -<p>It is very likely that Victor Collins’ fastidious -tastes would have caused him to sniff at -the circus fare, but Dave had roughed it too -long in the open to be over-particular. So he -began to eat with a heartiness that increased -the grin on the waiter’s face.</p> - -<p>“Ah,” murmured Dave, a short time later, -“depending upon one’s self is the real thing, -after all.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XII<br /> - - -<small>THE NEW BARKER</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Yes</span>, monsieur, I have, what you call it, -voyaged much.” Randolpho, Senior, whose -curiosity was too strong for him to resist, had -taken a place by Dave Brandon’s side. “You -have of the Cirque d’Hiver in Paree heard, -no doubt, monsieur?”</p> - -<p>Dave nodded. “Winter Circus, we say in -English,” he replied.</p> - -<p>“Yes. I have performed there before crowds -enormous.”</p> - -<p>“Do you like this country?” asked Dave.</p> - -<p>Monsieur Randolpho’s agreeable voice was -silent as he pondered over the question. -Presently he said:</p> - -<p>“Ah, it ees a great place—such wonderful -peoples. Nozzing for them is too hard. You -have never bark before, and yet—ah, you -go?”</p> - -<p>Dave had hastily arisen.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to continue the conversation,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span> -Monsieur Randolpho,” he remarked, pleasantly, -“but I haven’t an instant to lose.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, you must of the show something learn, -ees that not it? Well, I wish you a grand -success.”</p> - -<p>As Dave started off in search of Mr. Whiffin -a rather curious sensation began stealing over -him. The lot had assumed an appearance of -life and gaiety such as it had perhaps never -known before in all its existence. The insistent -cries of peanut, pretzel and lemonade -venders, the shrill yells of children, the rough -voices of men calling to one another and the -awesome snarls and growls which occasionally -came from the menagerie tent kept up a never-ceasing -din.</p> - -<p>And but a short time before Dave had been -merely an outsider; but now—that meal sealed -the contract—he was to be until night a part -and parcel of “Spudger’s Peerless” and something -destined to belong to the public gaze. -The barker’s stand before the main entrance -seemed to assume an importance altogether -unwarranted by either its size or gaudily -decorated surface.</p> - -<p>One quick glance disclosed Mr. Whiffin<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span> -not far away, gesticulating, his thin, harsh -voice raised to a pitch of unpleasant shrillness.</p> - -<p>“Hey, you,” he yelled, on catching sight of -Dave, “step a step this way. I’m a-waitin’.”</p> - -<p>As the newly-engaged barker approached, -he saw a much-bewhiskered gentleman, florid -of complexion, apparently short of breath, and -very wide of girth sticking close to the -manager’s side.</p> - -<p>“Here’s the fellow, Mr. Spudger,” exclaimed -Peter Whiffin, pointing a bony forefinger -toward the oncoming Dave. “Says he -kin help us out, but I ain’t bankin’ on it.”</p> - -<p>The “great and only” Ollie Spudger unbent -his ponderous form and began to examine -Dave as a connoisseur might search for the -good points of a rare piece of statuary.</p> - -<p>“Him?—He don’t look the part to me, -Whiffin,” he said, with refreshing candor.</p> - -<p>“His loss if he ain’t there with the goods,” -commented Peter, shortly. “Listen, young -feller; here’s what I want ye to git over to the -audience, an’ git it over strong, mind ye.”</p> - -<p>Talking rapidly, he checked off on his fingers -point after point, while Mr. Spudger nodded -his head in unison with the motions.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span>“I understand,” said Dave. His eyes traveled -mechanically in the direction of the -stand. “Shall I begin now?”</p> - -<p>“No! Come this way.”</p> - -<p>The historian followed the circus men inside -the menagerie tent, where he discovered -that a space between two cages had been inclosed -by a long strip of canvas.</p> - -<p>Whiffin drew aside the flap and bade him -enter.</p> - -<p>Dave’s eyes immediately took in a pile of -garments resting on a stool.</p> - -<p>Peter Whiffin selected a very red coat, plentifully -supplied with spangles, and, as he held -it at arm’s length, the slightest movement -sent them shaking and glittering in the dull -gray light which came from above.</p> - -<p>“A fine piece of goods,” said Mr. Whiffin, -admiringly. “Slide inside, young feller.”</p> - -<p>“What!” gasped Dave.</p> - -<p>“Put it on,” ordered Whiffin, peremptorily.</p> - -<p>The stout boy, with a broad grin, took off -his coat and made an effort to follow instructions. -It required the services of both Spudger -and Whiffin, however, to force the garment -around his ample shoulders, and during this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span> -operation every seam, in turn, seemed ready -to burst in angry protest.</p> - -<p>“Now ye look a bit better,” exclaimed Mr. -Spudger, at length, as, somewhat winded with -his exertions, he stood off to stare at Dave -with an eye of approval.</p> - -<p>“Stick this top-piece on yer, young feller,” -came from Peter Whiffin.</p> - -<p>He handed over a little red cap with still -redder tassels on the sides.</p> - -<p>“I certainly got myself into something -when I took this job,” laughed Dave, carefully -adjusting the head-gear. “What else do -I have to change, Mr. Whiffin?”</p> - -<p>“Your expression—that’s all,” growled -Peter. “I’m goin’. Jist wait around the -tent somewheres until the ‘Ten Thousand -Dollar’ band reels off a few tunes; an’ when -I flash the signal git your nerves together an’ -come.”</p> - -<p>“An’ don’t let any bunch o’ kids rattle -you,” advised Mr. Spudger, following his -manager with ponderous steps.</p> - -<p>Left alone, Dave paid no attention to the -men passing to and fro, but set his thoughts -busily to work on the composition of his announcement.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span> -Then, suddenly, noticing a -small, round hole in the canvas he walked -quickly toward it. In another moment his -eye was applied to the aperture.</p> - -<p>He could see a considerable number of -people crowding before the entrance and also -“Spudger’s Ten Thousand Dollar Peerless -Band” occupying a raised platform near the -barker’s seat.</p> - -<p>Even quiet, self-contained Dave felt his -nerves tingling curiously. The ordeal of -waiting tried his patience. He felt that his -throat, for some reason or other, was becoming -unpleasantly husky.</p> - -<p>And now, after much preliminary tooting, -the band struck up. A grand crash was followed -by several resounding bangs; then the -musicians were safely off. The brass easily -predominated, almost drowning the well-meaning -attempts of the others.</p> - -<p>“When we started on that motor car trip -how little I ever expected to run into anything -like this,” murmured Dave, softly. “I -certainly do wonder where those boys could -have gone.”</p> - -<p>“Hey there!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span>He recognized the rasping voice.</p> - -<p>“All right, sir.”</p> - -<p>The great moment had arrived.</p> - -<p>A strong effort stilled the quick beating of -his heart. Walking with a firm step he -reached Mr. Whiffin’s side.</p> - -<p>“Up with ye! An’ chuck it over strong, -now!” commanded the manager.</p> - -<p>The chilly wind blowing hard across the -lots swayed the great canvas paintings before -the entrance and violently fluttered a multitude -of flags and pennants floating from the -top of ridge poles and strung along various -ropes.</p> - -<p>Even above the vigorous strains of music, -Dave could hear a curious murmur run -through the crowd as he stepped upon the -stand. In an instant every eye was apparently -focused upon him. He found it rather -difficult to face unconcernedly that battery of -looks expressive of curiosity, anticipation, or, -perhaps, dreadful to think of, derision.</p> - -<p>Almost mechanically the new barker observed -the shifting currents of humanity, one -moment massed together, and the next flowing -over the lot to form in scattered groups<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span> -before various points of interest. It was very -picturesque and interesting. Many girls, in -their bright-colored dresses, added a touch -of color to the scene.</p> - -<p>Dave became so absorbed in contemplating -the kaleidoscopic effects that he almost forgot -to feel embarrassed. But a shrill screech coming -from a youthful throat just below brought -him abruptly back to the prominence of his -position.</p> - -<p>“Say somethin’ or git the hook!”</p> - -<p>And just then Mr. Ollie Spudger, by a wave -of his big right hand, signaled to the fiddling -leader of the “Ten Thousand Dollar” band.</p> - -<p>With another terrifying crash and bang, the -playing suddenly stopped. A stillness, appalling -by contrast, immediately seemed to -hover over the surroundings. Dave, momentarily -off his guard, found his wits acting -in a way that wits sometimes do when called -upon to perform their duties under extraordinary -conditions. Words which just a few -seconds before were clearly imprinted on his -mental vision had completely vanished, and -he stood gazing awkwardly into the faces of a -staring, noisy mob.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span>Below and at his back, he was conscious of -the presence of Mr. Spudger and his manager, -realizing, too, that the eyes of each were fastened -upon him with eager intensity.</p> - -<p>That instant of silence was unendurable. -But a noise producer was at hand. A large -disc of metal hung between two supports on -his right, while a wooden mallet lay on a -shelf close by.</p> - -<p>Dave got into action.</p> - -<p>Bang, bang! A series of deafening crashes, -rivaling in volume those produced by the -brass in the “Ten Thousand,” immediately -swung off into space. Again and again the -clanging notes swelled into a din of uproarious -proportions.</p> - -<p>Every straggler, apparently, within hearing -distance came rushing up, until a dense crowd -had massed itself before him.</p> - -<p>Dave was once more in full control of his -faculties. Words began popping into his head -in such generous numbers that before the -notes of the gong had ceased their musical -reverberations he was addressing his audience.</p> - -<p>“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, in a -clear, resonant voice, “it is my pleasure and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span> -privilege to call your attention to the great -and mar-velous features of Spudger’s Great -Combined Peerless Circus and Menagerie. -We have here to-day a stupendous and superb -ag-gre-gation of wonders collected from all -quarters of the globe by Mr. Ollie Spudger. -The expense was e-normous.</p> - -<p>“At each and every performance there is to -be seen a grand exhibition of a-renic pomp -and splendor, together with visions of inspiring -beauty. Golden chariots drawn by huge -African elephants form part of a glittering, -jeweled and costumed army rivaling those -gorgeous pro-cessions which, centuries ago, -filed with majestic pomp before the emperors -in the Coliseum of ancient Rome.”</p> - -<p>“Bully for you! That’s going some!” -screeched the voice of “Mister” Joe Rodgers -from the front row.</p> - -<p>Dave hit the gong a resounding crack.</p> - -<p>“I call attention to Ormond de Sylveste!” -he cried, “the champion bareback rider of -the world, in his thrilling exhibition of equestrian -skill; to Tobanus, the renowned sword -swallower, in a mysterious and a-mazing act. -And besides these two un-equaled stars there<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span> -is the Randolpho troupe of acrobats, who, in -an as-ton-ishing series of gyrations, set at defiance -all laws of gravitation.”</p> - -<p>Dave paused impressively, letting his -pointer come to rest on the broad chest of -Adolphus’ counterfeit presentment.</p> - -<p>“Then there are other attractions alone -worth double the price of admission. This -most ex-tra-ordinary giant, Adolphus, is a -youth, still growing, and promising to eclipse -in height all giants of any era. Zingar, the -famous dwarf, has caused the greatest sensation -wherever shown. Mr. Ollie Spudger’s -standing offer of ten thousand dollars for his -equal in any country has never been taken up.”</p> - -<p>A buzz of comments arose. Dave waited -for a few moments, then resumed:</p> - -<p>“The menagerie is an exhibition in itself—a -great collection of savage, fear-in-spir-ing -animals, in gilded lairs, bringing to your very -doors the inhabitants of the jungle—an ag-gre-gation -of fe-rocious quadrupeds without -parallel in the country.</p> - -<p>“And all this can be seen for the small sum -of ten cents, just one dime, an amount well -within the means of every man, woman or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span> -child of Kenosha. Remember—ten cents—just -one dime, to see all the curiosities. Reserved -seats up to twenty-five cents. Pass -along—get your tickets—get your tickets!”</p> - -<p>Dave vigorously hammered the gong. -Then the “Ten Thousand Dollars,” obeying -another signal from Mr. Spudger, sent up a -blast that threatened the safety of ear-drums.</p> - -<p>Joe Rodgers, with a shrill “Gee, this must -be a bully show, fellers!” flung over his -shoulder, made a dive for the ticket wagon, -followed by several young men whom Dave -had noticed about the circus.</p> - -<p>As though they possessed some strange -magnetic force, many spectators seemed to be -drawn irresistibly after them. The tent soon -began swallowing up a steady flow of humanity, -and when interest waned Dave promptly -resumed his speaking.</p> - -<p>He rose to greater heights this time, his -clear, strong voice compelling attention. He -told of the wonderful performing elephants; -of Mademoiselle Hazel, queen of the slack -wire, in her great danger-defying act, and of -Professor Lopus and his extraordinary troupe -of trained horses.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span>Joe and his associates were on hand, and, as -before, at the important moment, started a -stampede toward the “box office.”</p> - -<p>Another repetition of the performance left -standing at the entrance only a few disconsolate-looking -people. Even Mr. Peter Whiffin -could not altogether conceal his satisfaction at -the success of Spudger’s new barker.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIII<br /> - - -<small>UNDER THE BIG TOP</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">What’s</span> that you say—a note for me?” -queried Victor Collins.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.” The dapper hotel clerk laid a -rather undue emphasis on the word “Sir.”—“Here -it is.”</p> - -<p>Victor took the envelope, studied the inscription, -then held it up to the light, and, as -all these proceedings gave him no clue as to -the contents, he presently tore it open.</p> - -<p>“I wonder what this means,” he murmured. -“Gee; the big boob!” he exclaimed, half-aloud, -an instant later. “Now what do you -know about that?”</p> - -<p>“No bad news, I hope?” ventured the inquisitive -clerk.</p> - -<p>“Nothing that will get in the papers, I -guess,” growled Victor, as he began to read -these lines a second time:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Vic</span>:—</p> - -<p>“Desperate cases require desperate remedies. -The absent food treatment does not suit<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span> -my particular constitution. Really, I feel -hungry enough to eat brass tacks.</p> - -<p>“My adventurous career seems to be not yet -over, so you will find me at ‘Spudger’s Peerless.’ -Our stay in Kenosha is likely to be a -good thing for the paper industry after all.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="indentright">“Your friend,</span><br /> -“<span class="smcap">Dave B.</span>”</p> -</div> - -<p>“Well, now, I’d like to know why in thunder -he’s gone to the circus.”</p> - -<p>The frown on Victor’s face deepened. With -a curt nod to the clerk he walked outside.</p> - -<p>“By George, it wasn’t much advantage to -me when Blakelets steered this bunch of great -depending-upon-themselves fellows up to our -front door,” he thought, almost savagely. -“Wish he hadn’t stopped until they were a -thousand miles away. Everything has gone -wrong; dandy motor boat trip knocked in the -head, and here I am—— Oh, gee, but it does -make me tired.”</p> - -<p>Then Victor stopped short, struck by a -sudden idea which made his eyes fairly flash.</p> - -<p>“I do wonder, now, if this scrawl and all -that howl about being broke is just a big, silly -bluff. Maybe the Indian is taking in the -show and expects me to come chasing over<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span> -after him. Well, I simply won’t do it—that’s -all.”</p> - -<p>Victor’s jaws snapped together. Within a -few minutes his mind was made up.</p> - -<p>“I’ll skip over to Uncle Ralph’s,” he muttered. -“Maybe Phil Malone is there.”</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley, being a bachelor, employed -Phil as housekeeper and general utility -man.</p> - -<p>In half an hour Victor reached his uncle’s -residence, which stood back on a wide avenue. -A graveled path led across a fine lawn. -Tastefully arranged flower beds and little -cedars planted here and there gave quite an -air of elegance to the surroundings. Over the -pillared porch clinging vines swayed in the -wind, the green leaves thickly interspersed -with those of a golden and ruddy hue.</p> - -<p>One glance at the tightly closed mansion -was enough to convince Victor that his -trouble had been for nothing. An air of -melancholy silence seemed to brood over the -place. Dry autumn leaves bestrewed the -porch and steps, every now and then apparently -becoming endowed with life as they -rustled away for a few feet.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span>Impatiently Victor bounded up the steps.</p> - -<p>“I’ll ring, anyway,” he said to himself.</p> - -<p>As the lad expected, there was no response.</p> - -<p>“Nothing doing,” he growled. “Hasn’t -this been a real peach of a day! But I’m not -done with the Rambler Club yet.”</p> - -<p>Victor didn’t enjoy himself during the rest -of the afternoon. He visited the wharf again, -only to find the “Fearless” still missing, and -finally, tired and disgusted, wandered off to -the public library.</p> - -<p>The afternoon waned; then night threw -a mantle of blackness over the city. After -supper at a convenient restaurant, he decided -to take a flying look at “Spudger’s Peerless,” -then return to the hotel.</p> - -<p>A bleak wind continually moaned and -howled, seizing upon the telegraph wires as -an instrument to send forth musical chords. -Many of the streets were lonely and frigidly -silent. Victor, not accustomed to being out -at night, passed shadowy, mysterious-looking -corners with a touch of fear tugging at his -heart. He was glad indeed to see a fantastic -array of lights coming into view and the -circus tents faintly luminous against the sky.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span>At length he found himself among the -throngs crowding toward the barker’s stand. -And once there the lawyer’s son received the -surprise of his life. It was difficult to credit -either his eyes or ears.</p> - -<p>He stopped short, to stare in utter bewilderment -at a familiar face and form.</p> - -<p>“Why—why, it’s Brownie—Brownie—sure -as I live!” he gasped. “Well, by George!”</p> - -<p>No words could quite express Victor Collins’ -astonishment. He felt, too, a pang of -disappointment in the realization that his -plan for humbling Dave had so completely -failed. He edged his way further forward, -listening eagerly to every word of the barker’s -stirring appeal.</p> - -<p>Victor had never thought that in one person -could two such different manners exist. -It was no longer the easy-going, indolent -Dave he saw before him, but a bold, fearless -lad who always had a ready retort on his -tongue for any quip hurled at him from -the audience.</p> - -<p>A different feeling regarding the “Big -Indian” came into Victor’s brain in spite of -the fact that it wasn’t entirely welcome; he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span> -saw Dave in an entirely new light. It made -him think.</p> - -<p>There was too much going on all around, -however, for his present train of thought to -keep long on the track. The gasoline torches -of the barker’s stand and the lights from various -booths devoted to the purpose of supplying the -multitude with food and drink threw a strange, -fitful glare over the ever-moving crowds.</p> - -<p>“Get your hot frankfurters! Peanuts, -pretzels and lemonade!” rose crisply above -the babel of sounds.</p> - -<p>Amid the general noise and confusion, Victor -began to lose sight of his grievances.</p> - -<p>As Dave finished his “oration,” seized the -mallet and hammered lustily on the gong, -Victor felt his heart responding so strongly to -its wild, clanging notes that the tide moving -toward the ticket wagon carried him along, a -willing victim.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Brandon; hello!” he cried, eagerly. -He felt even a touch of pride in knowing -so prominent a personage. “I say, Brandon——”</p> - -<p>“Have the correct change, gentlemen! -Have the correct change!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span>The brusk voice of the ticket seller broke -in upon his sentence.</p> - -<p>Victor, feeling himself being elbowed and -jostled aside, scarcely heard the barker’s hearty -greeting. Next instant a ticket was in his -hand, and the next after that found him passing -the portal of “Spudger’s.”</p> - -<p>The sight of gilded cages with wild animals -behind the iron bars, of three huge elephants -swaying their unwieldy bodies and trunks, -of flags and bunting and numerous other -things apparently inseparable from circus life -made the frowning lines on Victor’s face entirely -disappear.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll see the show anyway,” he murmured. -“Gee, won’t it be a regular lark!”</p> - -<p>Going from cage to cage he kicked up the -sawdust in pure delight. Spudger’s collection -of zoological specimens contained a lion, two -tigers, a jaguar, three pumas, a brown bear -and two coyotes. Occasionally a sullen roar -or an angry snarl seemed to indicate that -several members of the animal kingdom were -in a very uncomfortable state of mind.</p> - -<p>The tent was rapidly filling up, but Victor, -having a reserved seat coupon, did not hurry.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span>“Hello, Buster!”</p> - -<p>He turned quickly, to gaze into the grinning -face of “Mister” Joe Rodgers.</p> - -<p>Joe looked a bit more respectable than he -had during the morning hours, but not -enough so to make the lawyer’s son feel any -great desire to continue his acquaintance.</p> - -<p>“Well?” he said, coldly.</p> - -<p>“Say, kid, where did you drop from?” -Then, without waiting for a response, he added, -“Ain’t that big jumbo a corker—ain’t he -though? Whiffin had orter be pleased. Say, -that there feller knows every word in the -lingo, don’t he?”</p> - -<p>To be addressed in such a way by a -mere water-carrier, especially before so many -people, made Victor feel highly disgusted. -With a curt nod, he turned away, and just on -the instant Joe bawled out loudly:</p> - -<p>“Hey, Dave—hey! Here’s yer little Buster, -right here.”</p> - -<p>Victor, intensely indignant, saw the stout -boy, who now wore his own coat, attracted by -the hail and edging his way through the -crowd toward them. Dave’s face was beaming.