Owen Clancy's Happy Trail Part 18

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

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

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

THE COMPa.s.s News from All Points [ill.u.s.tration: compa.s.s]

Books for Trainers and Athletes.

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

"Frank Merriwell's Book of Physical Development."

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

"Physical Health Culture," by Professor Fourmen.

Wants to Exchange Post Cards.

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

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

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

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

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

Has Read "Tip Top" from No. 1.

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

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

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

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

This tribute probably sounds a little strong, but, sincerely, every word is sent in good faith, and I am sure hosts of others who have followed the Merriwell adventures for any length of time join with me.

I don't wish to appear as "b.u.t.ting in," but don't you think a few ill.u.s.trations in your _New Medal_ books would aid in increasing interest in this fine series of stories, and interest to the readers?

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

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

Gravette, Arkansas. H. WYRIC LEWIS.

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

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

Some Suggestions.

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

In G. Patient's letter, in No. 79, he asks for some, Tip Top post cards.

I don't know what they are, but if you have another set, I would like to have it.

Has the joking quality died out of the Merriwell family? I notice that Frank, junior, takes life too seriously. Too much a.s.sociation with grown people. Let's have a joke now and then. Also, it's about time young Frank's girl is introduced to the reader, don't you think?

Hoping to see part of my letter in the Tip Top at some early issue, I am, yours truly, ROSWELL NOTHWARY.

Little Rock, Ark. 2609 Battery Street.

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

A Poet Tip-topper.

Upon opening a recent number of Tip Top, I discovered, to my great delight, that you have reopened the Applause Column. I have read most of the Merriwell stories, but I have never written to the Applause Column before, so I think it is about time. I agree with Mr. Charles W. Meyers that when the Professor Fourmen and Applause were left out, and also when Frank and d.i.c.k were dropped, there was surely something lacking.

Frank Merriwell, junior, is all right, but, to my mind, he will never quite come up to his father and uncle; but, of course, I expect him to improve as he grows older. I do not like the Owen Clancy stories. I think they just about spoil the series. I hope that d.i.c.k will soon win back his fortune, which he lost in the revolution. What about June Arlington, and all of d.i.c.k's old friends, especially Jim Stretcher? I hope that old Joe Crowfoot is still among the living. I would like very much to see Bart Hodge's daughter in the stories. I also read the _Top-Notch Magazine,_ and I like it next to Tip Top. I like the adventure stories the best, but the athletic stories are good, also. I have a little doggerel here that I would like to see in print:

Now, boys, fill up your gla.s.ses, In calm weather as well as in blizzard, For the hero of men of all cla.s.ses, For you, Frank Merriwell, the wizard.

Once more for d.i.c.k, Frank's brother, The boy who will always be trailed, Because on all things he does not falter, The fellow who never failed.

And now for Frank Merriwell, junior, Who is one of the Merriwell flock, Who always gets there a little sooner--- A chip of the old st.u.r.dy block.

I see you have some Tip Top post cards, and I would be immensely pleased to receive a set of them. Waiting eagerly for the return of both Frank and d.i.c.k, I will close, hoping that you will not consider this letter too long to print, and will think it good enough to escape the wastebasket. CLARENCE WELCH, Olean, N. Y. 209 West Henly Street.

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

A New Jersey Admirer.

I like Tip Top because it has such interesting stories.

It has helped me to be very fond of good reading. I get the Tip Top, and often give it to others to read.