Happy Days: A Paper for Young Americans — page 2: what you’re looking at

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es fo ~~» HAPPY DAYS °e_ RT J. BOOTH. ae wr CHAPTER LI. ~THE TWO BOYS START ON THEIR LONG JOURNEY. ‘*RounpD the world on my wheel in six months! You just bet your life it could be done!” ; There was a shout of incredulous laugh- ter from a group of boys who heard these words Eben: and some of them com- menced to express their comments in aud- ible tones. p The boy who had made the assertion was leaning over his wheel, with his dark face flushed as he listened to the jeers of his companions, and he allowed them to con- tinue their talk without making any re- mark, He was trying hard to keep cool, for naturally he was somewhat hot-tem- pered. The probability is that the subject would have been dropped in a very short time, if Dick Carson had not put in a word, Now a taunt from Dick Czrson was to Jack Daring like the waving of a red flag oe ‘is toa bull, He drew himself up quickly and looked Dick straight inthe eye. __ ** What's that you say, Dick Carson ?’ **Oh, nothing!’ “T’d be glad if you’d say it over again even if it is nothing. Come, out with it, Dick Carson, or I'll ask one of the other fellows to tell me what you said, and might make things lively for you.” Dick Carson laughed lightly. ‘* Jack Daring,” he said, *‘ there’s no good in you and me fighting over it. I said—” and his voice had a distinct sneer in it as he spoke—‘‘ that I only knew of one per- son who could go round the world-ona wheel in six months.” ‘© Go on!” cried Jack Daring, hotly. ‘* And,” added Dick Carson, ‘‘ his name is Jack Daring. Hal Hal! a great joke, boys, a great joke!” ‘ ack Daring’s dark face became white with passion, and he was tempted to re- sort to his fists rather than words in order to answer his old enemy, but again he re- strained himself. ** What’s the good of talking,” cried Tom Scott; ‘‘ when Jack Daring said what he did, he said Rds, thinkin ¥. 4 ; oft cone atinued Tom Scott, ‘* tha we don’t talk any more about it. Let’s t on our wheels and have a spin round the Park. I’m getting cold standing here.” All this calk had taken place in Central Park, immediately oppeive the Casino, on the terrace that overlooks the band stand, to which place the boys, having a holiday, had ridden on their wheels. It was quite early in the year, and as Tom Scott had said, it was decidedly chilly. So his propo- sition to move on met with almost unani- mous approval, | It was Jack Daring that caused them to halt. : ‘See here, boys; I don’t agree with Tom Scott, and I want you to stay right here, We'll have this thing out. You all heard me say that it was possible to ride round the world in six months on a wheel. Very} well. I’m going to do it.” The erilat way in which these last few words were said was more effective in pro- ducing astonishment than a londer, more assertive tone would have been. “JT told you Jack Daring was the only’ fellow equal to it,” laughed Dick Carson, kingly. a | - me Yow ons that for a taunt, Dick Car- son. Well, I won’t quarrel with you. My answer to all your jeers will be to do what I’ve said Ican do—and listen, boys,” con- tinued Jack, “I’m not vain enough to think I'm the only chap who could do it, but of one thing be sure—I’m the first who } it.” ; othe bose saw now that Jack Daring was in earnest, and they crowded round apt pressing him eagerly with questions, an as fast as he could he endeavored to satisfy their curiosity. caged age apes Carson on one of the seats near Dy. ee Telioa | Here’s Ned Norton,” shouted tt. lack looked up quickly with a bright smile on his face, and it was easy to see that the news had eter him sec greg was spinning along across the open eth mont of the Casino, and the boys were watching him as he came up. *“ Well, Jack! Hulloa, Tom! how are you all?’ shouted Ned, cheerily. “Couldn't get here before, and I thought you'd all be gone, But what’sup? You all look as if you had something on your minds,” “ Ned,” said Jack Daring, walking over to him, ** I've undertaken to ride round the world on my wheel in six months, Will you come with me?” - Why, of course, Jack. Fancy asking me such a question as that. Oh, what a lark! Round the world on a wheel, It’s the best thingI ever heard of, It’s great.” Ned Norton bubbled over with excite- HS ON THE WHEEL. | so of wealth. But though circumstances sep- i — >: ip ; i } WW it —— _ ~* 4 awk, ae | UJ 2. i; Rese ~ = “ie. Ses ccccse cen e- Wig Sse see! > on at ie ed - Wa E t an Ss =e aA i La ; \—= sil) 4} + RN 1! | . & 1 \ i i) i iia 1 | i Lia} - — -EMIUT s , f | - = “ - t : — = = i X