Afterall the excitement attending the great athletic tournament, Riverport took the rest those who lived within her borders really needed. School duties had been somewhat neglected while there was so much going on; and Professor Brierley saw to it that the brakes were put on, and the sport element eliminated for the time being.
And yet he knew that the new spirit of athletic training in schools was really working wonders among those who had heretofore been sadly backward about strengthening their lungs, and developing their systems along proper lines.
The governing committee were so well pleased with the many advantages which they had reaped from the tournament, that it was unanimously decided to repeat it every Fall. And during the winter season the new gymnasiums, with their modern apparatus for developing chests, strengthening muscles, and encouraging weakly boys and girls to become strong and healthy, would supply all the exercise needed.
Fred Fenton, of course, became the idol of his set. He was a clear-headed boy, it happened, and he discouraged all this sort of hero worship possible; making light of what he had done, and declaring that when the next took place Gabe Larkins was going to carry off every running prize.
Fred was at any rate the happiest boy in Riverport; and he believed he had ample reason for declaring himself such.
In the first place the Alaska claim had been finally settled, and to the complete satisfaction of the Fenton family. Under the wise guidance and counsel of Judge Colon, affairs had been so managed that the head of the powerful syndicate, accompanied by Squire Lemington, had several meetings with Mr. Fenton. The upshot of the whole matter was that an offer being finally made, and refused, a second was presented that enlarged the sum first mentioned. That was also turned down by the sagacious judge, who had received pointers from Hiram concerning the necessity of the syndicate possessing the disputed claim. In the end an agreement was struck, the whole large sum paid over, and the transfer of all claims made.
Just what that amount was few people ever knew. Some said it must have been as high as three hundred thousand dollars; others declared it was only a single hundred thousand; but the chances are it came midway between the two extremes.
No matter what the sum, wisely invested as it was by the new owner, it placed the Fenton family beyond the reach of want as long as they lived.
Fred could now dream his dreams of some time going to college, when he had arrived at the topmost round of the ladder as represented in the Riverport school course. And there were a host of other things that seemed much closer to his hand now than they had ever been before.
As they had become dearly attached to their little cottage home, the Fentons, instead of moving into a larger and more comfortable house, simply purchased the one they lived in. After certain improvements had been completed they had as fine a house as any one in all Riverport, and with a location on the bank of the pretty Mohunk second to none.
Hiram was uneasy away from the mining camps, and after a while said good-bye to his Riverport friends. He had made over to his brother Arnold certain property he had accumulated; so that both Sarah and her father felt thatthey would never again experience the pinch of poverty.
These two friends of Fred were always delighted whenever he and any of his chums took a notion to run up, and pay them a little visit. And many times did the girl speak of that dreadful day when her calls from the bottom of the well reached the ears of the cross-country runners, bringing aid to herself and her sick parent. They would never forget what Fred and Bristles had done for them.
Gabe Larkins was a different boy from what he had been in the past. Everybody thought well of him now; and his mother, no longer fearing that the change in his character indicated a fatal sickness, became very proud of her boy. And Gabe has a good word to say for Fred Fenton, and Bristles Carpenter as well; for he knows just how much those two boys had to do with influencing Miss Muster to forgive his taking of her opals, before he saw the new light.
For several days Buck Lemington was not seen about Riverport. Only a few knew that he was up at Arnold Masterson's farm, really in hiding until his father's wrath blew over; and that he had taken his little brother along in order to the better bring the "governor" to terms.
When the Alaska claims business had been finally adjusted in a satisfactory manner, andSquire Lemington could once more remember that he had not seen either of his boys for some days, he became quite alarmed. And it was at this time that the artful Buck sent a note by a special messenger, offering to bring Billy home if his father would forget all about the punishment he had threatened.
Of course he won his point, and in a short time was just the same bully about Riverport as of yore; because it is next to impossible for such a fellow to reform.
Of course while Winter held the country round about the three river towns in its grasp, the frozen waters of the pretty Mohunk furnished plenty of sport, both vigorous and healthful.
And it goes without saying that the intense rivalry existing between the schools kept pace with the seasons. There were skating matches, challenges between the proud owners of new bobsleds, and even class spreads, with possibly a dance in some distant barn, to which the girls were conveyed by their attendants in all manner of sleighs, and with an elderly lady to add dignity to occasion.
In all of these events we may be sure that Fred Fenton took his part with the same manly spirit that, as has been shown in these stories of the school struggles, actuated his behavior at all times.
He was not always victor, and more than once tasted the sting of defeat; but Fred could give and take; and he knew that others deserved to win as well as he did himself. But he was satisfied to enjoy the keen rivalry that accompanies clean sport, and the very first to give the winner a shout of congratulation.
In the early Spring some of the boys made their way up to the haunted mill; for they remembered that the pond used to hold some gamey bass in those days of old when they regularly played around that section.