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span>“Mighty glad to see you, Vic,” he exclaimed, -heartily. He held out his hand. “Can’t stay -but a minute; I’m due on the stand again. -Surprised, Vic? What did you say, Joe? A -bully spiel?—thanks!—Sir?”</p> - -<p>This last word was spoken to a thin, melancholy-looking -person who had just stepped -up by the group.</p> - -<p>“My hand, sir! Upon my word, I have -yet to hear the eq’al o’ what you done in the -barkin’ line to-day,” said the man, in a deep-throated -voice. “My hand, sir!”</p> - -<p>Dave took it.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; it’s as far ahead of most of ’em as -my act eclipses all the rest.”</p> - -<p>“So you take some part in the show, eh?” -remarked Dave, with interest. “What’s your -specialty?”</p> - -<p>The other’s sad visage brightened.</p> - -<p>“Spudger’s wouldn’t be much without me,” -he confided. “I’m Ormond de Sylveste.”</p> - -<p>“Goodness—Ormond de Sylveste?” piped -Victor.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir! An’ if anybody kin beat me -a-ridin’ I ain’t never seen ’em—fact. Whiffin -knows how waluable I am to the show. Why,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span> -I’ve had ’im so skeered thinkin’ I was about -to leave that he——”</p> - -<p>“Hey there, Bill Potts, what’s the matter -with ye?” Peter Whiffin, unobserved by any -of the three, had approached, his face lined -with an astonishing number of wrinkles. “If -yer don’t git right out o’ this here tent an’ -stay out, Bill Potts, I’ll dock yer for double -the time.”</p> - -<p>All this was spoken in a low tone; but it -proved sufficiently strong to induce Monsieur -Ormond de Sylveste, otherwise known as Bill -Potts, to leave the spot in undignified haste.</p> - -<p>“An’ it’s time for you to climb up ag’in,” -added Mr. Whiffin to Dave. “An’, as for you, -ye lazy, good-for-nuthin’ scamp”—he faced -Joe Rodgers—“beat it! Ye’d have Spudger’s -a-supportin’ ye in idleness, I reckon.”</p> - -<p>With a grumble of disapprobation, Joe -obeyed, while Dave, who was also about to -leave, stopped, as Mr. Whiffin again spoke up:</p> - -<p>“See here, young feller”—the manager put -on his most pleasant expression—“ye ain’t -done so bad. Here’s your money and a couple -o’ good reserved seats besides.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said Dave, politely.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span>“Jack Gray ain’t got over his cold yit. I -think you’ll have to go along with the show -to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” exclaimed Dave, a bit startled at the -prospect.</p> - -<p>“Yes. Why not? You was broke, an’ I -helped ye out; don’t deny it now.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t attempt to do so, Mr. Whiffin.”</p> - -<p>“You kin do me a good turn, this time. -We’re bound for Racine.”</p> - -<p>Dave looked at Victor. He felt the responsibility -for his welfare which had been thrust -upon his shoulders.</p> - -<p>“I can’t leave my friend, Mr. Whiffin,” he -said, slowly.</p> - -<p>“Let ’im come along.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the scheme,” cried Victor, quite -delighted. “Sure thing, Brandon.” The -idea of his actually traveling with a circus -took his fancy by storm. “Say yes, you big -Indian.”</p> - -<p>“I knew you’d be reasonable,” exclaimed -Whiffin. “Then it’s all settled?”</p> - -<p>“If Victor agrees, I suppose so,” answered -Dave. “You’re sure now, Vic?”</p> - -<p>“Of course I am.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span>“Good!” The manager even smiled. -“How much did you pay for your ticket, -young feller?”</p> - -<p>“A quarter,” answered Victor.</p> - -<p>“Here it is.” A coin was thrust into his -hand. Then Mr. Peter Whiffin exclaimed, -briefly, to Dave: “Hustle back to your job -now. I’ll see ye later.” And he was off.</p> - -<p>Victor had been primed with numerous -questions to hurl at the Rambler but was -forced to wait until Dave reappeared, fifteen -minutes later, this time in his street clothes.</p> - -<p>“I needn’t talk any more now,” he explained. -“Mr. Spudger says there are as -many people inside the tent as the law allows.”</p> - -<p>Victor soon learned all he wished to know. -Unconsciously, his manner toward Dave had -undergone a decided change. A boy who -could calmly face an audience the way the -“Big Indian” had done was worthy of a certain -respect. An idea—but a very vague idea, -it is true—of his own limitations, of his own -shortcomings, for the first time, perhaps, stole -into his head.</p> - -<p>In a small tent adjoining the menagerie<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span> -the two found that Adolphus and Zingar were -the principal attractions. They had scarcely -entered when the youthful giant recognized -them, and, disregarding all rules of professional -ethics, called loudly for both to come -over.</p> - -<p>“Little Georgy” was arrayed in a gorgeous -military uniform of no known epoch, plentifully -besprinkled with gilt braid and big -shiny buttons. A sword dangled from his -side, while a hat suggestive of Napoleon’s -famous head-gear was perched on his head.</p> - -<p>“Goodness! I’m glad to see you again,” -warbled the giant, in his childish treble. -“Smitty says—er—er—I mean Zingar says -Potts—er—er—I mean Ormond told him -you’d made a big hit. Ouch—look out!”</p> - -<p>An inquisitive urchin, having decided in -his own mind that Adolphus was perched upon -wooden supports, had boldly, but without -malice, deliberately kicked him on the shins.</p> - -<p>“S’cuse me, feller,” he said, apologetically. -“It’s all you, ain’t it? My, oh my, what a -whopper! Don’t I wisht I was you.”</p> - -<p>“It’s all in the point of view,” laughed -Dave. “We’ll see you after the show,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span> -George. Mr. Whiffin’s close about, you know. -He might be kind of peevish if he saw us -talking together. How are you, Zingar?”</p> - -<p>The dwarf stood a trifle over three feet in -height, and his diminutive person was also -arrayed in gorgeous attire. A little round -bullet head, with gray, whimsical eyes and a -laughing mouth gave him the jolliest appearance -of anybody connected with the Peerless -show. He made a peculiar little curtsey to -the boys, but, being a real professional curio -of many years’ experience, did not condescend -to speak.</p> - -<p>The two soon followed the crowd into the -main tent, which presented a gala appearance. -Every available seat seemed to be taken and -at every point of vantage a few late arrivals -were standing.</p> - -<p>The members of the “Ten Thousand Dollar” -now filed into their places, and a few -preliminary notes mingled in with all those -peculiar sounds which seem inseparable from -a great gathering—the swelling murmur of -many voices, the shrill screech of some bold -urchin and the monotonous chant of the peanut -and pretzel seller.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span>By the time the band struck up the two -had taken their seats.</p> - -<p>After three selections had been played the -crowd began to grow restive. A scattered -stamping of feet soon grew into a dull, steady -roar, until the bravest efforts of the “Ten -Thousand” were drowned in the sea of sound.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the clanging note of a gong was -heard. A “grand triumphal and gorgeous -spectacle of oriental and barbaric splendor” -was about to make its entry. Gilded Roman -chariots drawn by “fiery” steeds three abreast, -followed by Colossus, Titan and Nero, each -pulling a golden car and led by gentlemen -whose skin was nicely stained came first. -Next were men in armor carrying huge shields -and spears, and over all lights flashed with -bewildering effect.</p> - -<p>The great Ollie Spudger himself, astride a -coal black horse, and escorted by a cavalcade -of Arabs and Japanese—at least, they bore a -resemblance to Arabs and Japanese—bowed -with condescending grace to the multitude.</p> - -<p>“Great!” laughed Victor, gleefully.</p> - -<p>Act followed act. In the small sawdust -circle the celebrated Randolpho troupe of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span> -acrobats, as well as jugglers and clowns did -their best to amuse; and frequent manifestations -of approval came to encourage their efforts.</p> - -<p>“Say, just listen to that!” cried Victor, -suddenly holding up his hand.</p> - -<p>A dull moaning roar was sounding outside, -and during the lulls they could hear a patter -of rain beating against the canvas. A chilly -wind took advantage of every opening, while -the dingy canvas sides swayed back and forth -in the gusts.</p> - -<p>“The storm has broken at last,” said Dave.</p> - -<p>“Gee!” grunted Victor. He raised his coat -collar. “I guess we’re in for a good soaking, -Brandon.”</p> - -<p>“By the time the show lets out it may have -lessened a bit,” returned Dave, encouragingly. -“Ah ha; there is our friend, at last.”</p> - -<p>“Hello—Bill Potts!” quoth Victor.</p> - -<p>“Hush, lad, hush,” laughed Dave. “Ormond -de Sylveste, you mean.”</p> - -<p>Standing gracefully upon the back of a -white horse, the chief equestrian of Spudger’s -rode impressively into the ring. He bore no -more resemblance to the melancholy-looking<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span> -Bill Potts of the earlier hours than did the -bright, glistening spangles and other embellishments -of his costume to his old, discarded -clothes. Bill Potts—temporarily, at least—existed -no more; Ormond de Sylveste now -reigned in his stead.</p> - -<p>Crack! Crack! The sound of the ringmaster’s -whip, rising sharply above the roar -of the storm, sent the white horse into a swift -gallop around the ring. Faster—still faster, -but never too fast for the intrepid Ormond, -pounded the flying hoofs. Gracefully he -poised on one foot; with easy skill he crashed -through paper-covered hoops held up by a -powdered and painted clown, then turned -wonderful somersaults, never missing his -footing on the back of the flying steed.</p> - -<p>Every known variety of sound which small -boys can produce greeted Ormond de Sylveste -as he dismounted, and, with the grace of a -dancing master, bowed his thanks.</p> - -<p>Other performers appeared and went -through their turns. Mr. Ollie Spudger -made a speech, and when the show finally -ended apparently every one was satisfied with -the grand display made by the Peerless.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span>The spectators had scarcely risen to their -feet when the dismantling of the seats began. -The blows of hammers, the sound of heavy -planks being taken up and piled one upon -another, the sharp commands combined with -the storm to produce a din and confusion -which made only the youthful care to linger.</p> - -<p>“Guess they’re going to get ahead of the -wind and pull the old canvas down over our -ears,” said Victor. “Great Scott! Say——”</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Dave.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you see? Why, the menagerie tent -is gone.”</p> - -<p>“So it is.”</p> - -<p>The brightly-lighted tent which had contained -the animals was no longer visible -through the exit, its place being taken by a -square of darkened sky.</p> - -<p>The two hurried forward and found, to -their great satisfaction, that the rain had almost -ceased.</p> - -<p>“Doesn’t it look odd?” said Victor, glancing -around, and kicking up the sawdust with his -foot.</p> - -<p>“They made a mighty quick get-away,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span> -commented Dave. “A busy scene out there, -Vic.”</p> - -<p>By the brilliant glare of a calcium light -they could see that teams of horses had been -hitched to the great wagons. Several were -already started on their difficult journey over -the muddy field.</p> - -<p>“Who’s this coming?” exclaimed Victor, -at length.</p> - -<p>A figure, sometimes silhouetted sharply -against the lights, then almost lost in shadow, -was approaching on a run.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Jumbo—I mean Dave,” yelled a -lusty voice. “Where are ye? Hello!”</p> - -<p>“Right over here, Joe,” called the historian.</p> - -<p>“Bully! Whiffin says you an’ Buster are -to go along o’ me, an’ the team’s a’ready.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIV<br /> - - -<small>THE WHALEBACK</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Captain Ralph Bunderley</span> was, frankly, -glad to see the visitors again.</p> - -<p>“Come right on board, lads,” he called -from his position on the deck. “Where is -Victor? Gone off on a jaunt with that stout -boy, eh? Oh, well, it’s all right. He has -lots of time to enjoy himself before we leave.”</p> - -<p>Uncle Ralph had a great deal to talk about. -His exciting sea tales found attentive listeners, -and the captain seemed equally interested in -hearing about some of the adventures of the -Rambler Club.</p> - -<p>“Sorry I can’t tell you a thriller with a -trip on a motor yacht as the subject,” laughed -Bob.</p> - -<p>For an instant Uncle Ralph made no reply. -Then he said, slowly:</p> - -<p>“Come down in the cabin, boys. I have a -few things you may enjoy looking over.”</p> - -<p>On reaching the saloon the captain walked<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span> -to a bookcase, opened it and brought out a -large album.</p> - -<p>“My own snap-shots,” he explained, with a -touch of pride.</p> - -<p>“Some dandy views here,” said Bob, turning -the leaves. “What! Are you going to -leave us already, captain?”</p> - -<p>“Just a few minutes, Bob. When you get -through you’ll find another volume on the -shelf.”</p> - -<p>Bob and Charlie soon became so deeply -absorbed in their pleasant task of following -the captain on some of his foreign voyages by -the aid of pictures that various sounds of -activity in the engine room, besides numerous -noises on deck, failed to make more than a -vague impression on their minds.</p> - -<p>The sudden starting of a gasoline motor, -together with an unmistakable gliding movement -on the part of the “Fearless,” however, -caused both to look up with exclamations of -surprise.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” cried Bob.</p> - -<p>“Oh, sugar!” exclaimed Charlie, nervously. -“What on earth does this mean, I wonder?”</p> - -<p>“That we’re leaving it yards behind us, I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span> -suppose,” chuckled Bob. “Hello, captain; -giving us a surprise, eh?”</p> - -<p>Uncle Ralph was coming down the companionway.</p> - -<p>“I thought you boys might like to see a -motor yacht in action,” he laughed. “Bob, -in your future accounts of adventures, you -may add a description of a short trip on Lake -Michigan.”</p> - -<p>“On Lake Michigan?” gasped Charlie.</p> - -<p>His face flushed slightly. Naturally he did -not wish to be thought lacking in courage, -but the prospect certainly failed to arouse his -enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>“That’ll be perfectly great!” cried Bob. -“Thanks, captain. We’ll enjoy it immensely.”</p> - -<p>“How about the time, though?” asked -Blake, rather weakly.</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about that,” answered Uncle -Ralph, “but come up on deck.”</p> - -<p>As they sat beneath the awning a constantly -changing scene of factories, of various craft, -and those picturesque jumbles of buildings -which are so often seen along water-fronts, -passed before their eyes.</p> - -<p>While the “Fearless” cut swiftly through<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span> -the gray, choppy water, churning it into -creamy foam, and the wind tore past in heavy -gusts Blake’s peace of mind didn’t improve. -Presently he rose to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Guess I’ll stroll around a bit,” he remarked.</p> - -<p>“All right, Charlie,” said Bob.</p> - -<p>The senior at the Kingswood High soon -observed Phil Malone industriously polishing -a brass rail at the bow. Phil’s manner as -he approached strongly suggested that of a -hare taken by surprise.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Phil!” greeted Charlie, pleasantly.</p> - -<p>The “first mate,” without stopping work, -grunted a monosyllable in reply.</p> - -<p>“How’s the world treating you?”</p> - -<p>Phil’s views on the subject seemed to be -rather indefinite. Blake understood, however, -that he had no general complaint to make.</p> - -<p>“Say, Phil, we’re bound for the lake. -Rather dangerous out there at times, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>Charlie tried to speak in a very careless tone -indeed.</p> - -<p>“Yep—awful,” answered Phil, not very -reassuringly, as he kept on polishing.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span>“But, of course, in weather like this it’s all -safe enough, eh?”</p> - -<p>“A feller ain’t never safe on the water,” commented -Phil, with amazing volubility, for him.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you have plenty of life preservers -on board?” said Charlie, with a forced -grin.</p> - -<p>Phil thought they had.</p> - -<p>“Well, I hope we shan’t need ’em.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t never tell,” mumbled the “first -mate,” giving an obstinate place on the brass -an extra hard rub.</p> - -<p>“Ever been in any tight fixes, Phil?”</p> - -<p>“Sure.”</p> - -<p>“Where?”</p> - -<p>“On the lake.”</p> - -<p>“In what boat?”</p> - -<p>“This un.”</p> - -<p>The conversation was not taking the cheery -turn for which Charlie had hoped.</p> - -<p>“I guess I’ll get back, Phil,” he remarked, -turning away.</p> - -<p>“Not the slightest objection,” came from -Phil.</p> - -<p>In fifteen minutes the “Fearless” was racing -through the turbulent water of the lake.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span> -Battery after battery of surging waves swept -against the hull, often sending showers of -shining drops spattering over the deck.</p> - -<p>Gripped by the full force of wind and wave -the motor yacht began to careen. Each instant -Charlie Blake could see the city of -Kenosha becoming more and more obscured -behind the dull gray atmosphere.</p> - -<p>“I call this perfectly stunning—one of the -greatest of sports!” cried Bob.</p> - -<p>“Certainly wish I was out of it,” murmured -Charlie, steadying himself by the rail.</p> - -<p>“We’ll soon leave that schooner yonder far -astern, Bob,” he heard Captain Bunderley say.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers raised a pair of marine glasses, -which the skipper handed him, to his eyes. -The vessel was apparently swept across the intervening -space with lightning speed. He saw -her spread of canvas bellying out in the wind, -dingy masses of white slowly moving forth -and back against the sky. The instrument -shifted from point to point brought into view -a network of rigging, spars, cabins, several -sailors lounging near the forepeak and the -line of water breaking crisply against the -length of her hull.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span></p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p174.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">“STEAMER COMING,” HE ANNOUNCED</p> - -<p>“She’s plowing along bravely,” said Bob, -bracing himself to resist the wind. “Hello!” -Swinging the glass toward the faint line of the -horizon, he had suddenly picked out from the -gloom a thin wisp of smoke. “Steamer coming,” -he announced.</p> - -<p>“Very probably a whaleback bound for -Chicago,” explained Uncle Ralph. He smiled -quizzically. “A cat may look at the king, -they say, so we’ll make an inspection of the -monster at close range. Then we can race her -back to Kenosha. Is she in range yet, Bob?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; and looks like a whopper to me. -I can see that the sides of the hull are curved -over at the top, which means it’s a whaleback, -all right.”</p> - -<p>The skipper shouted several directions to -the helmsman. Martin Ricks thereupon -changed the course of the “Fearless,” heading -her directly toward the steamer, now distinctly -visible to the naked eye.</p> - -<p>The long stretch of water which separated -them was being cut down with remarkable -rapidity. Bob Somers, his eye to the glass, -saw the three decks of the big white steamer -crowded with passengers. Moving swiftly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span> -through the turbulent water, apparently unaffected -by the continual onslaughts of wind -and waves, she presented a majestic appearance.</p> - -<p>The powerful glass brought every detail -into view with extraordinary clearness. As -Bob slowly swept the craft from stem to stern -it seemed as though she was but a few yards -distant. For an instant his gaze rested on the -pilot house; then he lowered the glass, giving -him the range of the upper deck.</p> - -<p>A man leaning over the rail near the forward -end, with a megaphone in his hand and -surrounded by a group, immediately attracted -Bob Somers’ attention. Their faces, sharply -revealed in the circle of light, were all turned -toward the motor yacht with an interest which -seemed to him unusual.</p> - -<p>“Looks as though the man is going to hail -us,” he murmured.</p> - -<p>He removed the glass, and, instantly, the -whaleback seemed to be shot far back on the -waste of water.</p> - -<p>When the two craft were within a short distance -of each other, Captain Bunderley, considerably -surprised to notice that the steamer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span> -had stopped her screw, gave orders to shut off -power.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Fearless’ ahoy!” yelled a voice -through the megaphone.</p> - -<p>“That’s Captain Phillips,” declared Skipper -Bunderley. “A good friend of mine, too. -He wouldn’t stop out here unless he had -something important to say.” He raised his -voice in a sonorous yell. “What’s that, Phillips?”</p> - -<p>“I want to ask if you can do me a great -favor?” came from the captain of the whaleback.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XV<br /> - - -<small>AN UNEXPECTED VOYAGE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">A few</span> minutes later, so skilfully had Martin -Ricks handled the “Fearless” that she was -bobbing up and down on the leeward side of -the monster steamer, which was still going -slowly ahead under its own momentum. Its -decks, rising high above them, and suggestive -of some great building, seemed to have the -singular effect of flattening the motor yacht -almost down to the water’s edge.</p> - -<p>Hundreds of heads appeared over the rails, -and the comments which ran through the -crowd sounded above the wash and swish of -beating water.</p> - -<p>“Where are you bound, Captain Bunderley?” -asked the master of the whaleback.</p> - -<p>“We are just out on a pleasure jaunt and -intend to return to Kenosha at once!” yelled -Uncle Ralph.</p> - -<p>“Good, Bunderley! I’m going to introduce -you to Judge Hampton, of Milwaukee.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span>Captain Phillips indicated a gentleman at -his side.</p> - -<p>“A well-known man, too. His term of -office recently expired, but everybody still -calls him Judge,” commented the skipper, -the next instant replying in his bluff and -hearty fashion.</p> - -<p>Judge Hampton, a rather elderly man, holding -his eye-glasses in one hand and a paper in -the other, looked down upon them gravely.</p> - -<p>“Captain Bunderley,” he began, in much -the same tone of voice as he might have used in -charging a jury, “a wireless message has just -reached me”—he waved the paper—“stating -that my presence in Milwaukee is needed at -once. Would it be possible for you to land -me in Kenosha? The matter is of very great -importance.