A =! ¥ =i) Jy CZs 1 CouPON axe : THis Gouronts Goon” For Any or Aut Premiums Orreren By HApryY Ways, lF SENTIN ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS CIVEN UNDER Each Premium Notice PRINTED ON 16#FACE =~ BesuRE AND ReaD THEDIRECTIONS CAREFULLY y’ BEFORE SENDING USYOUR LouPON. ment and good temper. The latter. was habitual to him and he was anxious to raake Peepareyons for the start. The other boys were impressed at the I | abrupt invitation extended to Ned by Jack Daring, and the ready way in which it was accepted, “Why, Ned,” laughed Tom Scott, “you said yes just as quick as if he was only asking you to go to Coney Island.” ss at else could I say ?” answered Ned, with a look of astonishment on his face. ‘* Jack couldn’t very well go without me. Could ee Jack ?” **T should say not, Ned, and we'll havea great time, too, don’t you forget it!” Ned Norton and Jack Daring were in- separable. If ever there were two chums in the world, these two boys were they. Yet their positions in life were very dif- ferent. Jack’s father was very wealthy, and Ned, who had neither father nor mother, had been left at the age of four- teen to 1 is own way in the w Until his 's ¢ eath, Ned had be n at} e same school with Jack, for Mr, Norton yng as he iived, had passed for a} mat = arated the two boys, Jack never allowed any one to take Ned’s place in his heart, His friend’s misfortunes seemed to have rendered the tie between them all the closer, and Jack was never happy unless he was doing something to benefit Ned. After supper—the two boys had ridden to Jack’s house—some talk took place, Ned started it, **Say, Jack, of course you were only jol- lying those fellows when you talked about riding round the world ?” ** Don’t you believe it! Never was more in earnest in my life, old chap. I mean to do it, too, but I don’t say I would have pledged myself to it excent for Dick Car- son's taunts. I’ve said I’ll do it, Ned, and you know I never break my word.” ‘‘But your father, Jack! What will he do about it? Guess he won’t like it a bit.” ‘Till talk him round. I know I'll have my own way there. But what’s the mat- ter, Ned? You look gloomy.” “So Iam, I feel blue, for I can’t go with you, Jack.” ‘* Not go with me! Why, you’ve prom- sed. ‘* Without thinking. I can’t afford, it. Where’s the money to come from ?” Jack Daring put his arm affectionately around his chum’s shoulders, ‘* If you begin to talk about money, Ned, we shall fight. That’s the only subject that’ll make a row between you and me. Don’t say another word. My father’s com- ing. I can tell his footstep. So much the better, Here goes, Ned! I'll brace him at once, Jack’s father was very fond of Ned Nor- ton, and he gave hima very hearty greet- ing. ‘** What’s the news, boys?” **Ned and I are going round the world on bikes.” Mr. Daring gasped with astonishment as he fell into a chair, i **Say that again, Jack, and kick me at the same time to let me know whether I’m awake or dreaming,” ‘*You’re not dreaming, pop, any more than I. Dick Carson taunted me, and I asserted I’d go round the world on my wheel in six months, You'd not have me break my word, would you?” **T should say not, my boy, If you've said you'll do it, you must do your best to prove your words, that’s all there is to it.” It will thus be seen that Jack and his father were very much alike in their na- tures, and the latter lost sight of all pos- sible danger to his boy, in the thought that his must perform what he had prom- ised, * ‘*Ned must go with you, Jack.” ‘**T've told him so.” *T’d like to do so, Mr. Daring; don’t think I wouldn’t. Let me speak plainly. First, there’s the money.” ‘**Go on,” ** And secondly, I shall have to throw up my position,” ‘** Both reasons overruled, Ned,” laughed Mr, Daring. ‘‘As far as regards money, Jack has enough fortwo, And when you come back, you shall come into my office How does that strike you?” ** You're too good to me, I can’t——” “Tf you don’t go, Jack doesn’t.” “Let me persuade you, Ned,” ‘**It doesn’t need much persuasion, Jack, Yes, I'll go, but I’ll never be able to thank you for all your kindness, Mr. Daring.” ‘*Oh! yes, you will. See that Jack Foe 8 out of mischief; that will repay me, Ned,” So it was all settled. There was no time oes dlink toate Mime tertnis wi yit was almost the end of the spr now, nd Jack and the made all preparations f their long and eventful Journey; | “One week after the day on which this talk had taken place, the two boys started on their journey round the world, with strong, serviceable knapsacks on their backs, and as far as Tarrytown they were escorted by their friends on their wheels, Then, after