The age-herald., 1900-03-11
M. M. M.
Ten Dollar Prize for a Successful
 Guess.

 through January, February and March. The mystery of how the boys became possessed of a large amount of money anu the name of the club, the initials only oelns used in the story, are to be guessed. ALSO any other facts necessary to the conple- tion of the story. The one sending to the young folks department of the Age-der- ald the most complete or nearest guess or the mystery and ending of the story Will Dc awarded s10 in gold. If two guesses are equally correct the prize wll be divided be- tween the two. The one making the next best guess will be awarded an entire set of Rudyard Kipling's works. The guess must be written out as a last chapter Of the story and sent in to this department be- tween March IS and 25.
 CHAPTER x.
 Jim skillfully evaded the blow which might have rendered him somewhat un- comfortable for time, and Fred was ready for the ruffian ere he recovered his posi- tion He seized one arm and George at signal from Fred grasped the other, and notwithstanding his struggles, held him fast George was somewhat of an athlete, and he easily succeeded in tripping him, causing him to fall face foremost and pros- trate on the floor.
 Though taken by surprise, the giant still felt little concerned over his ability to free himself but in a moment before he could take any action, while George and Fred were holding his arms in most uncom- fortable position, not only Bruce and Jim were standing over him to sit upon him at his slightest effort to throw them off. but in came five more youngsters ready and eager to wallop him.
 With ropes they soon had his hands tied securely behind his back, his ankles fast together, and then rolling him over face up, they helped him to a sitting posture.
 Now" said Fred, as he wiped the per- spiration from his forehead. perhaps you can tell us what you mean. Dick Delancer, by maltreating this poor feeble old man. know you! Oh yes, to be sure. When I heard your voice knew quite well that our friends antagonist would need no gentle handling. Ah, you know me, do You? No doubt you wish now more than ever that you had finished me the day you thought to do so"
 The boys listened, amazed to hear Fred speaking to the burly stranger as to an old acquaintance.
 A growl. of which they could not catch the meaning was the response; but they had now little time more for thought of him, as Bert and Will, who had gone to Uncle Dicks assistance, gave vent to eX- clamatons, which caused all to rush to the bed, save George, who prudently remained guard over the captive.
 "Dead Oh surely 1t cannot be!'' "Go for a doctor some one do'' and various other indications of fear burs>sfrom the now thoroughly frightened boys.
 "Give him a stimulant," came from the wretch in ropes, who sneered openly at the solictude manifested for the sick man, 'hell come too quick enough; 'taint the first time by a blame sight" Then relapsing into silence, he seemed utterly indifferent to the anxiety of the boys or the actions used to restore this aged friend to con- scousness.
 Though greatly excited they worked with a will, two chaffing his feet, others his hands while others explored cupboards till a phial of a black looking drug with directions for dose was discovered. Bruce, who had found the medicine turned to Fred, being in doubt about using it. Fred at once went to the man, inferring cor rectly that he knew what course to pur- sue, and could if he chose, impart to them Information as to restoratives.
 Since you know much of him, why can't you open your mouth and tell us what to do for him?' "Oh if I have a mind to, I will. Yes, give him that If you like, but he'll come 'roun quick enough 'thout nothin," he Sul- 1enly replied.
 The boys forced few drops of the liquid between his blue lips, and after what seemed to them a most unnatural lengthy time for a swoon, they were rewarded by seeing his eyes open with returning con- sciousness, though the feeble pusation of his heart left them still filled with anxiety. "Where is-where is-Dick?' he gasped. "Has he gone?" he continued, as no one replied.
 mean the brute that was trying to frlghten you when we came in,' responded Jim, "and we propose for him to stay till you tell us what to do with him.
 "Oh, let him go! let him go! Boys. beg him to go'
 Let him go? Do you think we could when he has put you in this condition? We'll let him go to jail; indeed we shall Don't say let him go Uncle Dick
 All listened astonished and anxious to hear what he would say. Harry was pranc- ing back and forth as if he felt oppressed. Just the thought of turning him free was unbearable.
 "Yes," said their old friend, "tell him he must go and come back next week if he wants to see me on business"
 Another growl from the man who sat in compulsory humility upon the bare floor, indicated that in his displeasure at this turn of affairs it mattered little to him, to go or stay was immaterial. The whole thing was a disgusting farce.
 The boys had begun to suspect that the newcomer, "Dick, was more to Uncle Dick than a common thief or robber, and were greatly perplexed to know what course was best to persue; but as for turning him loose that was not to be thought of for moment Fred who usually kept quiet while Jim and Bruce planned and led the others to action, now surprised the entire group by quietly but firmly taking the mat ter into his own hands.
 Uncle Dick" he explained gently mot only your own life but mine, certainly, and perhaps that of the other boys, may be endangered by doing as you say in this matter, so we can't obey you, but will promise you Uncle Dick, that he shall not be harmed. We must keep him confined till we are sure he can neither injure you or us Won't that be best, think you, Uncle Dick?'
 The poor old man assented. and with something that sounded like a sob turned his head to the wall not to see what course they should take.
 The boys listened quietly, obeying in- stantly as Fred directed Bert and VIII to remain in the cabin to care for Uncle Dick i; the others, save Bruce and George, to wait without till they came with the prisoner.
 Fred gave a glance to the dear old Cap tain Jim, who had never failed with his fertile brain to devise means of escape from every dilemma in which they became en- tangled; and Jim interpreted the look to