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly I can, Judge,” responded Uncle -Ralph, politely.</p> - -<p>“I shall be most heartily obliged to you.”</p> - -<p>“Hey, Phil Malone!” shouted Captain -Bunderley, “stand by to catch a line.”</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir!”</p> - -<p>Uncle Ralph began to issue various orders. -The bell in the engine room clanged loudly.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span> -The motor roared for an instant, then sank -into a low, droning murmur.</p> - -<p>“Mind yourself!” yelled a voice, suddenly.</p> - -<p>A man on the lower deck of the whaleback -was making ready to cast a rope.</p> - -<p>On it came—a sinuous, snake-like line, -hurtling straight toward Captain Bunderley, -who stood near the bow. The throw was accurate, -and, in spite of the rocking, slippery deck, -the skipper managed to catch it. In another -instant Phil Malone was grasping a second -rope hurled from a point near the motor -yacht’s stern.</p> - -<p>Both lines were made fast, and the “Fearless,” -struggling like some resisting monster -against the grip of a giant foe, began closing -up the gap of water which lay between it and -the great white hull.</p> - -<p>Although shielded by the towering whaleback, -the yacht wobbled and shook to such an -extent that the last particle of interest on -Charlie Blake’s part vanished. Supporting -himself with difficulty, he stood watching -Phil Malone and the captain hang out fenders. -He heard various shouts from both vessels, -the bell in the engine room of the “Fearless”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span> -again clanging, and the creak of straining -ropes. Then the last few feet of water was -covered and the yacht sidled up to the larger -boat with a dull, jarring shock.</p> - -<p>Presently a rope ladder dangled its length -from deck to deck. Judge Hampton trusted -himself to its swaying rungs, and, with extreme -care, descended to the motor yacht.</p> - -<p>“When I started out I didn’t expect to have -the honor of welcoming a former member of -Wisconsin’s judiciary on board the ‘Fearless,’” -said Captain Bunderley, assisting his passenger -to a seat.</p> - -<p>“The honor is mine,” smiled the Judge.</p> - -<p>The skipper and his “first mate” cast off -the lines. A great churning of water quickly -followed. A hearty farewell cheer came from -the whaleback’s deck, as the two vessels swung -clear, and the “Fearless” seemed to leap away -from the monster’s side.</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley consulted a railroad time-table.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you are anxious to reach Milwaukee -as soon as possible, Judge?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I am, indeed,” affirmed the passenger.</p> - -<p>“Well, I find that we should arrive in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span> -Kenosha too late for you to catch the next -express. That means an hour or more lost.”</p> - -<p>“Too bad,” said the Judge.</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley swung around and faced -Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>“If you two chaps shouldn’t turn up at the -hotel just when your chums expect, are they -the sort to raise an awful howl or sit down -and blubber?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Not much,” laughed Bob. “They’ll know -it’s all right.”</p> - -<p>“In that case, I’ll take you direct to Milwaukee, -Judge,” announced the skipper, suddenly, -much to Charlie Blake’s astonishment -and disgust.</p> - -<p>The jurist immediately protested that he -couldn’t think of such a thing; but Uncle -Ralph, with a smile, tersely ordered the yacht’s -course to be changed.</p> - -<p>“The time means practically nothing to -me, Judge, while it may be of great advantage -to you,” he said.</p> - -<p>The “Fearless” was pitching heavily. -Charlie Blake looked at the succession of -waves following each other ceaselessly across -the broad expanse, at whitecaps always forming,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span> -and at others always on the point of dissolving -themselves back into the gray, somber -element. The heaving, tumbling flood and -the dark, ragged storm-clouds scudding low, -apparently dipping down at the blurred horizon -line to meet the water, made an impressive -spectacle. But certain distressing symptoms -prevented Blake from thoroughly -enjoying it.</p> - -<p>He determined, however, not to let Bob -Somers see how badly he was affected. “He’ll -think I’m a quitter,” he mused.</p> - -<p>His mind fully occupied, Blake only heard -the conversation going on around him as a -confused jumble of words.</p> - -<p>“I do wonder how long it will be before we -get there?” he murmured, impatiently.</p> - -<p>Time, to him at least, seemed to drag out -interminably. But, at length, to his great -joy, Uncle Ralph spoke up.</p> - -<p>“The lighthouse at the entrance to the -harbor of Milwaukee, boys,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Thank goodness!” came from Charlie -Blake. Then, sotto voce, he added, “No -more motor yacht motoring for me.”</p> - -<p>The “Fearless,” apparently racing at almost<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span> -the speed of a railroad train, had brought into -view what appeared to be but a small gray -vertical streak. The four watched it and a -confused blur of lights and darks on the distant -shore slowly shaping themselves into -definite form.</p> - -<p>Finally, towers, domes and chimneys -sprang out from the shadowy masses, to -form gray silhouettes against the sky. Before -long the largest city in Wisconsin was clearly -revealed to the gaze of the interested boys.</p> - -<p>The motor yacht soon swung abreast of the -lighthouse, and, at length, glided smoothly -into the picturesque Milwaukee River, where -a variety of interesting sights began to pass -in a steadily-moving procession.</p> - -<p>A bridge opened to let them by, then another. -Near the third, which Captain Bunderley -explained was the East Water Street -bridge, he pointed out a landing.</p> - -<p>“There’s where I usually moor the ‘Fearless,’” -he said.</p> - -<p>“Why not follow your general custom -now?” asked the Judge.</p> - -<p>“For two reasons,” answered the captain: -“your office is considerably further in town,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span> -and the boys will have an opportunity to see -more of the water-front.”</p> - -<p>“Objection sustained,” laughed Judge -Hampton, “with my thanks added.”</p> - -<p>At the Grand Avenue bridge a small -steamer, coming from the opposite direction, -held the motor yacht up for a few moments.</p> - -<p>Great warehouses, with long rows of staring -windows and having only a narrow footway -between them and the water, lifted their time-stained -walls grimly against the clouds. The -river, hemmed in on every hand, assumed a -peculiar appearance of narrowness, which to -the boys was heightened by contrast with the -broad open lake so recently left behind. To -their right a great modern structure surmounted -by a tower was surrounded by -buildings of all heights and sizes, the old and -new standing side by side. Still further beyond, -another towered structure, the city hall, -rose high in the air.</p> - -<p>“But for the character of the buildings this -view might suggest a bit of Holland,” remarked -Captain Bunderley.</p> - -<p>Other bridges were passed. Finally, beyond -a bend in the river, the skipper gave<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span> -orders to bring the yacht up alongside a -wharf. This was done in an orderly fashion, -and within a few moments she was made fast.</p> - -<p>“We’re here, and here we stay,” said Captain -Bunderley. “No East Water Street bridge -for the ‘Fearless’ to-day, boys.”</p> - -<p>The Judge shook hands warmly with the -three and gave the captain his card.</p> - -<p>“Don’t forget that I’m ready to return the -favor at any time,” he said, cordially. “This -applies to all of you. Good-bye!”</p> - -<p>They watched the tall, dignified Judge until -his figure had disappeared behind a building.</p> - -<p>“Judges can be mighty nice, after all,” -thought Charlie. “Still, I’d a heap rather -meet this particular one off the bench than -on.”</p> - -<p>“Now, boys,” spoke up Uncle Ralph, “a -telegram must be sent to your stout friend -Brandon announcing our safe arrival. Tell -Victor to take a room at the hotel and expect -me back to-morrow. Now, we’re thirty odd -miles from your motor car. Going with me -in the morning, or will——”</p> - -<p>“Not for mine,” declared the “grind,” decidedly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span>“Either Dave or Tom can drive the car,” -said Bob. “So we’ll let ’em come to us.”</p> - -<p>“Very good.”</p> - -<p>The hotel and restaurant which Uncle Ralph -generally patronized on his visits to the city -was some distance from the wharf. As no -telegraph office was passed on the way they -concluded to defer sending the missive to Dave -until after their meal. And this took considerable -time.</p> - -<p>But the telegram was finally flashed over -the wires with the request that Dave should -send an immediate response. Then nothing -remained but to see the sights and amuse -themselves.</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley, after exacting a promise -that they would meet him at the hotel about -six o’clock, returned to the yacht.</p> - -<p>After they had wandered about the busy -streets for some time Charlie exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Now, what’s the program? My legs are -beginning to put up a kick.”</p> - -<p>“We are right close to that East Water -Street bridge,” said Bob, as he consulted a -pocket map. “Looked like an interesting -section to me. Suppose we take it in?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span>“One way is about as good as another, I -s’pose,” replied Charlie, wearily.</p> - -<p>As the two came in sight of the bridge a tall, -thin boy standing near a little building at one -end attracted Blake’s attention.</p> - -<p>“By Jove!” he exclaimed, “I never expected -to see another chap in this part of the -country with a shape just like Tom’s! What’s -the matter, Bob?”</p> - -<p>Bob Somers’ expression had undergone such -a sudden and startling change that Charlie -repeated his inquiry with a rising inflection.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you recognize him?” demanded -Bob, sharply.</p> - -<p>“Recognize who?”</p> - -<p>“Why, Tom—our Tom Clifton, of course!”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVI<br /> - - -<small>TOM SCORES</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Oh</span>, sugar! You’re dreaming. Pinch -yourself,” cried Charlie Blake. “Tom is miles -from here; he’s away back in Kenosha, you -silly goose.”</p> - -<p>“He was, but he isn’t; he’s right there in -front of us.”</p> - -<p>The “grind” gazed first at the tall boy, -whose back was partly turned, then toward -his friend with such an air of comical bewilderment -that at any other time Bob Somers -would have burst out laughing.</p> - -<p>“It—it—certainly does look like Tom, but—but—why, -hang it all, how can it be Tom?” -he gasped.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers smiled, and the next instant -Blake heard him utter a lusty call which -strangely resembled the hoot of an owl.</p> - -<p>It produced a most extraordinary effect on -the tall lad. He swung around as sharply as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span> -though struck by some flying object. Then -Charlie heard an answering hail of a similar -character, and, at the same moment, saw the -lad start toward them on a loping trot.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott! It is—it actually is Tom -Clifton!” he cried. “Well, well!”</p> - -<p>On came the tall boy, while Bob Somers -and his companion, perhaps more astonished -than they had ever been in all their lives, -walked rapidly to meet him.</p> - -<p>Tom Clifton’s face, as he approached, presented -a most curious study. He made a -desperate attempt to appear cool and dignified, -but, in spite of all his efforts, conflicting feelings -of joy, triumph, and even indignation -persisted in finding reflection on his countenance.</p> - -<p>“Well, Bob, I knew I’d see you!” was his -exclamation, as he seized the other’s hand. -“That was a pretty slick scheme of Vic’s, -but——”</p> - -<p>“Slick scheme?” gasped Bob, while Charlie -Blake’s mouth flew wide open.</p> - -<p>“Sure thing! Oh, you needn’t try to -put on any nice innocent looks.” Tom assumed -an air of pitying condescension. “I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span> -got wise to your dodge, all right; yes siree, -Bob Somers. Ha, ha! You chaps didn’t get -up quite early enough to fool little Tom.”</p> - -<p>“Why—why—what do you mean?” cried -Bob. “How in thunder did you get here, -and why?”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s a good one!” exclaimed Tom, -indignation suddenly getting the upper hand of -his other emotions. “Say, do you chaps see -anything green in me—ah, do you now?” -A scornful look flashed in his eyes. “Little -Vic’s keeping out of sight, I suppose, eh? -Thinks I might hurt him. But—but—honest, -Bob, I didn’t think it of you!” he blurted out, -unable to control his feelings any longer. -“Honest, I didn’t!”</p> - -<p>“What does all this mean, Tom?” demanded -Bob, sharply.</p> - -<p>“Oh, now, cut it out, I tell you. I don’t -mind a joke——”</p> - -<p>“A joke?” broke in the highly mystified -Blake.</p> - -<p>“Yes; a joke! You understand English, -I s’pose?”</p> - -<p>“No; not this new brand of yours,” murmured -Charlie.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span>“See here, Tom”—Bob Somers laid a hand -on the other’s shoulder—“let’s get at this -thing. How did you come here?”</p> - -<p>“In the motor car, of course.”</p> - -<p>“And where are Dave and Victor?”</p> - -<p>“Now look here, Bob,” cried Tom, hotly, -“you and Charlie know—I don’t. They -helped you pull off this little trick and——”</p> - -<p>“Great Cæsar! What kind of a mix-up is -this?” cried Bob, a glimmer of the true state -of affairs entering his brain at last. “So you -came here alone?”</p> - -<p>“A constable was in the car part way,” said -Tom, loftily. “I let ’er out a bit, Bob. And -talk ’bout whizzing! Why, all the telegraph -poles seemed to be melted into one—honest -fact, they did. Now tell me what has become -of Dave?”</p> - -<p>“If Dave isn’t with you, he and Victor -must be thirty-four miles from here,” said -Bob, calmly.</p> - -<p>“What?” piped the tall lad, a sinking feeling -suddenly gripping his heart. Bob Somers’ -expression was quite enough to convince -him of his sincerity. “Dave and Victor in -Kenosha!” he added, faintly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span>His thoughts ran riot for a moment. Then, -after all, Victor Collins wasn’t responsible. -It really came as a stunning surprise to Tom.</p> - -<p>“Well, Bob, the jinx has surely got us on -this trip,” he exclaimed. “Say, fellows, that -was a foul tip of mine.”</p> - -<p>Highly disgusted, Tom Clifton told the -whole story, not forgetting, even in his mental -stress, to take credit for the fact that his calculations -regarding the destination of the -motor yacht had proven correct.</p> - -<p>The “grind” was not demonstrative, as a -rule, but on this occasion he fairly roared -with mirth, slapped his knees and grew -so red in the face that Tom became quite -alarmed.</p> - -<p>“Gee! Look out, Charlie,” he cautioned. -“The system can stand only so much.”</p> - -<p>“I know; and this was just a trifle over -the limit,” gurgled Blake. “Ha, ha, Tom! -You have Sherlock Holmes beaten a mile.”</p> - -<p>Tom was highly aggrieved.</p> - -<p>“I’ll leave it to Bob if anybody wouldn’t -have been liable to think as I did,” he declared, -stoutly. “Now tell me how it happened -that you’re here.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span>When Tom had been duly informed, Bob -Somers remarked:</p> - -<p>“Well, fellows, this certainly puts a new -aspect on the case. What’s to be done? Dave -and Vic’ll think we’ve deserted ’em, sure. -Another thing: Dave didn’t have a cent.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, that’s all right,” said Charlie. “Victor -always carries nearly a ton of the stuff in -his pockets.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll bet he wouldn’t lend Dave a nickel,” -put in Tom, charitably. “Looked to me as -if he has it in for us.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, get out,” scoffed Blake.</p> - -<p>“Get off, you mean—eh, Bob?”</p> - -<p>“We’ll most likely find a telegram waiting -for us at the hotel,” said Bob, shaking his head -negatively at Tom’s suggestion.</p> - -<p>“Let’s go and see.”</p> - -<p>There was so much of interest in the streets -that the boys didn’t feel inclined to hurry -themselves. So it was late in afternoon when -they finally set out in search of the hotel -which Captain Bunderley patronized.</p> - -<p>By the time they reached it street lights -and show windows were gleaming brightly -through the darkness of a very dark night.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span>The boys found Uncle Ralph in the reception -room.</p> - -<p>“Well, there’s no telegram from your friend -yet,” was his greeting as they stepped toward -him. When his eyes lighted upon Tom Clifton’s -tall figure he half arose in his chair. -“’Pon my word—what on earth does this -mean?” he exclaimed. “Where did you -come from, boy?”</p> - -<p>Tom was visibly embarrassed, as the eyes -of every one in the room were immediately -leveled upon him.</p> - -<p>“I blew in on the motor car,” he began, -“and——”</p> - -<p>“What—on the motor car—alone?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; and——”</p> - -<p>“Let’s have this story right from the beginning,” -thundered Uncle Ralph, bringing his -fist down on the table with a resounding -bang, a proceeding which added considerably -to Tom’s confusion.</p> - -<p>It wasn’t very easy for the tall boy to relate -his story, especially with a number of people -sitting around, all apparently eager to hear -him speak. Uncle Ralph’s loud voice was -the cause of this. He plunged in bravely,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span> -however, being very careful indeed not to -let out a hint regarding Victor’s supposed -trick.</p> - -<p>Many and varied were Captain Bunderley’s -observations as the tale was told. The captain -couldn’t help expressing his frank opinion at -all times, and in this case it wasn’t favorable -to Tom.</p> - -<p>“Why on earth did you do such a silly -thing, boy?” he stormed.</p> - -<p>“Silly?” cried Tom, aghast.</p> - -<p>“Certainly; absolutely so.”</p> - -<p>Tom, in helpless confusion, looked from -Bob to Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Silly?” he repeated, in fainter accents.</p> - -<p>His face flushed a deep crimson. Then, -suddenly, all the fire in his nature flashed -into a flame of burning indignation.</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t a bit silly, sir,” he declared, -fiercely.</p> - -<p>“Now just see here, young chap”—the -captain’s big finger waved before Tom’s eyes; -his voice boomed through the room with -appalling distinctness—“it was silly! What -will Victor and Dave think when they find -you and the motor car missing?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span>“I—I—don’t know, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Of course you don’t. But just imagine -how worried those two boys may be.”</p> - -<p>“Victor—perhaps; not Dave, sir. Besides, -it isn’t my fault.”</p> - -<p>“Not your fault?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir. But for your running off with -Bob and Charlie it never would have happened.”</p> - -<p>Tom came perilously near wilting under -the captain’s stern gaze; only by a desperate -effort could he control his shaky nerves.</p> - -<p>The lines on the skipper’s face softened; the -harsh look faded from his eyes.</p> - -<p>“That’s true, my boy,” he said, reflectively; -“quite true! Shake hands and forget what -I said. But the mischief must be undone at -once. Bob, I’m going to call up the hotel at -Kenosha by long distance ’phone. My sister, -if she knew the situation, I am sure would be -intensely worried about the boy.”</p> - -<p>The three followed the captain’s burly form -into the office.</p> - -<p>Tom’s expression had undergone a most -remarkable change; his face now wore a look -of conscious triumph.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span>“I squelched him some—eh, Bob?” he -whispered in scarcely audible tones. “He -couldn’t make me the goat, oh, no!”</p> - -<p>“Be with you in a moment,” bawled out -the captain, entering a telephone booth.</p> - -<p>Little things like a closed door and a pile -of boards couldn’t keep Uncle Ralph’s voice -within bounds. Presently they heard him -say: “What! Couldn’t give ’em the telegram -because they’ve gone? How’s that?—When? -’Pon my word! And left no message, either? -Don’t expect ’em back? Why not?”</p> - -<p>The answer was evidently far from satisfactory, -for, with a sharp “I’ll call you up -later,” Captain Bunderley flipped the receiver -back into place and stalked outside.</p> - -<p>“Neither of ’em is at the hotel,” he exclaimed. -“The clerk says they went off at -different times. Victor finally came back, but -left again. Says the stout boy asked for credit, -but he was obliged to refuse.”</p> - -<p>“Gee whiz!” cried Bob.</p> - -<p>Then he promptly explained Dave’s situation, -while Uncle Ralph’s brow clouded over.</p> - -<p>“A very annoying state of affairs, indeed,” -he pronounced. “But let us go in to supper,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span> -boys. Perhaps by the time we’re through -some word may have arrived.”</p> - -<p>But it hadn’t. And when Uncle Ralph -called up the Kenosha hotel a second and third -time the same laconic answer was always received—“No, -sir; they have not yet returned.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that settles it,” cried Bob Somers, at -length. “We’ll motor right back to Kenosha -and find ’em.”</p> - -<p>“What!—On a night so black that a black -cat would make a light spot in the landscape?” -exclaimed Captain Bunderley, protestingly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, that kind of thing doesn’t worry us,” -broke in Tom, eagerly. “Why, when we -were in Wyoming——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, my!” groaned Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Besides, it’s going to storm,” went on the -captain, seeing a look in Bob Somers’ eyes -which indicated a settled determination.</p> - -<p>“We have everything to protect us from the -weather, sir. It’ll be a regular lark. Coming, -fellows?”</p> - -<p>“Bet your life!” cried Tom, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>Charlie Blake, however, held back.</p> - -<p>“Oh, look here, Bob, what’s the use?” he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span> -demurred. “We might miss ’em, and have -all our trouble for nothing. It isn’t safe, -either, traveling——”</p> - -<p>“Well, if you’re afraid, that ends it,” put in -Tom, loftily.</p> - -<p>“Who said I was afraid?” snapped the -“grind.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, nobody, of course,” said Tom, looking -very wise.</p> - -<p>“Then don’t chatter like a goose.”</p> - -<p>“Did I ever hear of such nerve! If——”</p> - -<p>“Cut it out, fellows,” laughed Bob. “Captain, -we’ll send you a telegram just as soon as -those chaps are rounded up.”