They found that during a winter's storm the old building had finally yielded to the war of the elements. It was lying in ruins; and thus another old landmark disappeared from the region of the Mohunk.
Colon recalled his strange experience at the time he was kidnapped, and carried away to the old mill by several disguised boys. Of course every one knew now that these fellows had been Buck and several of his cronies; and that their object had been simply a desire to cripple the Riverport athletic track team, because the committee had concluded that none of them was a fit subject for entry.
And they had come very nearly doing it too. Only for the energy which Fred Fenton had shown in following up the slender clues left behind, Colon might have been detained there, hiswhereabouts unknown, until the meet was a thing of the past, and the victory gone to Mechanicsburg.
Judge Colon was as good as his word, and, even though the kidnapping had been only a boyish prank, he said Fred and the others had done such good work, that the reward of one hundred dollars he offered should go to them. They took it, turning it into an athletic fund, so that after all the taking away of Colon resulted in some good.
While this story finishes the present series of tales devoted to the school life and athletic doings of Fred Fenton, it is possible that the reader may once more be given the pleasure and privilege of meeting Fred and his friends in some other future field of spirited rivalry. But at any rate it is a satisfaction to all of us, who have been more or less interested in his fortunes, that the last glimpse we have of Fred he seems to be enjoying the friendship of nearly every one of his comrades, boys and girls alike; and bids fair to hold their regard to the end of his term at Riverport school.
Author of the "Fred Fenton Athletic Series," "The Boysof Pluck Series," and "The Darewell Chums Series."12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.
Tom Fairfield is a typical American lad, full of life and energy, a boy who believes in doing things. To know Tom is to love him.
Tom Fairfield's School DaysTom Fairfield's Schooldaysor The Chums of Elmwood HallTells of how Tom started for school, of the mystery surrounding one of the Hall seniors, and of how the hero went to the rescue. The first book in a line that is bound to become decidedly popular.
Tom Fairfield's Schooldaysor The Chums of Elmwood Hall
Tells of how Tom started for school, of the mystery surrounding one of the Hall seniors, and of how the hero went to the rescue. The first book in a line that is bound to become decidedly popular.
Tom Fairfield at Seaor The Wreck of the Silver Star
Tom's parents had gone to Australia and then been cast away somewhere in the Pacific. Tom set out to find them and was himself cast away. A thrilling picture of the perils of the deep.
Tom Fairfield in Campor The Secret of the Old Mill
The boys decided to go camping, and located near an old mill. A wild man resided there and he made it decidedly lively for Tom and his chums. The secret of the old mill adds to the interest of the volume.
Tom Fairfield's Luck and Pluckor Working to Clear His Name
While Tom was back at school some of his enemies tried to get him into trouble. Then something unusual occurred and Tom was suspected of a crime. How he set to work to clear his name is told in a manner to interest all young readers.
CUPPLES & LEON CO. Publishers NEW YORK
Cloth. 12mo. Illustrated. 60 cents each, postpaid.
The Darewell ChumsOr, The Heroes of the School
A BRIGHT, lively story for boys, telling of the doings of four chums, at school and elsewhere. There is a strong holding plot, and several characters who are highly amusing. Any youth getting this book will consider it a prize and tell all his friends about it.
The Darewell Chums in the CityOr, The Disappearance of Ned Wilding
FROM a country town the scene is changed to a great city. One of the chums has disappeared in an extraordinary manner, and the others institute a hunt for him. The youths befriend a city waif, who in turn makes a revelation which clears up the mystery.
The Darewell Chums in the WoodsThe Darewell Chums in the WoodsOr, Frank Roscoe's SecretTHE boys had planned for a grand outing when something happened of which none of them had dreamed. They thought one of their number had done a great wrong—at least it looked so. But they could not really believe the accusations made, so they set to work to help Frank all they could. All went camping some miles from home, and when not hunting and fishing spent their time in learning the truth of what had occurred.
The Darewell Chums in the WoodsOr, Frank Roscoe's Secret
THE boys had planned for a grand outing when something happened of which none of them had dreamed. They thought one of their number had done a great wrong—at least it looked so. But they could not really believe the accusations made, so they set to work to help Frank all they could. All went camping some miles from home, and when not hunting and fishing spent their time in learning the truth of what had occurred.
The Darewell Chums on a CruiseOr, Fenn Masterson's Odd Discovery
A TALE of the Great Lakes. The boys run across some Canadian smugglers and stumble on the secret of a valuable mine.
The Darewell Chums in a Winter CampOr, Bart Keene's Best Shot
HERE is a lively tale of ice and snow, of jolly good times in a winter camp, hunting and trapping, and of taking it easy around a roaring campfire.
CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK
Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth. 60 cents per volume
The Young Land AgentThe Young Express AgentOr, Bart Stirling's Road SuccessBART'S father was the express agent in a country town. When an explosion of fireworks rendered him unfit for work, the boy took it upon himself to run the express office. The tale gives a good idea of the express business in general.