</p> - -<p>The former seaman smiled quizzically. To -his mind, talking about the trip in a brightly-lighted -room and actually undertaking it -were two such widely different propositions -that he had little confidence in the boys sticking -to their determination. “They may possibly -go as far as the city limits,” he thought, -“but that long stretch of lonely road and the -blackness will send ’em back.”</p> - -<p>“Sure you want to try it?” he said, aloud.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, the very worst way,” laughed -Bob. “Now, Charlie——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span></p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p200.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">“LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELVES, BOYS”</p> - -<p>Blake, anticipating what he was about to -say, and noticing a peculiar grin on Tom’s -face, held up his hand.</p> - -<p>“I’m going,” he said, in remarkably sour -tones.</p> - -<p>“That’s fine.”</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley gave each a hearty grasp -of the hand.</p> - -<p>“Look out for yourselves, boys,” he cautioned. -“Remember: if I had any authority -over you I might not consent to your going.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t worry about us, sir,” said Bob. -“We’ll be all right.”</p> - -<p>“Down some embankment, I s’pose,” muttered -Charlie.</p> - -<p>Outside, Bob took a good look at the sky.</p> - -<p>“I guess the skipper is right about the -weather,” he remarked, as they started off in -the direction of the garage.</p> - -<p>Half an hour afterward the three arrived -at the building. It was a very large garage -containing many machines. The glare of -electric lights revealed none more imposing -than the Rambler Club’s motor car.</p> - -<p>“Not a speck o’ mud left on her,” said the -man in charge. “Going out to-night, sir?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span>“Right away,” answered Tom, with an air -of importance. “Pile in, fellows.”</p> - -<p>The fellows “piled” in.</p> - -<p>“We may be back to-night, and we may -not,” said the tall boy, handing over the -amount of the bill and a generous tip. “Let -’er go, Bob. So-long!”</p> - -<p>A deafening roar abruptly filled the whole -room with thunderous echoes. Quick gasps -and throbs followed, while the exhausts flung -to the air whirling clouds of spent gases. -The two head and two side lamps threw a -brilliant glare over the floor and walls and cut -a pathway through the open door to the street -beyond.</p> - -<p>The trembling machine, responding to its -master’s touch, glided forward.</p> - -<p>“This sure ain’t no kind o’ a night for joy -ridin’,” remarked the man in charge, as he -watched the big car swinging into the highway.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVII<br /> - - -<small>ELEPHANTS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> boys didn’t turn back at the city limits -as Captain Bunderley had fully expected they -would. Instead, the motor car finally passed -through South Milwaukee, and, under the -cool and skilful guidance of Bob Somers, -plunged steadily along the muddy road, its -lamps throwing a strange, fantastic stream of -light far in advance. Through its magic, objects -continually leaped out of the night, only -to be greedily snatched back by the mantle of -gloom. Lights suggestive of hobgoblins flitted -from tree to tree, or swept across fields and -underbrush, but in the immensity of space -beyond the glare blackness held supreme control.</p> - -<p>Heavy gusts of wind, moaning and whistling -dismally in their hurried flight, almost -drowned the soft, even purring of the motor. -Splashing rain-drops hurled themselves -against the wind shield and top; the storm,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span> -long delayed, was beginning to let loose its -pent-up wrath.</p> - -<p>“Guess we’re going to have a peach of a -time,” muttered Blake. “If I hadn’t come, -though, Tom would have kidded me about it -for the next six months.”</p> - -<p>The disconsolate “grind” huddled back on -the rear cushions listening to the wind and -rain and the soft swish of flying mud, as -the rubber-tired wheels occasionally plunged -through pools and puddles.</p> - -<p>“Let ’er out a bit, Bob,” encouraged Tom. -“Don’t be afraid.” He pulled the collar of -his raincoat about his neck. “No constable -around now to stop our scorching. Gee! -Ought to have seen me burning up the road -to-day, Bob; good you weren’t along, Charlie. -Hey—asleep back there?”</p> - -<p>“How in thunder could a fellow be asleep -with a din like this knocking against his ear-drums?” -growled Blake. “Where are we, -Bob?”</p> - -<p>“Somewhere between South Milwaukee and -Racine—that’s all I know,” answered the -driver, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>The wind blew harder; the rain, too, gradually<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span> -increased in force until sweeping torrents -beat hard against the motor car, splashing its -occupants and forming tiny trickling pools in -the bottom of the tonneau.</p> - -<p>Not a vehicle had passed them; the country -seemed absolutely deserted, and only dim -points of light shining in the windows of -distant farmhouses indicated that any life -existed in the seeming wilderness.</p> - -<p>The intense loneliness, the continual noises -of the storm and the haunting fear that hidden -dangers might be lurking in their path prevented -Blake from entering into the spirit of -the occasion.</p> - -<p>“By Jove, this is certainly about the limit,” -he groaned, inwardly.</p> - -<p>From his position the forms of Bob Somers -and Tom Clifton, bending low to escape the -cutting blasts, assumed a curiously unreal appearance -against the glare of acetylene light -streaming ahead. Leaning forward, he sought -vainly to pierce the blackness; then, his face -becoming the target for splattering rain-drops, -he hastily drew back, to straighten up again a -moment later as a shrill whistle sent a series -of wild reverberations across the landscape.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span>Over the air came faintly the rattle and -roar of a fast express. The road was taking -them near the tracks of the Chicago and -Northwestern Railway. Charlie’s glance suddenly -rested upon something in the distance—a -long row of tiny lights sweeping rapidly -toward them.</p> - -<p>Now they disappeared; now flashed into -view once more; the sound of grinding car -wheels rose higher. Then, with almost incredible -rapidity, the tiny lights became gleaming -windows seeming to radiate cheer as they -sped onward through the night. In an instant -more the train was lost to view, and only a -faint screech of the locomotive’s whistle, fading -quickly into the roar of wind and splash -of rain, told of its passing.</p> - -<p>“Wish I was on board,” sighed Charlie. -“Tom Clifton’s grins’ll never drag me into -any more silly adventures. This is ’most as -bad as that awful motor yacht trip. I’ve been -going some to-day, all right.”</p> - -<p>On the front seat, Tom was saying:</p> - -<p>“Motoring in such blackness is dandy fun. -The idea that you’re going to run into something -the next minute makes it kind of spicy,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span> -eh? Gee, Bob, the rain’s coming down harder -every minute. Wonder where old Dave and -Victor are now?”</p> - -<p>“Very likely taking it easy in the hotel,” -grinned Bob.</p> - -<p>“Christopher! What’s that?”</p> - -<p>A low rumbling sound had suddenly risen -above the warring of wind and rain.</p> - -<p>“Thunder,” answered the chauffeur, briefly.</p> - -<p>“Thunderation! I thought for a second it -was a message from Dave passing right over -our heads,” laughed Tom. “Some weather, -this, Bob. Hello—a village beyond!—See it?”</p> - -<p>Bob nodded.</p> - -<p>“We’ll soon twirl that far behind us,” he -said.</p> - -<p>The faint points of light dotting the gloom -gradually loomed up stronger; the white glare -from their lamps at length flashed over a -house by the roadside; then on another, and -within a few minutes the touring car was -sweeping steadily through the village.</p> - -<p>Out from the darkness a small form seemed -to literally hurl itself toward them, and, racing -alongside, filled the air with vociferous barks -and yelps.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span>Leaning over, Bob saw a shaggy form of -nondescript color, and caught a gleam from a -pair of greenish eyes.</p> - -<p>“Nice doggie!” he chirped, soothingly.</p> - -<p>“He’s started off every other ‘nice doggie’ -in town,” chuckled Tom. “Listen!”</p> - -<p>The baying of numerous canines, some near -at hand, others in the distance, was rising on -the air.</p> - -<p>“Some up-to-the-minute constable may nab -us for disturbing sleeping dogs,” said Tom.</p> - -<p>“That’s so,” grinned Bob.</p> - -<p>He manipulated the lever. The car leaped -forward, leaving their four-footed foe far in -the rear. For a few moments, his senses -keenly alert for any signs of danger, he kept -up the swinging gait, slowing up as the lights -of a store and smithy close to it shot into view.</p> - -<p>As they passed the latter a cheerful glow -was spreading out over the street from a -partly-open door. The boys caught a momentary -glimpse of figures and horses within, and -heard vigorous blows on an anvil sending -forth a series of musical notes.</p> - -<p>Then the long street, silent and deserted, -slipped slowly by, and, presently, the motor<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span> -car was threading its way in the zone where -human activities seemed to have ceased. -Another stretch of dreary blackness followed, -with the trees, in the grip of the blasting -air currents, soughing and snapping their -branches mournfully.</p> - -<p>Pelting rain still assailed the travelers. -The motor car often rolled through deep pools, -scattering sheets of muddy spray aside. The -boys could hear the oozy, sucking sound of -slimy masses torn from their resting places -and spattering against the guards.</p> - -<p>“Say, Bob, wouldn’t this be a great place -for the machine to break down?” came in a -sepulchral voice from the rear.</p> - -<p>“You’d surely lose the polish on your -shoes, Charlie,” laughed Tom.</p> - -<p>“Wonder what Vic ’ud say to this?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, he’d let out an awful howl.”</p> - -<p>“And no one could blame him, either,” -growled the disgusted Blake.</p> - -<p>On and on went the car, through another -village and then another, and, finally, the -city of Racine was seen asserting itself strongly -against the gloom of nature.</p> - -<p>The boys found on entering the town that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span> -most of the stores were closed; but the brightly-lighted -streets and the sight of electric cars -and an occasional pedestrian was a welcome -change after their siege of riding in the lonely -country.</p> - -<p>“Too bad we can’t stay here for a while, -fellows!” exclaimed Bob, “but it’s the long -road and blackness again for us.”</p> - -<p>“Dave and Vic are probably sound asleep -by this time,” grumbled Charlie, “never -dreaming about the lovely time we’re having -on their account.” Then he added, softly, to -himself: “Guess I’ll be having nightmares -about it, though, for weeks to come.”</p> - -<p>“Speed her up, Bob,” said Tom, eagerly. -“A chap can see where he’s going out here.”</p> - -<p>The street stretched straight ahead, with -not a vehicle in sight. The glare of electric -lights flashed on steadily falling rain; the -gutters ran with miniature floods, which -gurgled and splashed along, carrying on their -muddy surfaces a miscellaneous collection of -rubbish. Here and there great pools reflected -the buildings and telegraph poles with weird -effect.</p> - -<p>Bob put on more speed; the motor car<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span> -leaped forward, and for several blocks they -flew ahead at a breath-taking pace. An electric -car coming from the opposite direction -presently whizzed past, a confused mass of -blurred lights and shadows.</p> - -<p>“This is simply great, Bob!” cried Tom. -“Enjoying yourself, Charlie?” he added, -with a laugh.</p> - -<p>The “grind” was not; so the only answer -Tom’s query brought forth was a dissenting -grunt.</p> - -<p>Occasionally Blake took a long, careful survey -of the situation. On looking out, a few -moments later, he saw a residential section -passing before his eyes. This was quickly -followed by the open country and desolation.</p> - -<p>The storm, which had lulled during a short -period, broke forth with renewed activity. -At intervals coppery colored lightning -streaked across the heavens, or forked its -way to earth. In the brief instants of dazzling -glare a series of singularly clear impressions, -of dark, twisting clouds, of distant farmhouses, -of rail fences, of waving trees, and of -formless patches of shadow were imprinted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span> -upon Charlie’s brain. It filled the boy with -a curious sense of awe and dread which refused -to be shaken off.</p> - -<p>“A bend in the road just ahead, Bob!” -Tom at length sang out.</p> - -<p>“I see it,” responded the chauffeur.</p> - -<p>The advancing rays of light showed the -broad road disappearing around a mass of -vegetation.</p> - -<p>“Have to slow up now,” said Bob—“danger -of the machine skidding on slippery ground -like this.”</p> - -<p>“You bet.”</p> - -<p>As the touring car slackened speed Bob -sent forth a long, warning blast of the horn.</p> - -<p>Tom laughed.</p> - -<p>“Gee, Bob, what was the sense of doing -that?” he cried. “We haven’t passed many -drays and trucks, or——”</p> - -<p>Blake, listening indifferently, would have -continued to do so but for the loud, startled -exclamation which brought Tom’s sentence -to an abrupt close.</p> - -<p>He looked up quickly, then, with a gasp -of astonishment, he fell forward, bringing up -against the seat in front with a violent bump.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span>The motor car had scarcely swept around -the bend when the acetylene glare picked out -from the darkness the forms of three huge -elephants advancing directly in their path. -Almost stupefied with amazement, the boys, -at the same instant, saw two men walking -close beside them. Not far behind, the light -shone upon a huge, red wagon.</p> - -<p>Before the warning cries which came from -the men ceased Bob Somers had thrown out -the clutch and applied the brakes, bringing -the machine to a halt almost within its own -length.</p> - -<p>A shrill trumpet call sounded. The elephant -in advance, showing evidence of the -greatest alarm, suddenly broke away from its -keeper and attempted to turn back.</p> - -<p>Then followed a scene which made the -nerves of the chauffeur and his companions -tingle with excitement. A huge pachyderm, -wheeling his body around, effectually blocked -the other’s progress. Almost immediately the -third elephant got into action, while every -movement made by the men, in their efforts -to pacify the animals, only added to their fear -and confusion.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span>“Great Scott!” breathed Charlie, grasping -Bob by the arm.</p> - -<p>The three towering forms were swinging -wildly toward them, the nearest threatening -to plunge full tilt against the motor car.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVIII<br /> - - -<small>A ROUGH TRIP</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Victor</span>, wouldn’t it be better for you to -skip back to the hotel?” asked Dave, looking -anxiously at the sky.</p> - -<p>The lawyer’s son thought of the dark, -gloomy streets through which he would be -obliged to pass; then the idea of actually -traveling with a circus appealed strongly to -his imagination.</p> - -<p>“No, Brownie,” he answered, decidedly.</p> - -<p>“Joe,” said Dave, turning toward the circus -boy, “I see the light of a drug store over yonder; -guess they have a ’phone. I’m going to -call up the hotel. Can you wait, Joe?”</p> - -<p>“Sure, Dave. But if Whiffin ketches me -busy at doin’ nothin’ it means a callin’ down—see?”</p> - -<p>“All right, Joe; we’ll hurry,” said Dave, -encouragingly.</p> - -<p>“An’ while you’re gone I’ll help git the -elephants ready,” announced Joe, with sudden<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span> -decision. “Them three old codgers goes -ahead o’ us.”</p> - -<p>Dave, followed by Victor, loped across the -wet, soggy lot, or, rather, tried to. But, although -the journey was attended by much -discomfort and some risk of taking a header, -they finally arrived at the drug store in safety.</p> - -<p>Dave promptly called up the hotel and -was soon speaking to the night clerk. The -latter declined to open the telegram, but gave -the stout boy full information about the -’phone message which Captain Bunderley had -sent from Milwaukee.</p> - -<p>“Well?” queried Victor, eagerly, as the -historian hung up the receiver.</p> - -<p>Dave briefly explained.</p> - -<p>“There, you big Indian, I knew it!” exclaimed -the lawyer’s son, triumphantly. “A -nice trick they played on us, eh? Well, I’m -liable to handle that Tom Clifton with awful -carelessness when we meet again. Now, -Brownie”—his tone became imperious—“you -just call up Uncle Ralph on the long distance -and tell him what’s what.”</p> - -<p>With a broad smile, the stout boy obeyed.</p> - -<p>To his disappointment, however, he was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span> -told that Captain Bunderley had retired for -the night.</p> - -<p>“If it’s important we’ll get him right up -for you,” came a faint voice over the wire.</p> - -<p>Dave did some rapid thinking. “Poor Joe -is most likely fretting and fuming about the -delay,” he mused. “Besides, if I wait any -longer there may be another mix-up.”</p> - -<p>He spoke in the transmitter again:</p> - -<p>“Thank you; I’m in too much of a hurry. -Will you kindly take down a message and -give it to the captain at once.”</p> - -<p>The distant clerk assured him that he -would. Dave quickly went over the few facts -which he thought it was necessary for the -captain to know, ending with: “He’ll hear -from me in the morning.” “Good-bye” was -trembling on his tongue when an afterthought -prompted him to ask: “How many boys are -in the party?”</p> - -<p>“Three,” came the answer.</p> - -<p>“One very tall?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Any of them about?”</p> - -<p>“No; all went out together some time -ago.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span>“Thank you. Good-bye.”</p> - -<p>“What did he say?” demanded Victor.</p> - -<p>“Yes; Tom is there, all right.” Dave -smiled. “Come on,” he added, seeing the -familiar expression of anger instantly flash -into the other’s face. He grasped the lad’s -arm and hurried him outside. “No time to -lose, Vic,” he urged. “Look, the main tent -is already down.”</p> - -<p>“Just wait till I catch that tall chap!” exclaimed -Victor, savagely.</p> - -<p>Over on the lot, Joe Rodgers, standing at -the head of a four-horse team, was impatiently -awaiting their reappearance.</p> - -<p>“Here, you fellers, climb aboard fast,” he -roared, the moment his eyes lighted upon -their figures. “We ought to been off long -ago.”</p> - -<p>It wasn’t an easy task for Victor to reach -the high seat, but, with considerable assistance, -he finally managed it. Then Joe, seeming -to possess the nimbleness of a monkey, -swung up beside him, while Dave, to Victor’s -great surprise, also showing much agility, -immediately followed.</p> - -<p>At any other time Victor Collins’ sense of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span> -the proprieties might have prevented him -from accepting a seat beside a boy whose -estate was as lowly as that of “Mister” Joe -Rodgers, but just now so many things engaged -his attention that he forgot to draw fine distinctions. -From his elevated perch he could -look over a scene in which the weird and -picturesque were combined with pleasing -effect.</p> - -<p>By the aid of a brilliant calcium light and -lanterns men were busily engaged in loading -the remaining wagons. The workers hurried -about, now out of the glare, then back again; -the air was full of noise—of shouts, of heavy -planks being piled in place, of commands to -horses, of sledge-hammer blows. Lanterns -bobbed from place to place, suggestive of huge -fire-flies. It was all very interesting to Victor; -but Joe gave him no further time to -enjoy it.</p> - -<p>Picking up the lines and raising his whip, -he yelled lustily:</p> - -<p>“Git ap!”</p> - -<p>Victor glanced curiously at the driver. He -wondered how it happened that a boy apparently -no older than himself was entrusted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span> -with the care of a great four-horse team, and -being under such responsibility should show -not the slightest trace of nervousness.</p> - -<p>Before the wagon was in motion a loud -“Hold on, there!” made all turn abruptly -around.</p> - -<p>A man having three horses in tow was -headed straight for the wagon.</p> - -<p>“Whiffin says I’m to tie this here bunch o’ -nags on the back o’ the next wagon out,” explained -the man. “Is that you, Rodgers?”</p> - -<p>“It sure ain’t nobody else,” growled Joe. -“Fasten ’em up quick, Tracy. The elephants -has went a’ready.”</p> - -<p>Tracy performed his task with commendable -celerity.</p> - -<p>“All right, Joe,” he presently called. “Let -’er go!”</p> - -<p>“Git ap!” roared the driver.</p> - -<p>The dull thud of hoofs striking against -the turf sounded; the leaders swung around, -plunged and reared. Down came an iron -shoe, splintering a stone and sending off a -shower of sparks. Joe’s whip swished viciously, -cracking like pistol shots.</p> - -<p>“Whoa boy—haw! Hi, hi! Steady, Billikin!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span> -Git over, there, you pesky brute! -Whoa boy!”</p> - -<p>It required an immense amount of vocal -exercise, as well as tugging at the reins and -many passes with the whip to get the huge -bulk in motion. The wagon suddenly gave -an alarming creak, then lurched forward. -Joe yelled like a wild Indian. The horses -stamped and strained with all their might, -and in a few moments more the vehicle -was bumping and jolting over the uneven -ground.</p> - -<p>“This here wagon’s chuck full o’ eats for -the hosses,” remarked Joe, when the road -was reached.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I say, Brownie, it’s beginning to rain -again,” broke in Victor, complainingly. -“Isn’t that the meanest luck?”</p> - -<p>“Here’s sumphin what’ll help keep it off -them pretty duds o’ yourn, Buster,” grinned -Joe. From the back of the seat he extracted -an oilskin cover and a huge umbrella. “Sneak -in clos’t, fellers,” he commanded when the -latter had been opened. “Then none o’ youse -won’t be drownded.”</p> - -<p>Joe was handling the reins with remarkable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span> -skill; the big wagon rumbled along the street -at good speed; and, on looking back, Dave -could see, barely perceptible in the gloom, -several others following.</p> - -<p>“Say, Joe,” he exclaimed, suddenly, “are -you any relation to Mr. Whiffin?”</p> - -<p>“I sure ain’t,” answered Joe.</p> - -<p>“How does it happen that you’re working -in the circus?”</p> - -<p>“’Cause when I weren’t no more’n twelve -years old I was left an orphan—understan’? -So off I goes to me fadder’s sister; an’ I stays -with her an’ her husban’ a spell.”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you like it?”</p> - -<p>“Like it? I should say not!” snorted -Joe. “I eats too much for ’em. One day -me an’ him has some words ’bout it; an’ he -up an’ says: ‘Git right out o’ here, ye young -cub.’ So I up an’ gits—see? I’m a purty -good feller, I am; but don’t nobuddy rile -me.”</p> - -<p>“I understand,” said Dave, gravely. “What -did you do next?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I gits a job in a village; but the -feller I worked for corks me one over the ear, -so I up an’ gits ag’in—understan’?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span>“Have a hard time finding another place?”</p> - -<p>Joe grinned.</p> - -<p>“Oh, no,” he answered. “Drop me down -in the middle of anywheres an’ I’ll land on -me feet. I’ve newspapered it a bit.”</p> - -<p>“How did you happen to meet Mr. Whiffin?”</p> - -<p>Joe failed to respond immediately. The -rain was beginning to beat hard against the -umbrella, while the furious gusts of wind -threatened every instant to tear it away.</p> - -<p>Victor drew the oilskin as far up as he -could; but the beating drops still found him, -and began to trickle off his cap in tiny -streams.</p> - -<p>“Ugh! This is about the limit,” he -groaned.</p> - -<p>“If ye failed inter the lake it’d be a heap -worse,” remarked Joe, cheerfully. “It were -this way, Jumbo—I—I mean Dave—— Whoa -there! Confound that off hoss! Whoa—gee! -Git over there!—Well, I was lookin’ for a meal -ticket, when, of a suddent, I runs across—whoa, -gee—Spudger’s Peerless. So I goes in -an’ up an’ asks Whiffin for a job. ‘Git out o’ -here,’ says Whiffin. ‘Sure—when I’m ready,’ -says I. Then he kinder looks at me interested<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span> -like, an’ says, ‘Who chased yer away from -your happy home, kid?’ An’ I up an’ tells -him. So he gives me a job as water-carrier.”</p> - -<p>“That’s interesting,” said Dave. “Go -ahead.”</p> - -<p>“Whoa—gee! Confound that off hoss,” -resumed Joe. “Then, after while, he lets -me drive wagons and keer for the hosses. -There ain’t nuthin’ I don’t know about them -animals, Dave.”</p> - -<p>“Satisfied with circus life, Joe?”</p> - -<p>The boy pondered a moment.</p> - -<p>“No, I ain’t,” he confided. “I’d like to -git an eddication, an’ be sumphin. But I -ain’t never had no chanc’t. I wonder if I -ever will have a chanc’t!” he added, wistfully.</p> - -<p>“What is your ambition?” pursued Dave.</p> - -<p>“I dunno. Maybe I’d like to keep a peanut, -pretzel and lemonade stand,” answered -Joe. “I know’d a feller what follered the -show with one. He did good, too—saved a -hundred and fifty dollars in three years. He’s -gittin’ old now—most twenty-five, I reckon.”</p> - -<p>“Poor decrepit old gentleman,” sighed Dave. -“Say, Joe,” he added, “does your uncle know -where you are?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span>“Sure! Whiffin up an’ writes ’im; an’ -what Uncle Jim writ back must have been -hot stuff, ’cordin’ to Whiffin. But I kep’ me -job, all right.”</p> - -<p>“Say, Brandon, why did you ever drag me -into a mess like this?” broke in a peevish -voice. “It’s raining worse every minute.”</p> - -<p>“Too bad, Vic.”</p> - -<p>Dave, with his cap pulled well over his eyes, -peered out.</p> - -<p>The houses were becoming further and -further apart. Here and there lights in -windows shone dimly through the darkness. -The line of trees on either side of the road -rattled and snapped their myriads of branches, -occasionally surrendering to the wildly eddying -currents the quota of leaves demanded. Everything -was dripping wet; water fell from the -umbrella in streams; water slid ceaselessly down -the sides of the big red wagon; water formed -pools on top. From the nostrils and heaving -bodies of the blanketed horses came clouds of -steam.</p> - -<p>Victor, though well protected, felt miserable -and disgusted and, as it was his nature to -always put the blame on others, he began to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span> -harbor an additional grievance against Dave -Brandon.</p> - -<p>“But for the big Indian I wouldn’t be -here,” he grumbled to himself. “And just -listen to the way he’s chinning to this Rodgers -kid! It certainly is enough to make a fellow -tired for a whole week.”</p> - -<p>“No, I ain’t never had no chanc’t,” Joe was -repeating, dolefully. “I ain’t no good at -readin’ or writin’.”</p> - -<p>“Would you go to school?” asked Dave.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t I, though,” said Joe; “eh, -Buster?”</p> - -<p>He nudged Victor sharply in the ribs.</p> - -<p>“Cut it out,” growled Victor.</p> - -<p>“I can’t,” grinned Joe. “Ribs is ginerally -cut out by surgeons. Whoa! Gee! It’s -most time we ketched up to them elephants.”</p> - -<p>With his eyes keenly scanning the road, -he urged his team ahead by both voice and -whip. Now on a slight down grade, the huge -wagon rumbled along at considerable speed, -occasionally jolting and jarring, as the wheels -slipped into ruts or rolled through deep miry -stretches.</p> - -<p>Dave finally detected two faint spots of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span> -light struggling into view some distance -ahead.</p> - -<p>“It’s Scotty an’ Robins leadin’ the elephants,” -explained Joe. “Know’d I ketch -up with ’em soon. Hi, hi! Git ap! Say, -this here is sure some storm, ain’t it, fellers? -Lightning now, by Jingo!”</p> - -<p>A glare had suddenly illumined the landscape, -and in the instantaneous flash the forms -of three elephants at the crest of a rise showed -as blurred masses of dark.</p> - -<p>“By George! It’s enough to give a chap -the creeps for fair,” thought Victor, with a -shiver.</p> - -<p>Conversing was difficult. The three, though -huddling under the umbrella as far as possible, -were still the target for beating rain. At each -flash of lightning the huge, unwieldy forms -of Nero, Titan and Colossus loomed up more -clearly, and, at length, when the leading -horses began to strike their iron-shod hoofs in -the muddy road close behind them, the lanterns -in the hands of Scott and Robins described -a flashing circle in the air.</p> - -<p>Joe answered this salute with a lusty yell.</p> - -<p>“We’re gittin’ there, fellers,” he added.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span>“We’re most swimmin’ there,” answered -Robins, gruffly.</p> - -<p>“And’ll soon need a raft,” put in Scotty.</p> - -<p>“I’ll throw ye a life-line when ye needs -one,” roared Joe.</p> - -<p>Then several miles fell grudgingly behind, -with scarcely a word exchanged between men -or boys. Dave, in spite of storm and discomfort, -his eyes tightly closed, was almost nodding, -while Victor, utterly miserable, sat -staring straight ahead.</p> - -<p>But all this was changed in the most startling -and abrupt fashion.</p> - -<p>The loud blasts of a motor horn, echoing -weirdly, brought Dave up with a start.</p> - -<p>“What!” he gasped. “What!”</p> - -<p>His eyes rested on a brilliant glare of light -flooding the darkness. Then a big touring -machine glided around a bend. Although -the chauffeur handled his car skilfully, the -unexpected sight threw the elephants into a -state of panic.</p> - -<p>“Them brutes is goin’ to git!” yelled Joe, -as the rumbling of the wagon wheels ceased.</p> - -<p>An instant later Dave and Victor saw the -boy swinging from his seat to the ground.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIX<br /> - - -<small>DAVE DOES SOME RIDING</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dave Brandon</span> immediately furnished another -example of his ability to move quickly -when he chose to stir himself. Joe had -scarcely landed before the stout boy was at his -side.</p> - -<p>The crisp whirr of wheels and the thud of a -horse’s hoofs was sounding close behind them. -Dave stepped to one side, and, by the light -from a row of lanterns on the red wagon, saw -a buggy containing two men rapidly approaching. -Just after it had splashed past him one -of the men spoke up.</p> - -<p>The thin, rasping notes which poured forth -at once proclaimed his identity; it was Mr. -Peter Whiffin.</p> - -<p>Dave, however, in the general confusion, -amidst the noise of the storm and the shouts -of the elephant keepers, could scarcely understand -a word. The alarming actions of the -big animals, too, occupied his undivided attention.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span> -Despite the frantic efforts of Scott and -Robins, the pride of Spudger’s Peerless broke -away, the largest almost sending his cumbersome -body against the motor car.</p> - -<p>The next few instants witnessed a scene -which made even the nerves of steady-going -Dave Brandon tingle with excitement. It -was impossible to tell which way the animals -might turn, and any one standing in the road -ran great danger of being knocked down and -trampled under foot.</p> - -<p>But the movement of the big creatures was -not left long in doubt. With another loud -trumpeting, Colossus wheeled away from the -motor car, then started at a loping gait around -the bend, closely followed by Titan and Nero.</p> - -<p>“I know’d it! I know’d it!” yelled Joe. -“An’ they’ll mash anythin’ flat what gits in -their way.”</p> - -<p>“After ’em, boys; after ’em!” rose the voice -of Mr. Ollie Spudger, in despairing accents. -“We don’t want no more suits for damages -filed ag’in the show. If anybody as much -as sees the beasts runnin’ loose they’ll sue, -though only their feelin’s is hurt!”</p> - -<p>Scott and Robins were already struggling<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span> -through the mud and rain in a desperate -effort to overtake their charges.</p> - -<p>“After ’em for all you’re worth, boys!” -bawled Spudger.</p> - -<p>“Twenty-five cents for the feller what stops -’em!” roared Mr. Whiffin.</p> - -<p>“I’ll take a chanc’t on gittin’ them five -nickels!” shouted Joe, snatching a lantern -from its place on the wagon and dashing off.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon was conscious of the fact that -the automobilists, after a sharp passage of -words with Mr. Whiffin, had gone on, apparently -thinking that the elephants would soon -be under control.</p> - -<p>“That’s the way with them automobile -fellers,” he heard Mr. Whiffin exclaim. -“Don’t keer what happens as long as they -have their fling.”</p> - -<p>Then the buggy wheels began grinding -through the mud again. Mr. Spudger and -his manager were in hot pursuit of elephants -and men.</p> - -<p>Dave stood, irresolute, then:</p> - -<p>“Yes, I’ll do it,” he exclaimed, grimly. -“As Joe says, if those animals should happen -to bump into anything—whew!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span>“What’s all that queer mumbling down -there, Brownie?” cried Victor. “Hey—where -are you going?”</p> - -<p>Without making any reply, Dave unhooked -a lantern from the side of the wagon and -made a dash to the rear.</p> - -<p>The rays of light flashed over three horses, -whose dilated nostrils and gleaming eyes gave -indication of their frightened state. They -strained and tugged frantically in an effort to -pull away.</p> - -<p>“Whoa, boy, whoa!” exclaimed Dave, -soothingly, to the nearest, a coal black animal. -“Whoa, boy!”</p> - -<p>Warily, he stepped out of the way of rapidly-moving -hoofs.</p> - -<p>“Here’s where some of my cowboy experience -will come in nicely,” he murmured. -“Whoa there, old chap!” His hand gently -stroked a quivering, glossy neck. “Whoa, I -say!”</p> - -<p>Working near those swinging bodies, in a -dim light, with rain and wind beating relentlessly -upon him, had an element of danger in -it which lent spice to the situation. Dave’s -lantern, slung over his arm, sent curious<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span> -patches of shadow dancing across the ground -and reflected in sharp metallic dashes in water -and ooze.</p> - -<p>In a few moments the lad succeeded in -untying the rope. The black horse, freed, -reared and plunged; but Dave’s strong grip -on the halter could not be shaken off.</p> - -<p>“It won’t be so easy riding you, old boy, -with no bridle or saddle,” he muttered, “but -here goes!”</p> - -<p>“For gracious’ sake, what are you about, -Brandon?” screeched Victor, in alarm, for the -first time realizing his intention. “Look out, -you silly thing; you’ll get tossed or be -mashed into a jelly!”</p> - -<p>To his unbounded amazement, he saw Dave -Brandon spring lightly astride the prancing -horse.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” he cried, breathlessly.</p> - -<p>“I’ll be back soon, Vic,” shouted Dave.</p> - -<p>He pressed his knees against the animal’s -side, leaned far over on its neck to escape the -full force of the storm, then, with both hands -gripping the halter, held on tight as the horse -shot forward.</p> - -<p>Victor saw him being carried swiftly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span> -around the bend, the lantern over his arm -swaying violently, and heard the sound of -pounding hoofs growing faint in the distance.</p> - -<p>It wrung from his lips a cry of admiration.</p> - -<p>“By George, but that chap has wonderful -nerve!”</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, all of Dave Brandon’s skill in -horsemanship was called into play. The spirited -black horse, frantic with fear, galloped -furiously along the slippery road, while Dave, -jolted and shaken, sawed hard on the leather -straps of the halter.</p> - -<p>“Look out!” he yelled.</p> - -<p>His ringing voice was added to the warning -of clattering hoofs.</p> - -<p>Two dusky forms edged with sharp lights -from the rays of their lanterns sprang hastily -to the side of the road as the apparent runaway -bore down upon them. Another, further -in advance, loping along at remarkable -speed—Joe Rodgers, in a desperate sprint to -capture the promised quarter—was seen to -stumble.</p> - -<p>Dave had a vision of a lantern performing -some remarkable evolutions, and knew, more<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span> -by impressions than actual sight, that Joe -Rodgers had taken a header to safety in the -mud.</p> - -<p>And all this time the red lantern on the -back of Spudger’s vehicle was growing larger -and stronger. A mass of formless dark, with -surprising suddenness, resolved itself into the -shape of a buggy and trotting horse.</p> - -<p>As Dave sped past he heard loud exclamations -and yells in Peter Whiffin’s familiar -voice. Then he was plunging on and on into -the blackness, with nothing but an occasional -gleam of electric flame to light the way.</p> - -<p>At last, after a determined fight, he regained -control of the maddened animal. His face -was stinging from the effects of beating rain -and wind and his eyes were aching. But the -wild ride had filled him with a strange sense of -exhilaration.</p> - -<p>As a vivid streak of bluish lightning forked -its way earthward, the rider gave a gasp of -astonishment and alarm. The instantaneous -glare had revealed with startling clearness the -ponderous forms of three elephants but a few -yards distant. Even before the jarring reverberations -of thunder began to sound the dull<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span> -thud of heavy feet splashing steadily through -mud and water reached Dave Brandon’s ears.</p> - -<p>It was a moment for quick action and -steady nerves.</p> - -<p>By the time his fierce yells and strenuous -exertions had swerved the horse to one side -the light of the lantern was falling on a huge -bulk which towered high above him. He saw -the elephant’s great head swing around, its -eyes gleaming with fear.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” murmured Dave.</p> - -<p>His nerves tingled at the thought of being -thrown.</p> - -<p>He steered clear of a second shadowy form -and soon a third detached itself faintly from -the surroundings.</p> - -<p>The already badly frightened Colossus -became a great deal more so as horse and rider -shot alongside. A shrill trumpet call rang -out. The huge elephant increased his pace, -blocking every effort of the horseman to -gallop past. And so, neck and neck, the -animals raced along the lonely, water-soaked -country road.</p> - -<p>Every flash of lightning brought into view -fences on either hand. Dave knew there was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span> -no safety on either side or behind. Only his -horse’s speed could carry him out of the -dangerous situation in which he had placed -himself. The touch of a great rough body -brushing against his shoulder sent a thrill to -his heart.</p> - -<p>“This is just a little more than I bargained -for,” he thought, grimly.</p> - -<p>“Get up, Blacky, get up!” he cried out, -desperately. His hand descended hard on the -animal’s flank. “Go it, old boy! Go it, for -your life!”</p> - -<p>Dave strained his eyes to pierce the darkness, -fearful that the obscurity concealed some -object into which they would be plunged with -headlong force.</p> - -<p>It was one of the most thrilling moments in -Dave Brandon’s life. Never before had he -taken so many chances; and never before had -he been so determined to win.</p> - -<p>The boy could hear the labored breathing -of his horse and saw patches of foam flung to -the wind. The rapid pace over the rough -road was fast telling on the animal’s strength. -Thus, through the night and storm, the -wild flight continued, with neither gaining<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span> -any advantage until the black horse, by a -supreme effort, nosed ahead of its monster -rival.</p> - -<p>“Good for you, Blacky!” shouted Dave, -exultingly.</p> - -<p>His lantern whirled in front of Colossus’ -head, then again, and again, while he yelled -with all his remaining force.</p> - -<p>Each time he was in danger of being hurled -from his seat; each time the exertion made -his heart thump harder. But the actions of -the big elephant caused him to keep up the -fight with every ounce of strength in his body.</p> - -<p>The panic-stricken beast seemed to have no -desire to face that curious flashing light which -occasionally grazed his upraised trunk. The -pride of Spudger’s, seeing no escape from -the terrifying object in front, voiced his fear -in another loud call, swung abruptly across the -road and continued along on the other side.</p> - -<p>Dave promptly met this move by a shift of -the lantern.</p> - -<p>Almost immediately, Colossus slowed up, -while the stout boy, feeling that the victory -had been won, reined in his steaming horse, -so as to keep directly in front of the elephant.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span>Within a few minutes the struggle was over. -The pachyderm, unable to elude the horseman, -wavered, then came to a sudden stop.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon was too winded to shout his -exultation. He wheeled his horse around and -halted in the middle of the road. Water -poured from his hat and coat in streams; his -clothes were patched with mud, but, as he -wearily straightened up, the glow of the lantern -showed the familiar broad smile on his -face.</p> - -<p>“By Jingo,” he muttered, “traveling with -a circus surely has its thrills!”</p> - -<p>Some five minutes later, when Messrs. -Spudger and Whiffin hurriedly drove up, in a -state of great excitement, they found three -elephants huddled close together by the wayside, -while a lone horseman, almost as motionless -as a statue, was standing on guard.</p> - -<p>And it didn’t take Mr. Whiffin’s sharp eyes -very long to discover the identity of this -vigilant sentinel.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t I tell yer it was the fat feller who -passed us, Mr. Spudger?” he demanded, “an’ -by gum, he done the trick!”</p> - -<p>“And I should say, at twenty-five cents, it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span> -was about the cheapest bit of work I ever heard -of. And if he’s saved me from looking into -any lawyer’s face I’ll add another twenty-five -cents myself.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Spudger laughed gruffly at his own -humorous observation.</p> - -<p>“We’d best be keerful not to make too -much noise,” warned Mr. Whiffin. “I ain’t -hankerin’ to look after them elephants.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” assented Mr. Spudger. “Let’s -do all our conversation in whispers. If they -ever git started on the back track this buggy -would be only fit for kindlin’ fires, and I don’t -like surgeons no more’n lawyers.”</p> - -<p>After this remark only the noise of the -storm was heard until Joe Rodgers, a sadly -bedraggled object, arrived on the scene of -inaction.</p> - -<p>“Stand as still as if you was a-loafin’ on -the show, Joe,” commanded Whiffin, disagreeably. -“If it hadn’t been for that there -quarter you wanted to git you’d be asleep on -the wagon now.”</p> - -<p>Scott, the elephant trainer, with his assistant, -Robins, next appeared, and the men -quickly secured their charges.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span>A few specks of light on the road and the -low rumble of wagon wheels soon indicated -that the circus train was approaching.</p> - -<p>“You’re the greatest feller in the world, -Dave!” exclaimed Joe, admiringly. “I’ll -bet Bill Potts never would have done it.”</p> - -<p>“His forte is artistic riding,” laughed Dave. -“Out on the plains with the cowboys taught -me the plain variety.”</p> - -<p>The leaders of the four-horse team swung -up and the driver, who had taken Joe’s place, -clambered to the ground.</p> - -<p>“Oh, hasn’t this been another glorious -day!” piped a small figure on the seat. “Are -you safe, Brownie? Goodness, but this has -given me an awful fit of the nerves.”</p> - -<p>“I’m all right, Vic,” answered Dave. He -led the black horse to its former place behind -the wagon. “What’s that? Did you speak, -Mr. Whiffin?”</p> - -<p>A voice had come from the buggy.</p> - -<p>“Step this way,” said the manager.</p> - -<p>When his summons were obeyed he leaned -out from beneath the shelter, extending a -lean hand toward Dave’s indistinct form.</p> - -<p>“Here’s that quarter, boy!”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span>“And you needn’t give a receipt for it just -now,” guffawed Mr. Spudger.</p> - -<p>“Thank you!” laughed Dave.</p> - -<p>Joe, already in his place, his hands grasping -the lines, waited until Dave Brandon was -seated beside him, then his long whip cracked -sharply, the horses plunged and struggled, -the wheels reluctantly began to move, and the -interrupted journey was resumed.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XX<br /> - - -<small>VIC TURNS UP</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> motor car boys arrived late at night, -or, rather, early in the morning at Kenosha, -left their mud-begrimed machine at the garage, -and hastened to the hotel. There, to their -great satisfaction, they learned about Dave’s -telephone message, then, with minds relieved -from all further anxiety, congregated in Bob -Somers’ room.</p> - -<p>“Well, we have made a night of it,” began -Charlie.</p> - -<p>“And a morning, too,” piped Tom.</p> - -<p>“The last of yesterday and the first of to-day -have been nicely rolled together,” laughed -Bob.</p> - -<p>“Say”—Tom managed to stifle a tremendous -yawn—“I certainly like the nerve of that -fellow in the buggy.”</p> - -<p>“That’s just what I didn’t like about him,” -said Charlie. “It’s sure that he never took any -correspondence school lessons in politeness.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span>“And the idea of his taking down our -license number! Honest, Bob, I came mighty -near calling him down for that.”</p> - -<p>“He made a noise like a steam calliope, -but he couldn’t take us down,” grinned Bob.</p> - -<p>“I certainly hope we don’t meet him again,” -yawned Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I wouldn’t know him from a baseball -bat,” said Tom. “By this time, fellows, I -reckon Dave and Victor have made a safe -steal for home—meaning they’ve reached -Milwaukee.”</p> - -<p>“And if so Captain Bunderley won’t be -put out,” chirped Blake.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if that is where Dave and Vic -really have gone,” mused Bob.</p> - -<p>“Why, of course!” answered Tom, making -an heroic attempt to control his blinking eyes.</p> - -<p>“Let us have some deductions, quick, Tom,” -urged Charlie, with a wink.</p> - -<p>“Look out, or I’ll make you run like a ball -player off for first!” said Tom, scowling -slightly.</p> - -<p>“But no one could throw me out,” retorted -the “grind.”</p> - -<p>“Guess I’ll turn in, fellows,” remarked Bob.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span> -“Remember we have to hit the trail again -to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p>“I can never forget the agonizing look of -the chap who had to clean our car,” quoth -Charlie. “Wasn’t it the biggest cake of mud -you’ve ever seen? Good-night, Bob. Tom -will yawn his head off in a minute.”</p> - -<p>“Get out!” scoffed Tom. “I’m not a bit -more tired than anybody else.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, I s’pose you’d like to do it all -over again,” laughed Charlie. “Coming?”</p> - -<p>And Tom went.</p> - -<p>It was very late when the boys got up; in -fact, so late that a glance at the clock seemed -to give each a pang of conscience.</p> - -<p>“Simply awful,” murmured Tom. “Can’t -understand it. Why, I didn’t feel a bit tired -last night.”</p> - -<p>Immediately after refreshing themselves -with a good meal the boys started for the -garage.</p> - -<p>Benjamin Rochester, more than ever convinced -that there was something very mysterious -in the actions of the crowd, received them -with the gravity due to such somber thoughts.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, de car am done been cleaned,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span> -he remarked to Bob Somers. “I guess dat -machine tried to burrow its way to de center -ob de earth.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it was as dark as a tunnel last night,” -explained Bob, “and we hit some of the soft -spots.”</p> - -<p>“Guess yo’ must hab scooped ’em all up.”</p> - -<p>Two minutes later the car was whirling out -of the garage.</p> - -<p>“Dey is certainly de queerest bunch I done -ebber heard ob,” muttered Benjamin. “I -s’pects I’ll read somethin’ ’bout ’em in de -papers befo’ long.”</p> - -<p>Through the streets of Kenosha, by the -shortest route, sped the big machine. Charlie -Blake’s association with the Ramblers was -beginning to have an effect upon his timid -disposition. His mind was no longer filled -with dread misgivings, and Bob, who thought -that his chief trouble lay in a lack of confidence -in himself, kept urging him to try his -hand at running the car.</p> - -<p>And finally Blake, to Tom’s great astonishment, -did try.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott, you’re going some now!” -exclaimed the tall boy. “Play ball with that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span> -kind of spirit and we’ll have a winning -nine.”</p> - -<p>“Bully boy,” said Bob, resuming his place -at the wheel. “You’ve got the hang of the -thing in great shape.”</p> - -<p>Blake felt a glow of satisfaction. He was -beginning to realize just why he had so often -failed.</p> - -<p>With Bob in control, the landscape seemed -to fly by with astonishing rapidity, and evidences -that they were approaching a big town -soon greeted their eyes.</p> - -<p>“Say, look at that, fellows!” exclaimed -Tom, suddenly.</p> - -<p>A gorgeously colored poster by the side of -the road depicted some of the “Stupendous -attractions” of Ollie Spudger’s Great Combined -Peerless Circus and Menagerie.</p> - -<p>“That’s worth looking at,” said Bob, bringing -the machine to a stop.</p> - -<p>“They’re going to stay on the scene for three -days,” remarked Tom. “Say, Bob, that must -be the very show we passed on the road last -night. Let’s motor around and take a squint.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, goodness, I never cared less to see a -circus,” put in Charlie.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span>“Well, it won’t do any harm.”</p> - -<p>“Or any good, either.”</p> - -<p>“Then that makes it even, eh, Bob? How -do you vote?”</p> - -<p>“We might as well run around that way, -Tom.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose Clifton won’t be happy unless -he can give the elephants peanuts,” grunted -Charlie.</p> - -<p>The scattered buildings had given place to -long rows. Along a wide avenue lined on -both sides with handsome residences the -Rambler Club’s motor car carried the three -toward the business section of Racine. Again -the chauffeur was obliged to look out for cars, -vehicles and pedestrians, but, as no time was -lost save when absolutely necessary, the town -was quickly crossed.</p> - -<p>At length they came in sight of several -circus tents rising in the midst of a vast lot. -They could see, too, a number of huge red -wagons, a miscellaneous collection of venders’ -stands and a considerable crowd seeming to -move in all directions.</p> - -<p>“Gee! Looks like some show to me,” -remarked Tom, highly interested. “Mighty<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span> -big pictures they have hanging up by the -entrance.”</p> - -<p>“That’s high art,” said Charlie.</p> - -<p>“How do you know?” queried Tom.</p> - -<p>“That’s easy; they’re at least six feet off the -ground.”</p> - -<p>“Huh, you’re getting real smart,” snapped -Tom.</p> - -<p>“I’m stocking up with ginger for the football -games,” laughed Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I can see the barker barking,” said -Tom, suddenly. “Aren’t they the windy -chaps? I’m just a little bit too cute to be -taken in by them. Say, wouldn’t you think -a man would have more self-respect than to -stand out there sporting a red coat and dinky -little cap like that?”</p> - -<p>“Strikes me he’s a kind of fat fellow,” said -Blake, with an earnest stare. “He ought to -be out doing some useful work instead of trying -to separate dimes and nickels from a lot -of easy marks. Just look at the way he moves -his arms!”</p> - -<p>“You might think he was a lawyer pleading -a case in court,” laughed Bob. “I guess -he would about match Dave in size.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span>“Hello!” said Charlie, his eyes resting on -one of the large paintings. “There’s a picture -of Adolphus, the boy giant. His figure seems -to match our Tom’s.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, cut out the Victor Collins remarks,” -growled Clifton. “Stop here, Bob. It’s jolly -good fun to watch the people. Crickets, what -a noise! Why—why—what’s the matter?”</p> - -<p>Bob Somers was staring toward the barker -with a mystified expression which gradually -deepened. He was about to speak, when:</p> - -<p>“My gracious alive, if there isn’t that fellow, -Tom Clifton!” came to their ears.</p> - -<p>The three boys turned quickly at the sound -of a familiar voice, and, to their utter astonishment, -found themselves facing Victor Collins.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXI<br /> - - -<small>EXPLANATIONS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Great</span> as was the amazement of the boys -to see Victor, his next words amazed them -still more.</p> - -<p>“Come down out of that, Clifton, and I’ll -punch you good and plenty!” he howled.</p> - -<p>Before Tom Clifton could gather his wits -together and reply, Victor was speaking again.</p> - -<p>“That was about the meanest and silliest -trick I ever heard of!” he exclaimed, brandishing -a small white fist in the air. “I’ve -got it in for you, too, Blakelets; and ditto for -you, Bob Somers.”</p> - -<p>The group in the motor car exchanged -glances of bewilderment. Then the chauffeur -spoke up.</p> - -<p>“How did you get here, Victor?” he asked.</p> - -<p>This question seemed to increase Victor’s -fiery attitude.</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t try to jolly me,” he screeched. -“Put that innocent look off your face, Tom<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span> -Clifton. And if you’re not too scared step -down and get the first instalment of what’s -coming to you!”</p> - -<p>Tom Clifton, fairly aghast, flushed crimson. -For him to be threatened in the presence of -his chums by a boy of Victor’s size was more -than his feelings could stand.</p> - -<p>Words and actions came to his relief. -Springing to the ground he seized Victor by -the arm.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, you silly little duffer?” -he exclaimed, fiercely. But, like a -flash, the thought came to him that, after -all, it might be only a joke. “Oh, it’s all -right, Victor,” he added, with forced calmness. -“You can’t string me.”</p> - -<p>“Or rope me into believing any taffy. I’ll -show you how much joke there’s in it!”</p> - -<p>Something happened.</p> - -<p>Victor’s small fists began to move with -truly remarkable speed. It was Tom Clifton’s -ribs that stopped several snappy punches.</p> - -<p>“Ouch! Quit it!” yelled Tom, jumping aside -with undignified haste. “Stop—stop, I say!”</p> - -<p>But whichever way he turned Victor was -always dancing before him.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span>“You would make me miss that motor -yacht trip, eh? Thought maybe I looked -soft, eh? Well, here’s one for that!”</p> - -<p>Two pairs of restraining hands suddenly -gripped Victor Collins’ shoulders.</p> - -<p>“No more of this, Vic,” commanded Bob, -sternly. “We don’t want to start a rival -show on this side of the street.”</p> - -<p>“You’re making more noise than that fat -barker over there!” added Charlie.</p> - -<p>Tom Clifton, painfully conscious that he had -made no effort to defend himself, and feeling -the various assortment of punches which Victor -had liberally bestowed upon him, suddenly -decided that his reputation would suffer -unless some decisive action was taken.</p> - -<p>A good shaking, he thought, would be -about the proper thing.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tend to him myself, Bob. Leave the -whole thing to me!” he cried.</p> - -<p>While Victor squirmed and struggled in -Bob Somers’ strong grasp, Charlie, bubbling -over with mirth, had secured a firm hold on -Tom Clifton’s arm.</p> - -<p>“I guess the circus has been too much for -somebody’s nerves,” he chuckled. “Better<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span> -stop. There are about eighteen people looking -over.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care!” stormed Tom.</p> - -<p>“I do,” said Bob. “Let’s begin at the beginning, -and come to the end fast. Victor -seems peeved about something. Speak up, -Vic: what’s the trouble?”</p> - -<p>Realizing that the odds were too great to -overcome, Victor simmered down.</p> - -<p>“There’d be thirty-nine people looking at -us if I had my way,” he said, sullenly. -“This thing isn’t ended yet. Tall Indians -are easy for me.”</p> - -<p>“Then explanations ought to be easy,” -laughed Bob.</p> - -<p>Victor poured forth the story of his woes -with a volubility that showed a strong grip -on the English language, and, as he proceeded, -the faces of the three completely -changed expression. Bob and Charlie fairly -roared with mirth, while Tom, backing up -against the motor car, seemed almost too astonished -to speak.</p> - -<p>“We had our trip on the yacht,” cried -Blake, between his peals of laughter.</p> - -<p>“And Tom did motor it to Milwaukee,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span> -supplemented Bob. “But ‘things are not -always what they seem.’”</p> - -<p>Briefly he explained the situation. His -manner and tones were so convincing as to -completely silence Victor Collins’ suspicions. -The angry look slowly faded from his eyes. -He stuck his hands into his overcoat pocket -and whistled shrilly.</p> - -<p>For once in his life Victor had learned a -lesson.</p> - -<p>The story of Tom’s brilliant deductions -was, of course, too good to keep, so the -“grind,” in spite of the tall boy’s frantic -winks, gave all the details with a charming -disregard for his feelings.</p> - -<p>The sheepish expression which had rested -on Victor’s face gave place to an enormous -grin. He laughed quite as loudly as Bob and -Charlie had done a few moments before.</p> - -<p>“Well,” growled Tom, “can you blame -me? Weren’t you all twisted up yourself? -I went down to the wharf and saw——”</p> - -<p>“So did Brandon and I; and all we saw -was a mean-looking little fat man. He had -the nerve to come up and begin talking. -‘No; not even the glitter of a cent,’ I told the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span> -beggar. Whew, wasn’t he hopping mad, -though! You ought to have seen how he beat -it.”</p> - -<p>“A little fat man!” cried Tom, opening his -eyes. “Why—why, he must have been the -very one that told me about the boys going off -on the yacht.”</p> - -<p>“He did?” gasped Victor.</p> - -<p>“Yes! Why, he wasn’t any beggar. It -wouldn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to see that -he had sized up the situation and was going -to tell you all about it. If you had only -given him half a chance, Victor Collins, -this——”</p> - -<p>“What! Are you going to try and put the -blame on me?” interrupted Victor, fiercely. -“It wouldn’t have changed things at all—not -a bit of it. I knew the whole crowd had -skipped.”</p> - -<p>“Say, fellows!” Bob Somers’ loud exclamation -put an end to the wrangle. “No -wonder that chap over there has a shape like -Dave’s! It is Dave; and I knew it!”</p> - -<p>“Why, of course it is!” snapped Victor.</p> - -<p>“Great Scott!” cried Tom. “What—that -fellow with the red coat and dinky little<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span> -cap our Dave? Somebody fan me with a -feather.”</p> - -<p>“A rope’s end would suit your case better. -Yes; Brandon has had to earn his own living -for once.”</p> - -<p>“Help!” murmured Charlie. “This has -been almost too much for my weak intellect.”</p> - -<p>“Now, Vic, do let us have an explanation!” -cried Bob.</p> - -<p>“You might have told us before, instead of -raising such a howl about me,” broke in Tom.</p> - -<p>Victor immediately launched forth into a -vivid description of their experiences with the -circus. He had a great deal to say, but the -boys did not stand still while listening to it. -Each was too anxious to see David Brandon in -his new and astonishing rôle. They rapidly -crossed the street, then made as straight a line -as booths, stands and people would permit -toward the entrance to the show.</p> - -<p>All the sights and sounds peculiar to circuses -were on every side. Their thoughts, -however, were centered upon the boy with the -red coat and tasseled cap who seemed to be -talking as easily and naturally as though -merely reciting in school.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span>In the midst of an impassioned argument -Dave caught sight of his friends. He waved -his arm, but that was all he could do in the -way of greeting.</p> - -<p>The end of Victor’s story fell on inattentive -ears.</p> - -<p>Tom felt his heart swell with pride—pride -that Dave—their Dave—had again shown -his versatility. Forgetting diffidence, he -yelled:</p> - -<p>“You didn’t know our automobile passed -you on the road last night, eh, Dave?”</p> - -<p>And a moment after these words were -spoken he observed a small, thin man, who -had been staring toward them, start forward. -He also noticed, as the man approached, that -he was scowling angrily.</p> - -<p>“Say, boys,” he exclaimed, in a voice which -the Ramblers had heard on the night before, -“so it was your car that passed us on the -road, eh? Well, I’ve got a word to say!”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXII<br /> - - -<small>DAVE RESIGNS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Peter Whiffin</span>, straining his neck in -an effort to look squarely into Tom Clifton’s -eyes, also waved his finger threateningly in -the air.</p> - -<p>“Things has came to a pretty pass when a -lot of irresponsible kids can go chasin’ all -around creation in a motor car. Do you -know what you done last night?”</p> - -<p>The familiar flush appeared once more on -Tom Clifton’s face as many pairs of eyes were -leveled in his direction.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” he stammered.</p> - -<p>“It’s a wonder it doesn’t mean a ten thousand -dollar suit for damages!” thundered -Mr. Whiffin, savagely. “An’ it’s only by -good luck that you ain’t mixed up in the -biggest kind of a rumpus. That car o’ yourn -stampeded our elephants—that’s what it -done!”</p> - -<p>“I’m very sorry to hear it,” spoke up Bob<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span> -Somers, quietly, “but you can hardly blame -us. We had just as much right to the road -as you.”</p> - -<p>“No sass, now!” cried Whiffin.</p> - -<p>Tom was trembling with indignation.</p> - -<p>“Seems to me you’re handing some out -yourself,” he managed to say.</p> - -<p>“I’m good at it,” snapped Whiffin. “Anybody -what deserves sass gits their full share -from me.”</p> - -<p>“By George, if I’d only known it was the -Ramblers in that car,” cried Victor, recovering -from his surprise, “maybe some mud balls -wouldn’t have been flying!”</p> - -<p>“I must say this has been a wonderful -motor car trip,” remarked Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Just supposin’ them elephants had run -inter somethin’?” Mr. Whiffin’s querulous -tones rose above all other sounds. “Just -supposin’ a farmer’s wagon had been in the -way——”</p> - -<p>“Or a picnic party,” broke in Tom, satirically.</p> - -<p>No doubt Mr. Whiffin would have made a -very interesting retort but for the fact that -his eyes happened to rest on the form of a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span> -stocky, freckle-faced boy. This lad, attracted -by the sound of his voice, had come forward -and was taking in the scene with much apparent -interest.</p> - -<p>The audacity of such a proceeding seemed -to appal Mr. Peter Whiffin.</p> - -<p>“Loafin’ ag’in, eh?” he snarled. “Expect -to be supported in idleness, I reckon! You -ain’t done scarcely nothin’ since I hired that -new barker.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I ain’t, eh?” Joe Rodgers’ eyes -flashed angrily. “Oh, no; I ain’t done -nothin’ but work me arms an’ legs most off!”</p> - -<p>“Light out!” commanded the manager.</p> - -<p>“When I gits ready I will,” answered Joe, -defiantly. “Hey, fellers, I heard all that. -So you’re the ones what Jumbo, I—I mean -Dave told me about? An’, say, he’s the -bulliest feller in the whole world. Anybody -what could do what he done last night ought -ter have a medal.”</p> - -<p>“Permit me to introduce into your charmed -circle the esteemed and particular crony of -Mr. David Brandon—Joseph Rodgers, Esquire, -water-carrier by special appointment to Oily -Spudger’s Great Show,” snickered Victor.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span>The boys greeted Joe politely.</p> - -<p>“If the fat feller belongs to a bunch like -this it’s most enough to make me fire him,” -growled the manager. “Have you watered -them elephants, Joe?”</p> - -<p>“Sure I have.”</p> - -<p>“And wiped off them cages?”</p> - -<p>“Yep.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you know what yer next job is. Git!”</p> - -<p>“Don’t have to.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Whiffin was both amazed and angry.</p> - -<p>“It’s all the doin’s o’ that there new -barker,” he declared, emphatically. “He’s -been fillin’ yer head full o’ cranky notions. -Ye’re gittin’ too big fer your place.”</p> - -<p>“’Tain’t so!” Joe flung back, spitefully.</p> - -<p>“I’ll look inter this here affair, an’ if that -fat feller keeps meddlin’ inter other people’s -business I’ll hand him somethin’ what he -won’t never forgit.”</p> - -<p>“A fine bit of gratitude for stopping the -runaway elephants!” cried Tom.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Whiffin is going to give you all free -passes,” spoke up Victor, loudly. “Step right -over to the box office and get ’em!”</p> - -<p>The manager glared at the crowd.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span>“If that’s what ye’re after, pass straight -along,” he snarled. “I wouldn’t want you -in the show at fifty cents per. Like as not -you’d stampede the whole menagerie!”</p> - -<p>The furious blast of the ten thousand dollar -band starting up made further conversation -almost impossible. As though the music conveyed -some signal to the brain of Mr. Whiffin -and his protégé, they immediately started off, -and, by the simple process of mingling with -the crowd, were soon lost to sight.</p> - -<p>“The automobile hasn’t bumped anything,” -laughed Bob, “but a whole lot of things have -bumped us.”</p> - -<p>The boys, seeing that there would be no -chance to interview the barker for some time, -concluded to take the car to the nearest garage.</p> - -<p>“I always knew that Dave could do a lot of -things,” said Tom, as he climbed into the -machine, “but who ever thought he could -stand up before a crowd and talk like that?”</p> - -<p>“And didn’t he look perfectly stunning in -that red coat and pretty little cap?” remarked -Charlie Blake, with a sly glance at each of the -others. “Aren’t we the brainy chaps on this -trip, though?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span>“A hulking big thing like that ought to be -out working on a farm,” roared Bob.</p> - -<p>With a loud honk, honk, the motor car was -off, and twenty minutes later the four were -back at the circus.</p> - -<p>They found the lot in the grip of a frenzy -of sound. Dave was hammering on a gong, -the ringing notes of which even overtopped -the most strenuous efforts of the hard-working -band; and this medley of sound was punctuated -at intervals by the cries of venders, or the -shrill whoops of children.</p> - -<p>“It’s a dandy show, all right,” said Victor.</p> - -<p>“If Whiffin had gotten me to do the barking -instead of Dave——” began Tom. “Hey, -what are you laughing about?” he demanded, -suspiciously.</p> - -<p>“Oh, nothing!” gurgled Victor. “Excuse -me, but the thought of you chinning to a -crowd somehow gave me a fit of the laughs.”</p> - -<p>“Then get over it. I was going to say that -there would have been a fine row if he’d tried -any of his prattling on me.”</p> - -<p>“My, oh my, isn’t that awful to think of?” -snickered Victor.</p> - -<p>Tom tossed his head scornfully, and was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span> -about to join in a rush for the ticket wagon -when Bob stopped him.</p> - -<p>“I want to get a chance to speak to Dave -first,” he said. “Plenty of time yet, Tom.”</p> - -<p>“The tent seems to be actually swallowing -people,” objected Clifton. “There won’t be -any places left.”</p> - -<p>“Only wish they were turning hundreds -away,” exclaimed Charlie. “Then we wouldn’t -be able to go in.”</p> - -<p>When the stampede to gain admission was -over the band ceased playing with remarkable -promptness, and Dave as promptly resumed -speaking.</p> - -<p>It was clearly evident that those who failed -to avail themselves of the opportunity of seeing -the great Spudger show on that particular -afternoon would be making one of the most -amazing mistakes of their lives. Dave almost -said as much.</p> - -<p>“Thank goodness we haven’t missed it,” -said Bob, with a smile. “Oh,” he turned -abruptly at the sound of a voice—“you here -again, Joe!”</p> - -<p>“’Tain’t nobody else,” chuckled Joe.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Rodgers looks like a living danger<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span> -signal,” said Charlie, his eyes scanning Joe’s -flaming red vest.