The Young Express AgentOr, Bart Stirling's Road Success
BART'S father was the express agent in a country town. When an explosion of fireworks rendered him unfit for work, the boy took it upon himself to run the express office. The tale gives a good idea of the express business in general.
Two Boy PublishersOr, From Typecase to Editor's Chair
THIS tale will appear strongly to all lads who wish to know how a newspaper is printed and published. The two boy publishers work their way up, step by step, from a tiny printing office to the ownership of a town paper.
Mail Order FrankOr, A Smart Boy and His Chances
HERE we have a story covering an absolutely new field—that of the mail-order business. How Frank started in a small way and gradually worked his way up to a business figure of considerable importance is told in a fascinating manner.
A Business Boy's PluckOr, Winning Success
THIS relates the ups and downs of a young storekeeper. He has some keen rivals, but "wins out" in more ways than one. All youths who wish to go into business will want this volume.
The Young Land AgentOr, The Secret of the Borden Estate
THE young land agent had several rivals, and they did all possible to bring his schemes of selling town lots to naught. But Nat persevered, showed up his rivals in their true light, and not only made a success of the business but likewise cleared up his mother's claim to some valuable real estate.
CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK
12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.
All lads who love life in the open air and a good steed, will want to peruse these books. Captain Carson knows his subject thoroughly, and his stories are as pleasing as they are healthful and instructive.
The Saddle Club Boys of the RockiesThe Saddle Boys of the Rockiesor Lost on Thunder MountainTelling how the lads started out to solve the mystery of a great noise in the mountains—how they got lost—and of the things they discovered.
The Saddle Boys of the Rockiesor Lost on Thunder Mountain
The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyonor The Hermit of the Cave
A weird and wonderful story of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, told in a most absorbing manner. The Saddle Boys are to the front in a manner to please all young readers.
The Saddle Boys on the Plainsor After a Treasure of Gold
In this story the scene is shifted to the great plains of the southwest and then to the Mexican border. There is a stirring struggle for gold, told as only Captain Carson can tell it.
The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranchor In at the Grand Round-up
Here we have lively times at the ranch, and likewise the particulars of a grand round-up of cattle and encounters with wild animals and also cattle thieves. A story that breathes the very air of the plains.
CUPPLES & LEON CO. Publishers NEW YORK
Author of "The Dave Dashaway Series," "Great Marvel Series," etc.12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid
All boys who love to be on the go will welcome the Speedwell boys. They are clean cut and loyal to the core—youths well worth knowing.
The Speedwell Boys on Motor CyclesThe Speedwell Boys on Motor Cyclesor The Mystery of a Great ConflagrationThe lads were poor, but they did a rich man a great service and he presented them with their motor cycles. What a great fire led to is exceedingly well told.
The Speedwell Boys on Motor Cyclesor The Mystery of a Great Conflagration
The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Autoor A Run for the Golden Cup
A tale of automobiling and of intense rivalry on the road. There was an endurance run and the boys entered the contest. On the run they rounded up some men who were wanted by the law.
The Speedwell Boys and Their Power Launchor To the Rescue of the Castaways
Here is a water story of unusual interest. There was a wreck and the lads, in their power launch, set out to the rescue. A vivid picture of a great storm adds to the interest of the tale.
The Speedwell Boys in a Submarineor The Lost Treasure of Rocky Cove
An old sailor knows of a treasure lost under water because of a cliff falling into the sea. The boys get a chance to go out in a submarine and they make a hunt for the treasure. Life under the water is well described.
CUPPLES & LEON CO. Publishers NEW YORK
By Roy Rockwood
Author of the "Speedwell Boys Series" and the "Great Marvel Series."12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.
Never was there a more clever young aviator than Dave Dashaway, and all up-to-date lads will surely wish to make his acquaintance.
Dave Dashaway The Young AviatorDave Dashaway the Young Aviatoror In the Clouds for Fame and FortuneThis initial volume tells how the hero ran away from his miserly guardian, fell in with a successful airman, and became a young aviator of note.
Dave Dashaway the Young Aviatoror In the Clouds for Fame and Fortune
This initial volume tells how the hero ran away from his miserly guardian, fell in with a successful airman, and became a young aviator of note.
Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplaneor Daring Adventures Over the Great Lakes
Showing how Dave continued his career as a birdman and had many adventures over the Great Lakes, and he likewise foiled the plans of some Canadian smugglers.
Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airshipor A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic
How thegiantairship was constructed and how the daring young aviator and his friends made the hazard journey through the clouds from the new world to the old, is told in a way to hold the reader spellbound.
Dave Dashaway Around the Worldor A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many Nations
An absorbing tale of a great air flight around the world, ofhairbreadthadventures in Alaska, Siberia and elsewhere. A true to life picture of what may be accomplished in the near future.
CUPPLES & LEON CO. Publishers NEW YORK
Transcriber's Notes:Obvious punctuation errors repaired.The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text willappear.
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text willappear.