</p> - -<p>The circus boy seemed to construe this as a -great compliment. He grinned complacently.</p> - -<p>“You fellers is certainly all to the good,” -he said, graciously. “An’, say, isn’t Dave a -Jim dandy?”</p> - -<p>“Of course he is,” laughed Charlie. “How -do you like circus life, Joe?”</p> - -<p>“Not as much as I did afore I met Dave,” -answered Joe. “He kinder started me -a-thinkin’. I ain’t got no eddication, an’ he -says if I don’t never begin I won’t have no -chanc’t to get up in the band wagon. An’, -say”—the freckle-faced boy laughed—“I -wish’t I could play music.”</p> - -<p>“Why?” inquired Tom.</p> - -<p>“’Cause them fellers has an easy job.”</p> - -<p>“How so?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m wise to ’em. Often, when the -leader weren’t a-lookin’, I’ve seen ’em quit -playin’—honest, I have. An’ when he gits -his eyes on ’em ag’in an’ waves that there club -o’ hisn, they starts up like mad.”</p> - -<p>“Deceitful rascals,” murmured Charlie, -trying to stifle a suspicious gurgle.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span>Within a short time the boys found their -opportunity to speak to Dave. They shook -hands as heartily and their tongues wagged as -rapidly as though weeks had separated them. -Making the best of the few minutes which -were at their disposal, enough was said to -render the situation clear all around.</p> - -<p>They learned that Dave expected to be with -Spudger’s until the next day, and that he had -written a letter to Captain Bunderley.</p> - -<p>“I told him Vic and I would leave for -Milwaukee just as soon as my work was over,” -explained the stout boy.</p> - -<p>“Hooray!” cried Tom. “Then there is -nothing for us to do but enjoy ourselves.”</p> - -<p>“An’ I’ll show you the best seats in the -house,” added Joe. “Come on!”</p> - -<p>Of course Tom was too dignified to show -any visible effects of the pleasing sensations -which seized him as he entered the abode of -pomp and sawdust. He had never before seen -so much of either.</p> - -<p>As the performance was about to begin, Joe -immediately conducted them to the reserved -seat section, where real chairs took the place -of piles of lumber.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span>“We haven’t stampeded the menagerie and -it’s cost us only twenty-five cents per,” laughed -Bob.</p> - -<p>Dave, minus his red coat and cap, soon -joined them; and from their point of vantage -they witnessed the “Stupendous and Gorgeous -Spectacle” which Spudger always gave to his -patrons.</p> - -<p>After the show, when the crowds had departed, -Dave took the crowd to the small side -tent and introduced them to “Little” Georgy, -Zingar, the Randolpho family and Ormond -de Sylveste. The circus people all expressed -profound gratification at the meeting. The -young giant was particularly charmed.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you’d -have a job like mine some day,” he remarked -to Tom.</p> - -<p>“If it comes to that I’ll remember Spudger’s,” -grinned the high school lad.</p> - -<p>“We can’t have any fellows on our ball -nine that measure over six feet three inches,” -said Blake.</p> - -<p>“Ball nine—ball nine!” queried Joe. -“What ball nine?”</p> - -<p>“This tall Indian here has started one on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span> -paper,” put in Victor. “He’s spoiled about a -hundred perfectly good sheets. Why? Can -you play?”</p> - -<p>“Kin I play?” echoed Joe. “Well—some.”</p> - -<p>“In the major league class, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>Joe grinned.</p> - -<p>“Here, here, gentlemen,” exclaimed Victor, -“I hereby propose that the managing director -of Clifton’s great baseball nine immediately -gets an option on the services of one Joseph -Rodgers, Esquire.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t I wish I could play ball and -enjoy myself like other boys,” sighed the -young giant.</p> - -<p>“But think how awful it would be when -you had to slide for second base,” laughed -Victor.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t I like to go to school an’ git on -a team,” murmured Joe, staring moodily at -the ground.</p> - -<p>“Stranger things have happened, Joe,” -said Bob.</p> - -<p>“It will never happen to me if Whiffin kin -prevent it,” sniffed the circus boy.</p> - -<p>“Brace up, lad,” said Ormond de Sylveste, -in a kindly tone. “At one time I was poor<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span> -and ignorant, too. But there is always a -chance for the most obscure to become the -most prominent. I don’t wish to boast, gentlemen, -but I venture to say that in my own -profession there are few who dare assert their -supremacy over me, and——”</p> - -<p>“Say, is Bill Potts in there!” a disagreeable -voice suddenly thundered. “By Jingo, -I thought so! Ketched ag’in! If that fat -barker stays here any longer there won’t be a -man in the show workin’. I guess Joe’ll expect -to be President of the United States next. -I don’t want no idlin’ around this tent, understan’, -an’——”</p> - -<p>“A little politeness, sir!” expostulated the -bareback rider, with dignity.</p> - -<p>“I never heard the beat o’ that,” exclaimed -Whiffin. His voice indicated great surprise. -“Even Bill Potts is a-borrowin’ nerve from -the fat one. You want ter git out o’ them -fancy clothes o’ yourn, an’ buckle down to -some real work.”</p> - -<p>For an instant it actually looked as if Ormond -de Sylveste was about to make some -fiery retort, but, apparently changing his -mind, he bowed to his new acquaintances and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span> -strode moodily away, the picture of outraged -dignity.</p> - -<p>“If you don’t take them there ‘stars’ down -onc’t in a while yer couldn’t live in the same -tent with ’em, they’d git that uppish,” came -from Mr. Whiffin.</p> - -<p>“Some allowances must be made for genius,” -laughed Dave. “Come on, fellows. I’m -almost famished.”</p> - -<p>“Be sure to come and see me again,” cried -the treble voice of “Little” Georgy.</p> - -<p>Outside the tent, Dave led the way to the -nearest restaurant with remarkable speed.</p> - -<p>“Tom,” he said, “when you become a great -physician, if some of your patients have no -appetite advise them to take a two or three -day course of barking. Boys, I can eat twice -as much as before.”</p> - -<p>“I have always suspected where Brandon’s -cash went,” chirped Victor.</p> - -<p>After leaving the restaurant the boys wandered -around town until it was time for Dave’s -duties to begin. Tom would have had no objection -to seeing another performance, but -this idea receiving no encouragement from the -others, he proposed going to a hotel.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span>“I’ve got some letters to write to the fellows -at school,” he said.</p> - -<p>The boys found a hotel near by, and, later -on in the evening, leaving Tom hard at work -scribbling, they strolled over to the circus -grounds.</p> - -<p>“Fellows,” laughed Dave, who had been -looking for them, “I have resumed my occupation -of gentleman and scholar. My connection -with Ollie Spudger’s Great Combined -Peerless Circus and Menagerie has unexpectedly -ended. Jack Gray, having recovered -his voice, will in future speak from the rostrum.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it was a jolly good lark, anyway,” -remarked Bob.</p> - -<p>“How can you tear yourself away from -Mister Joe Rodgers?” asked Victor.</p> - -<p>“He’s a good little chap,” declared Dave, -“and ought to amount to something if he -should have an opportunity. There doesn’t -seem much chance for him here, although -Whiffin isn’t such a bad fellow when one gets -to understand him.”</p> - -<p>By the gracious permission of Mr. Ollie -Spudger, the boys were permitted to enter the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span> -tent so that they might say good-bye to the -young giant.</p> - -<p>“Little” Georgy seemed almost on the -point of blubbering as he shook hands. Joe -Rodgers was soon found. Joe’s face wore a -strange expression.</p> - -<p>“So you are goin’ ter git, eh, fellows?” he -remarked, slowly. “I’m mighty glad I met -this here bunch. Maybe I’ll see you ag’in -some day.”</p> - -<p>“And by that time Brandon might give -you a job as his private secretary,” laughed -Victor.</p> - -<p>When the crowd returned to the hotel they -found that Tom’s literary labors were not yet -concluded. The others, however, having decided -that it was time to turn in, pen, ink and -paper were promptly wrested from him.</p> - -<p>“If I don’t get some rest soon,” declared -Dave, “I’ll be in danger of going to sleep right -here.”</p> - -<p>Although this appeal was heeded, the task -of awakening the historian next morning -proved to be one of heroic proportions.</p> - -<p>“Oh ho!” he yawned, at last wearily -dragging himself to his feet, in answer to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span> -their repeated knocking. “All right, Bob! -No; you needn’t batter down the door. I’m -coming directly.”</p> - -<p>In spite of his objections breakfast was -hurried through with unseemly haste, and a -quick start made for the garage.</p> - -<p>There, they jumped into a machine looking -as spick and span as though it had just come -from the salesroom.</p> - -<p>“And this time I do hope we manage to -reach Milwaukee,” said Victor.</p> - -<p>“If Tom doesn’t get out of our sight we -may,” laughed Charlie.</p> - -<p>As the car whirled along the street Spudger’s -tents were brought into view again, but none -of those whom they had met could be seen.</p> - -<p>“Poor old Joe,” sighed Dave. “I’m afraid -he’ll never get that chance he wants so badly.”</p> - -<p>With but a few vehicles on the long, straight -road the motor car leaped forward at a rate -which caused the miles to slip by with astonishing -rapidity. Before the noon hour it -rolled across the East Water Street bridge, and -soon stopped in front of the garage where it -had been previously left.</p> - -<p>“Now we want to see Uncle Ralph the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span> -quickest ever!” exclaimed Victor, flicking a -few spots of mud from his clothes. “By -George, it seems like an age since I was on -board that yacht.”</p> - -<p>“A few more weeks of the same stuff would -make you a strong, husky chap,” said Tom, -loftily.</p> - -<p>“Like yourself, I suppose?” gurgled Victor.</p> - -<p>As the boys trooped into the hotel, perhaps -with a trifle more noise and hilarity than was -necessary, they heard a sonorous voice exclaim:</p> - -<p>“Well, well; here you are, at last!”</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley, his weather-beaten face -wreathed in smiles, stamped forward. He -seized Victor Collins’ hand.</p> - -<p>“I’ve never seen you looking better, lad!” -he said. “I want to hear all about those -wonderful experiences you’ve been having. -Traveling with a circus, eh? And, Bob, I’d -like to know how you managed to find each -other.”</p> - -<p>He led the way to the reception room, -motioned them to seats and selected a divan -on which to place his own heavy form.</p> - -<p>“Sail ahead,” he commanded. “No tacking, -now; run right before the wind.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span>Upon Dave fell the rôle of principal spokesman. -The stout boy’s broad smile grew -broader as he proceeded. Captain Bunderley’s -deep-throated laughter boomed out at frequent -intervals.</p> - -<p>“Capital—capital! You’ll do, my boy!” -he exclaimed. “’Pon my word, you ought to -succeed in life.”</p> - -<p>“Not even an aeroplane could keep him -down!” cried Tom.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers, too, had a great deal to say, and -by lunch time Uncle Ralph had learned everything -worth knowing and much else besides.</p> - -<p>Finally he rose to his feet.</p> - -<p>“I have a little business to attend to this -afternoon, so we’ll get something to eat at -once,” he said.</p> - -<p>“I was just about to suggest it myself,” -murmured Dave.</p> - -<p>The dining-room, with its ornate columns -and rich decorations of the Louis XV period, -was a very attractive-looking place. It suited -Dave’s artistic eye to a nicety. A sigh of contentment -came from his lips as he took a seat -at a table by the window.</p> - -<p>Course after course was placed before them,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span> -and the coffee stage of the proceedings had -just arrived when the sound of loud voices in -the corridor attracted general attention.</p> - -<p>“Don’t go in there, boy,” exclaimed a commanding -voice. “Get right out of this hotel!”</p> - -<p>“I ain’t goin’ to, I tells yer. I know this -is the place ’cause he told me he was comin’ -here hisself.”</p> - -<p>“There’s some mistake, boy; none of our -guests could possibly want to see you.”</p> - -<p>“That’s where you’re foolin’ yerself. The -clerk says he’s in the eatin’ parlor. I’ll wait -outside while you goes in an’ looks around. -He’s a big fat feller with a round face.”</p> - -<p>“You’re the most impudent little rooster -I’ve ever met. I’ll do nothing of the sort.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll do it myself.”</p> - -<p>There was the sound of a struggle.</p> - -<p>“Grab him, Richards!” bawled the same -loud voice. “Quick!”</p> - -<p>Following this came a snort of indignation -and disgust, and the eyes of every one in the -room, focused on the doorway, saw a stocky, -freckle-faced boy swinging recklessly into the -room, with the faultlessly-dressed manager -close at his heels.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span>“Come back!” ordered the latter, angrily.</p> - -<p>“Not on yer life! I sees him. There he -is by the winder. Hello, Dave!”</p> - -<p>Yes—actually—Joe Rodgers, flaming red -vest, big brass buttons and all, had invaded -the fashionable dining-room of a fashionable -hotel, and, unabashed by his surroundings or -by the looks on the faces of the horrified guests -and waiters, was steering as straight a course -as he could for the table at which Captain -Bunderley and the boys were seated.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIII<br /> - - -<small>THE ARM OF THE LAW</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">I know’d</span> I’d see ’im!” cried Joe, exultingly. -“I know’d it! That chump a-chasin’ -me says ter git, but I up an’ comes in jist the -same.”</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon, gentlemen!” exclaimed -the agitated manager. “I assure you that it -is not our fault; you see, the young——”</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, sir!” boomed Captain Bunderley.</p> - -<p>“Oh,—oh!” gasped the manager. “I’m -gratified to hear it.”</p> - -<p>Red-faced and flustered he promptly turned -away.</p> - -<p>Joe, with as little ceremony as though he -was in the menagerie tent, drew up a chair, -plumped himself down upon it and laid his -cap across one knee. Then, having stared at -the captain with solemn earnestness for a moment, -blurted out:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span>“Dave, I’ve shook Whiffin!”</p> - -<p>“What! Left the show?” cried the historian. -“You don’t mean it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I sure have, Dave.”</p> - -<p>“Well, this is a big surprise, all right,” -quoth Tom.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t to me,” giggled Victor. “I had an -idea last night that Dave’s particular crony -was up to something desperate.”</p> - -<p>“I presume this is the boy you told me -about?” broke in Captain Bunderley.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. Permit me to formally introduce -Mr. Joseph Rodgers, of Iowa,” laughed Victor.</p> - -<p>“What made you leave the show?” asked -the captain.</p> - -<p>“Him!”</p> - -<p>Joe’s brown finger pointed straight toward -Dave Brandon.</p> - -<p>“I made you leave?” cried Dave. “How?”</p> - -<p>“’Cause, when I meets a feller what’s got -learnin’ like you, I couldn’t stan’ it no longer. -I wants ter be somethin’.”</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley was interested.</p> - -<p>“Joe, your desire to rise is commendable,” -he exclaimed, heartily. “Have you ever -spoken to Mr. Whiffin about it?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span>“I begins to talk to ’im this mornin’, an’ -he ups an’ gits riled ter beat the band. ‘I -wish’t I’d never laid eyes on that fat feller,’ -says he. ‘Brandon’s been puttin’ all them -fool notions inter your head.’ ‘Look ’ere, -Whiffin,’ says I, ‘don’t you never say nothin’ -ag’in ’im; he’s the whitest chap I ever see.’”</p> - -<p>“So I have a champion at last,” chuckled -Dave.</p> - -<p>“Then Whiffin hollers fer me ter git back -ter work or he’d fetch me a good one on the -ear. That makes me most bile over—him—Whiffin, -talkin’ like that! So I skips right -out.”</p> - -<p>“How’d you get here—board a fast freight?” -inquired Victor.</p> - -<p>“I did not. I stepped inter a real car, with -real winders an’ real seats, an’ I’ve got seventy-five -cents left.”</p> - -<p>“Goodness, what a risk—floating around in -a real city with that much real money in your -pocket!” said Victor.</p> - -<p>Joe’s thoughts were on something else.</p> - -<p>“Gee, I can most see Whiffin hollerin’ his -way around the show an’ askin’ everybody if -they’ve seen that young scamp, Joe! My, I’ll<span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span> -bet he’s so mad he’s clean forgot that quarter -he give to Dave the other night.”</p> - -<p>“What do you expect to do in Milwaukee?” -asked Captain Bunderley.</p> - -<p>“Do!” echoed Joe, rather blankly. “I -dunno!” Thoughtfully, he ran his fingers -through his bushy hair. “I—I—kinder -thought as how Dave could tell me.”</p> - -<p>“Has Mr. Whiffin any claim on your services?”</p> - -<p>“Nix; he certainly ain’t,” asserted Joe, with -considerable emphasis.</p> - -<p>“Is the circus coming here?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir! Day after to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll look after you till then.” Uncle -Ralph beckoned to a waiter. “What will you -have to eat, Joe?”</p> - -<p>“Eat! Me eat in a—a—place like this?” -stammered Joe, for the first time abashed.</p> - -<p>“Certainly! Why not? Order just what -you please.”</p> - -<p>Joe stared from one to another as though -he feared that his ears were deceiving him. -Then his eyes fell on the waiter, whose professional -dignity was sadly shocked by the presence -before him of such an uncouth specimen.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span>“Gimme a great big hunk o’ bread an’ -cheese an’ a piece o’ real apple pie, with no -skimpin’ o’ the apples, neither,” he said, “an’ -a glass o’ water twic’t. Thankin’ you kindly, -mister; I won’t do nothin’ to that pile o’ -grub when it comes.”</p> - -<p>“And you may add to that order plenty of -roast beef and potatoes,” added the captain. -“I have an idea that our friend has a famous -appetite.”</p> - -<p>Joe Rodgers had never really lived until -that afternoon. He seemed to be fairly lifted -out of himself, and a side of life was revealed -which he had never before dreamed could exist.</p> - -<p>“Honest, Dave,” he declared emphatically, -“I can’t never go back to Spudger’s.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll see if anything can be done to help -you,” said Dave, encouragingly. “But you -ought not to have run away. Anyhow, fellows, -I propose that we invite Joe to see the -sights of Milwaukee from a seat in the motor -car.”</p> - -<p>Even Victor Collins made no objection. He -was beginning to realize that character counts -for more than appearance, and that the passport<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span> -to respectable society consists of something -besides good clothes.</p> - -<p>Presently, leaving Captain Bunderley in -the reading room, the boys walked briskly -out upon the street.</p> - -<p>At the garage Joe became immensely interested -in the automobile.</p> - -<p>“It’s the finest I ever see,” he cried, admiringly. -“Looks most too good to use.”</p> - -<p>“Climb in, Joe,” commanded Bob.</p> - -<p>He sprang to his place in the driver’s seat, -pushed the button on the dash, and, immediately, -the thunderous din of the motor echoed -from every side and corner of the big interior.</p> - -<p>“You’ve got ter know somethin’ to be an -engineer of one o’ these things,” exclaimed -Joe. “Still, I wouldn’t be a bit skeered to -try my hand at drivin’.”</p> - -<p>“There is nothing like a motor car to chase -dull care away,” said Dave, who was reclining -at ease on the rear cushions. “Let’s see: -what does Bryant say——?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing about motor cars, that’s quite -sure,” laughed Bob, as the wheels began to -revolve.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p284.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="caption">HE SPRANG TO HIS PLACE</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span>Many vehicles and pedestrians were about, -and warning blasts of the horn were often -sounded. But the boys, not being in any -particular hurry, gave Chauffeur Somers an -easy job, following whichever streets their -fancy dictated.</p> - -<p>“This is rippin’!” cried Joe, enthusiastically. -“Feels jist like gittin’ boosted along -without nothin’ doin’ it.”</p> - -<p>The car slowly rolled through the business -section, giving them interesting glimpses of -attractive stores and windows filled with all -sorts of goods. They crossed and recrossed -the Milwaukee River, and, finally, on one of -the more quiet streets, were bowling steadily -along when the actions of a certain policeman -attracted Bob Somers’ attention. He was -standing by the curb with his eyes eagerly -fixed on the approaching car.</p> - -<p>“Hey there,” came a loud command. -“Stop!”</p> - -<p>“Is he speaking to us?” inquired Bob, -turning to his companions with a puzzled -look. He glanced about, and, seeing no other -vehicles near, answered his own question. -“Yes, he certainly is.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span>“Have we busted any traffic regulations, I -wonder?” asked Charlie.</p> - -<p>“Maybe it’s ’cause we haven’t got no cow-catcher,” -said Joe, with a grin.</p> - -<p>“Hey there—stop!”</p> - -<p>The man in uniform was stepping out into -the street, the significant movement of his -arm indicating an authority not to be questioned.</p> - -<p>“Ha, ha—somebody’s pinched—jugged!” -cried Joe. “Is this the feller you want?” -His finger dug sharply into Victor Collins’ -ribs. “I’ll help you tote him along.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know what all this means!” -exclaimed Tom, in his most manly tones.</p> - -<p>Bob Somers smilingly awaited an explanation.</p> - -<p>The policeman, looking searchingly at each -in turn, took from his pocket a memorandum -book. Then, glancing over the pages, gave a -grunt of approval.</p> - -<p>“Correct, all right. Descriptions and license -number correspond.”</p> - -<p>This information, while interesting, did not -enlighten the boys as to the meaning of his -strange action.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span>“Would you have any objection to telling -us why we’ve been stopped?” drawled Dave, -from the rear.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think we ought to stand for anything -like this,” growled Tom, bristling up in -a very threatening fashion.</p> - -<p>“Which one o’ ’em shall I chuck out o’ the -car for yer?” inquired Joe. “You kin take -any but the fat feller.”</p> - -<p>The officer glanced at him and wagged his -head knowingly.</p> - -<p>“The police station is just around the corner, -boys,” he answered, quietly. “I reckon -the sergeant will tell you what it’s all -about.”</p> - -<p>“The idea! Just listen to that!” stormed -Tom. “I’d demand an explanation right -here, Bob Somers. Don’t let those spokes -move even as much as half an inch.”</p> - -<p>“If there’s any fightin’ to be done I’m right -here to help you,” laughed Joe.</p> - -<p>Dave Brandon smiled languidly.</p> - -<p>“In spite of ourselves, we seem destined to -have fame pushed upon us,” he exclaimed. -“It looks as though something is rocking the -pedestal.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span>“We are too polite not to accept such a pressing -invitation,” grinned Bob Somers.</p> - -<p>“All the same, I’ll bet we can sue somebody -for this!” cried Victor. “My father’s best -friend is a United States senator, and he——”</p> - -<p>A series of crisp, vibrating notes from the -motor drowned his voice. The car moved -forward, and, always under the watchful eye -of the law, as represented in the person of the -man in uniform, chugged its way around the -corner, to presently come to a stop before a -building of a dark, unpleasantly grim appearance.</p> - -<p>“We know where we’re going, and we’re on -our way!” cried Dave. “All of us wanted in -there, officer?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes. We won’t steal your car,” -grinned the policeman. “Kindly step out.”</p> - -<p>They followed the officer up a broad flight of -stone steps, pushed past a pair of swinging -doors and entered a large square room. At -one end two desks stood on a platform with -an ornamental railing in front.</p> - -<p>Several policemen lounging on a bench -looked up with interest as the crowd marched -across the floor. A large, stout man, with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span> -iron gray hair and mustache sitting behind -one of the desks glanced inquiringly at the -officer.</p> - -<p>“These are the boys mentioned in the telegram, -sergeant,” explained the policeman. -“Description of the one that’s wanted just -fits.”</p> - -<p>He waved his hand toward Joe Rodgers.</p> - -<p>“Me—me?” cried Joe. Then an inkling -of the true situation for the first time dawned -upon him. “Oh, Dave, I’m ketched!” he -exclaimed, almost pitifully. “Whiffin’s done -it. I might have know’d he would! But I -ain’t never goin’ back—perlice, or no perlice,” -he added.</p> - -<p>Joe, blank with despair, as new-found hopes -were shaken, stared moodily at the floor.</p> - -<p>“Now I suppose you’ll have to get a hundred -thousand dollars bail, Rodgers,” said -Victor. “Of course, this is one of the most -important cases of the year.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what’s he goin’ to do with me?” -demanded Joe. “I’m goin’ ter stand up for -me rights.”</p> - -<p>“You must be detained until the arrival of -the complainant”—the sergeant glanced at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span> -a paper in his hand—“Peter Whiffin. You -look like a respectable crowd of boys,” he -added, taking a careful observation of the -faces before him.</p> - -<p>“I’ve never pinched a better lot,” agreed the -policeman.</p> - -<p>“Sergeant, may I have the use of your -’phone for a moment?” spoke up Dave.</p> - -<p>“Certainly!” answered the official.</p> - -<p>In a short time Dave, his mouth at the -transmitter, was explaining matters to Captain -Bunderley.</p> - -<p>“Says he’ll be over here within an hour,” -he announced, hanging up the receiver. -“No; he didn’t seem surprised, Bob. I guess -the captain is too old to be surprised at anything.”</p> - -<p>The crowd took seats on a bench, their -lively conversation soon helping to cheer up -the dejected Joe Rodgers. But even then he -found the long wait trying to his nerves.</p> - -<p>At length Uncle Ralph tramped noisily -into the room.</p> - -<p>“It just shows how careful one must be in -forming new acquaintances, boys,” he chuckled. -“I’ve only known you for a few days—yet<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span> -here I find myself in a police station, and all -on your account. What’s to be done, sergeant, -with such a reckless lot?”</p> - -<p>“That’s a hard one to answer,” grinned the -official.</p> - -<p>“Well, now, let’s get right down to business. -When will Mr. Whiffin be here? I’ve -become interested in this boy, sergeant, and -I don’t propose to let all the talking be on -one side.”</p> - -<p>“By Jingo, if you’ll only stand up for me, -mister, I’ll never forgit it!” cried Joe.</p> - -<p>“I hope you’re going to make a base hit, -Rodgers,” laughed Tom.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Whiffin will be here to-morrow -morning,” explained the sergeant. “Until -then the boy will have to remain with us.”</p> - -<p>“And I’ll be here, too, with this strong-arm -squad,” laughed the captain, “ready to -face the manager of Spudger’s Peerless show.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIV<br /> - - -<small>THE JUDGE INTERFERES</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> gloomy weather was over at last. Puddles -and pools were fast drying up in the -warmth of pleasant sunshine, while a balmy -breeze had replaced the blustery wind.</p> - -<p>“Say, Bob Somers,” remarked Victor Collins, -as all were on their way to the police -station next morning, “didn’t I hear you -’phoning to some one last night?”</p> - -<p>“Sure thing, Vic.”</p> - -<p>“Who was it?”</p> - -<p>“You may know before the morning is -over.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, come now, Somers, tell me.”</p> - -<p>“No; not a word, Vic,” answered Bob, -smilingly.</p> - -<p>The large, square room in the police station -looked very differently from the way it had -on the afternoon before. Already it contained -a large number of people, and in the buzz of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span> -conversation, the light footfalls, and the appearance -of a solemn magistrate’s clerk poring -over a great ledger, there was something which -filled those whose nerves were not of the -strongest with a curious feeling of restraint.</p> - -<p>As each new arrival entered the room -tongues were stilled for the instant, for the -magistrate was due to arrive.</p> - -<p>Joe Rodgers, in spite of the boys’ support -and encouragement, lacked the air of rugged -bravado which usually characterized him.</p> - -<p>“I don’t wanter go back to Whiffin, fellers,” -he wailed, continually. “But I know that -he’s goin’ to put up an awful holler, ’cause -when I gits down to work I kin do a turrible -lot.”</p> - -<p>“Brace up, Joe,” said Dave. “You are -not back in the circus yet.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly the sound of voices and footsteps -at the door much louder than any which had -come before caused that particular part of the -room to become the target of many eyes.</p> - -<p>A large, portly man entered and directed -his footsteps straight toward the desk behind -the railing. This, and the hush which immediately -ensued, proclaimed him to be the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span> -magistrate. Closely following came Peter -Whiffin and Mr. Ollie Spudger.</p> - -<p>The former’s eyes were instantly roving -about the room, and his keen gaze soon picked -out from the throng the forms of Joe Rodgers -and his friends.</p> - -<p>“There he is, Spudger!” he exclaimed, in -a voice which rang through the room with -appalling distinctness. “He runned away, -all right, but he didn’t git very far. Here, -you, boy”—he advanced, with his finger -poised threateningly in the air—“it’s back to -the canvas tents for you. Come right along.”</p> - -<p>“I ain’t goin’ to!” growled Joe.</p> - -<p>“Uncle Ralph, permit me to introduce Mr. -Whiffin, of somewhere,” chirped Victor Collins.</p> - -<p>The circus manager glared at the burly -skipper.</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” he demanded, roughly. -“What does this mean?”</p> - -<p>Captain Bunderley was disposed to be diplomatic.</p> - -<p>“I’m here in the interests of this boy, Mr. -Whiffin,” he said, politely.</p> - -<p>“Well, I can’t see that it’s any of your -affair.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span>“Decidedly not!” seconded Mr. Spudger.</p> - -<p>“This here fat Brandon filled his head -chuck full of nonsense, an’, as if that weren’t -bad enough, he gits him to actually run away—run -away from his best friend. Why, I could -have the law on ’im!”</p> - -<p>“I had nothing to do with it, Mr. Whiffin,” -answered Dave.</p> - -<p>“Oh, cut it out, now. Yer can’t fool me. -Yer took ’im right along in the automobile. -I know yer did.”</p> - -<p>“’Tain’t nothin’ of the sort, Whiffin!” -cried Joe. “I rid on the train. An’ I kin -prove it.”</p> - -<p>“What!” exclaimed Mr. Whiffin. In spite -of his suspicions, there was something in Joe’s -earnest manner which impelled him to accept -his words as the truth. “What! An’ you -wasted good money that way? It’s perfectly -outrageous, that’s what it is.”</p> - -<p>“Order—order!”</p> - -<p>A gavel banged with explosive force against -the desk. The magistrate was speaking, and -in such a tone that even Mr. Whiffin felt -called upon to moderate his voice.</p> - -<p>While the hearings went on, he pleaded,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span> -threatened and expostulated with Joe, curtly -declining to listen to any of Uncle Ralph’s -suggestions. And every argument which the -manager advanced Joe, who stood backed up -against the wall, met with this reply:</p> - -<p>“Naw, I ain’t a-goin’ ter do it!”</p> - -<p>“Well, then you’ll go right up before the -magistrate,” declared Mr. Whiffin. “I reckon -you’ll listen to him, all right.”</p> - -<p>“It’s the only thing that will put any sense -into his head,” agreed Mr. Spudger.</p> - -<p>But even this prospect did not make Joe -waver.</p> - -<p>“I’ve got a tongue in me head, an’ kin use -it,” he exclaimed, defiantly.</p> - -<p>“Joseph Rodgers!”</p> - -<p>This name called out in the monotonous -tones of the clerk finally brought all before -the rail.</p> - -<p>“Where is the complainant, Peter Whiffin?” -asked the magistrate.</p> - -<p>“Right here,” answered the manager.</p> - -<p>“Has this matter been settled? That’s the -boy, I suppose? Is he your ward?”</p> - -<p>“I’m jist as much his guardeen as if it had -been writ on paper,” asserted Peter Whiffin,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span> -vigorously. “I’ve got a letter from his uncle -to show how things stand. An’, besides, I’ve -given ’im his grub an’ clothes for years.”</p> - -<p>“An’ ain’t I worked an’ worked until me -hands was blistered to pieces?” screeched -Joe.</p> - -<p>“I think there ought to be no difficulty in -coming to some amicable agreement about the -boy,” broke in Captain Bunderley. “We do -not wish to infringe on any one’s rights, but -all of us think that his future should be given -some consideration. My young friend here”—he -indicated Dave—“will guarantee to find -him work in his home town, so that he will -have an opportunity to attend school.”</p> - -<p>“By gum!” cried Joe, his eyes sparkling, -“jist listen to that!”</p> - -<p>“An’ I kin say there’s nothin’ doin’,” said -Mr. Whiffin, explosively.</p> - -<p>“Produce that letter you spoke about,” -returned the magistrate.</p> - -<p>“Here it is,” said Mr. Whiffin.</p> - -<p>The official’s eyes ran over the contents.</p> - -<p>“All it seems to show is that the boy’s -guardian knows he is with you,” he said, -slowly. “But, still, I hardly think that I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span> -have any authority to take him from under -your care and protection.”</p> - -<p>The expression on Joe Rodgers’ face, which -a moment before had been so full of hope, -changed to one of blank despair.</p> - -<p>“Have you been ill-treated, Joe?” asked -the magistrate, in kindly tones.</p> - -<p>“No, sir; I ain’t.”</p> - -<p>“What’s your complaint, then?”</p> - -<p>“If I stays with ’im I won’t never have no -chanc’t to git an eddication, an’——”</p> - -<p>“That is a pity. But it is not enough to -justify me in taking any action. Perhaps -you may be able to make some arrangement -with Mr. Whiffin so that you can go to school -in the winter.”</p> - -<p>“Your Honor, I have a word to say about -this case.”</p> - -<p>A strong, clear voice attracted the attention -of every one in the court room. They -saw a tall, commanding-looking man step -before the rail; and they also saw the magistrate -stare at him with an air of bewilderment.</p> - -<p>“Judge Hampton!” he stammered.</p> - -<p>The former jurist nodded.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span>“I appear before you as the representative -of Joe Rodgers.”</p> - -<p>“And now I know who the big Indian was -’phoning to last night,” said Victor, in a loud -whisper.</p> - -<p>“Gee, that’s the time Bob made a safe hit,” -murmured Tom.</p> - -<p>Mr. Whiffin’s face expressed a comical -degree of bewilderment.</p> - -<p>“What—what?” he gasped. “I’d like to -know what right you have to meddle in this -case!”</p> - -<p>“Here’s a letter which Mr. Whiffin received -from the boy’s uncle,” said the magistrate, -handing the missive to the former -jurist.</p> - -<p>There was a moment of silence while Judge -Hampton was reading it.</p> - -<p>“You are in a pretty poor position, sir,” he -said, looking up from the sheet and addressing -Mr. Whiffin. “This amounts to nothing. -The duties and responsibilities of guardianship -cannot be so lightly thrust into another’s -hands by a relative.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Whiffin glared savagely.</p> - -<p>“I tell you I won’t stand for anything like<span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span> -this!” he cried. “Judge or no judge, I have -my rights.”</p> - -<p>“And I’ll back you up to the limit,” said -Mr. Spudger, who could see, in the way events -were shaping themselves, that the circus was -in danger of losing the services of one who -had been trained in the business.</p> - -<p>“I feel that the advantages which this boy -may gain will so far offset any mere personal -loss to Mr. Whiffin that I must ask your -Honor to parole Joe Rodgers into the care of -Captain Bunderley until his relatives can be -communicated with.”</p> - -<p>“Request granted!” exclaimed the magistrate.</p> - -<p>Joe, highly delighted, grasped Dave Brandon -by the arm.</p> - -<p>“Dave,” he said, huskily, “you’re the best -feller in the whole world.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXV<br /> - - -<small>JOE’S CHANCE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Captain Bunderley</span>, assuming charge of -the Joe Rodgers case, a cause celebre on account -of Judge Hampton’s participation in it, -within a few days had received the following -letter from a small village in Iowa:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>:—</p> - -<p>“In regards to Joe Rodgers, my wife -says if you can do better for him than Mr. -Whiffin, and he can get some education, take -the kid, and welcome. I guess he don’t owe -Whiffin nothing.</p> - -<p>“Maybe Joe ought to have a chance, as you -say. But circumstances didn’t allow me to -keep him, and knocking around the world -ain’t good for a boy.</p> - -<p>“Hoping that when he learns to write he’ll -send me a letter, I am,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="indentright">“Respectfully yours,</span><br /> -“<span class="smcap">Ben Hankerson</span>.</p> - -<p>“P. S. Of course I’ll expect to hear straight -ahead how he’s getting along.”</p> -</div> - -<p>That same afternoon all parties concerned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span> -met in the magistrate’s private office. Mr. -Whiffin’s bellicose air had somewhat subsided, -partly due to the fact that he had consulted a -lawyer and received no encouragement.</p> - -<p>“If I knew that the fat feller had made him -run away I’d fight the case to the end,” he -confided to Mr. Spudger. “But, bein’ as the -kid says he didn’t—an’ he’s pretty straight -goods regardin’ the truth—I guess I’ll have to -pass him up.”</p> - -<p>“And, after all, Whiffin,” said Spudger, reflectively, -“the boy will get the chance he -wants.”</p> - -<p>“He sure could never make no animal -tamer nor performer, an’ he ain’t got the face -for a ringmaster,” said Peter Whiffin. “No; -it would be the big wagon and long drives for -him. Besides, the show business ain’t what -it used ter be.”</p> - -<p>“There ain’t nothin’ what is,” said Mr. -Spudger. “An’ I guess they said the same -thing a hundred years ago.”</p> - -<p>Judge Hampton had been quietly consulting -with the magistrate and Captain Bunderley. -Bluff and hearty, Captain Bunderley’s -part in the conference had not been quiet.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span>“It will be the best thing in the world for -the boy,” he said. “He has strength and -ambition; and those are the only two things -an American boy needs to make him a success -in life.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Whiffin”—the former judge turned -toward the showman—“our proposal is this: -work will be found for Joe at Kingswood, -Wisconsin, and he will be given an opportunity -to attend school. You, as a man of -the world, must know that this is the best -thing to do.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t fight ag’in a dozen,” answered Mr. -Whiffin. “An’ I know that the boy’s head -will be so turned after all this fuss over him -that he’d never do a lick o’ work right ag’in.”</p> - -<p>“By gum, I can’t hardly believe that sich -good luck has come to me,” said Joe.</p> - -<p>“You kin begin to believe it right now,” -remarked Mr. Spudger. “An’ don’t never -forgit that you owe everything to Whiffin an’ -me; because if you hadn’t been with the -show this wouldn’t have happened.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s quite true,” assented Captain -Bunderley. “You do owe them a great deal. -Shake hands with your former employers,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[304]</span> -Joe. On such an auspicious occasion for you -there must be no ill-feeling.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” assented Joe, heartily.</p> - -<p>“I ain’t got none—not a bit of it,” said Mr. -Peter Whiffin, extending two bony fingers. -“What riled me at first was to think that -Brandon should have inweigled him inter -running off.”</p> - -<p>“An’ Joe beating it without so much as -leavin’ a card of regrets,” growled Mr. Spudger.</p> - -<p>“But as it’s all for the boy’s good, I’m -game. Good luck, Joe.”</p> - -<p>“Whiffin, you’re all right, twic’t!” exclaimed -Joe Rodgers. “You’ll find I’m goin’ -to amount to somethin’, an’ we’ll always be -frens.”</p> - -<p>Yes, Joe Rodgers’ chance had come at last. -Through his fortunate meeting with Dave -Brandon he would be able to gratify his ambition -to go to school.</p> - -<p>“And I’m going to keep an eye on you,” -exclaimed Captain Bunderley, when they had -taken leave of Judge Hampton and the circus -men. “Before many months are over you’ll -find me turning up at the school. And if I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[305]</span> -don’t hear a good account of you there’ll be -trouble.”</p> - -<p>“And just to think,” remarked Dave, reflectively, -“that to-morrow we’ll be leaving -for our home in Kingswood! Seems funny, -Bob, but I thought this part of our trip would -only add a few pages to my history. But——”</p> - -<p>“It means a thousand, at least,” broke in -Tom, with a laugh. “When it’s finished it’ll -be as long as an encyclopedia, and lots more -exciting.”</p> - -<p>The boys felt rather sober when the time -came next morning to say good-bye to Captain -Bunderley and Victor Collins. Each had -taken a great fancy to the bluff old skipper, -and, strangely enough, Victor seemed to have -become a very different sort of a boy from the -one who had begun the trip with them.</p> - -<p>“Say, fellows,” he remarked, as he shook -hands warmly with Bob Somers, “you can -count on seeing me again. I’m kind of curious -to take a look at that high school. I’ve -found that you’re the kind of chaps who improve -on acquaintance. Dave is certainly a -winner.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll be delighted to see you, Vic,” returned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[306]</span> -Bob. “And perhaps you’ll find that -Kingswood isn’t such a slow place, after all.”</p> - -<p>As long as the crowd was within sight of -the hotel they saw Victor standing on the -steps waving his hand.</p> - -<p>“The worst of traveling around like this,” -said Tom, “is that you meet a lot of fellows, -and just as soon as you get to like them to -beat the band you have to say good-bye.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I noticed you liked Victor well -enough at one time to want to hit him on the -eye,” exclaimed Blake. And this remark -Tom passed by with haughty silence.</p> - -<p>Once more they were at the garage; and -once more they jumped into the car. The -blasts of the horn which had grown so familiar -to their ears again warned the passers-by -of their approach.</p> - -<p>On the outskirts of the city, Tom, who was -sitting behind Dave, touched the stout boy on -the shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Look at Blake,” he exclaimed, in a low -tone. “Honest—being with this crowd has -certainly done him a lot of good.”</p> - -<p>The usually timid “grind” had exchanged -places with Bob Somers and was actually<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[307]</span> -driving the car at a good clip along a street -which was by no means deserted. And, more -than that, Blake looked as unconcerned as -though handling a big touring car was the -easiest thing in the world.</p> - -<p>“A few more months,” went on Tom, loftily, -“and that yellow streak some of the boys -talked about couldn’t be found with a microscope.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so,” admitted Dave. “All Charlie -needs is a bit of encouragement, and he will -be a mighty useful member of our ball team. -What were you saying, Joe?”</p> - -<p>“That I jist feel like yelling for all I’m -worth.”</p> - -<p>“Please don’t do it now,” laughed Dave. -“I’m most uncommonly sleepy, and this delightful -motion is calling me to the land of -nod.”</p> - -<p>“Make the most of it, Dave,” cried Bob, -from the front seat, “for the Rambler Club’s -motor car is taking us nearer and nearer to -the place where mighty little nodding can be -done.”</p> - -<p>“I know it,” drawled the stout boy, “and -I shall assert my rights.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[308]</span>In spite of Dave’s admonition Joe could not -restrain a joyous shout.</p> - -<p>And it was astonishing how that reckless -Charlie Blake increased his speed after they -had turned into a long, straight country road. -Many a person stopped to look after the flying -car, which kept steadily on and on until lost -to view in the distance.</p> - -<p class="ph1">Other Stories in this Series are:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<p>THE RAMBLER CLUB AFLOAT<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB’S WINTER CAMP<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB IN THE MOUNTAINS<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB ON CIRCLE T RANCH<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB AMONG THE LUMBERJACKS<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB’S GOLD MINE<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB’S AEROPLANE<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB’S HOUSE-BOAT<br /> -THE RAMBLER CLUB’S BALL NINE</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.</p> -</div></div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAMBLER CLUB'S MOTOR CAR ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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