a gird cheer from their es- cort, Jack and Ned went on their way. Now, for the first time they seemed to realize what was before them, though the had little idea even then of what woul happen to them before they again grasped the hand of a friend. CHAPTER II, AN ENCOUNTER WITH TRAMPS—NEDS AC- - CIDENT. THE route to be taken by the Bo boys was across the Continent to San Francis- co. From that port they would take the steamer to China, and having landed, then they would traverse the Celestial Empire at their utmost speed, and so on through the rest of Asia, and then through Europe to New York again. ** We're not taking the most direct road. to Frisco, Jack.” ‘**Oh, we've lots of time,” was the cool reply. ‘“* We'll go through Buffalo to Chi- cago, then we'll turn off to the South,” ‘I’m in your hands; I don’t care how we go. [hope our wheels won’t smash up, If such a thing happened in the middle of China, it would be rather awkward,” “We're riding Happy Days wheels; that’s enough, Ned, so make yourself easy about the matter.” By this time the two boys had passed Poughkeepsie, and were riding hard, for the road was good and traveling easy. Beth boys were in perfect condition for the great task before them, They were of about the same age—seventeen—and it needed but a glance to see how strong and hardy they were, Jack’s dark eyes had in them the gleam of health, and his dark hair waved luxtri- antly over his furehead, tanned brown by the sun, Ned’s face was the picture of happiness, His blue eyes danced with merriment, and when he removed his cap, which he did occasionally, he showed what a crop of golden curls he possessed, They did not intend to exert themselves on the first day, thinking it wise to accus- tom wor to the ae ‘We'll pull up at the next pl Ned and stay there the night, if sheke’s hotel there. What d’you say Y ‘Ask me what my stomach says, Jack,” laughed Ned, ‘Itsays ‘ beefsteak’ and as soon as apes en they saw in front of them, as the day was closing in, a very steep hill, caught him with his fist fair and At its foot they jumped off their wheels, intending to push them up, that being more feasible than attempting to ride up such an incline. Where they dismounted, by the roadside, was the trunk of a tree which seemed to have fallen there recently. Jack sat down upon it, and taking a map from his pocket, began to study it, ust at this moment two men who had been lying down in a field made their ap- pearance. One glance showed them to be tramps, They were ragged, unshaven, dirty and disreputable looking. ‘‘Beg pardin, boss,” said one of the hoboes, drawing near, ‘‘me an’ my pard hyar’s dead hungry. Ain’t yer, Willie?’ ‘What of it?” demanded Jack. 3 ‘© Ye’ll help acouple of hard workin’ men on de road, mister, eh ?” ‘* Here’s adime for you,” said Jack, hand- ing over the coin. The tramp took it, but instead of trans- ferring it to his pocket, he proceeded to examine it very carefully as it lay in the palm of his hand. ‘© A dime!” he exclaimed, contemptuous- ly. “‘Ten pennies fer two starvin’ men! Sure you kin spare it, mister?’ he asked, sarcastically. ‘Clear away from here, you drunken scoundrel!” cried Ned. ‘* You don’t deserve a cent!” * Oh, we don’t!” shouted the tramp, fiercely. ‘* Yer too fresh, see! Suppose [ asked yer for a V., fer five of the long green, how ’bout it?” ‘*Skip,” cried Jack, angrily. The close proximity of these drunken hoboes an- noyed him. * Not till we get the plunkers,” The other tramp came up now, ** Dis ain’t no kiddin’,” hesaid, thrusting his face into Jack’s, ‘ If we don’t have de . | stuff ye’ll suffer.” **T will not give you another cent, and I’m very sorry I gave you anything, You can't bulldoze me, you scoundrel!” ‘* Den we'll smash yer bikes !” | With these words the two tramps made a rush for the wheels which were leaning against the fallen tree. To reach them they had to pass both Ned and Jack. Ned was on the alert in an instant, He wheeled round, and aiming a terrific blow at the tramp who was nearest ‘to him, he : uare In the eye, ‘Ihe man reeled against his com- panion, who was thrown off his feet by the collision, and went headlong over the fall- en tree, into a ditch on the other side of it. He was on his feet again in a moment, and seized a stout piece of wood that was lying on the ground, His companion, too, had recovered from Ned’s blow, and once more the two hoboes rushed at the boys, the tramp with the cudgel waving it in the air as he advanced, If it had been level ground before them, escape would have been easy. The boys could have jumped on their machines and then have dashed away. But with this terrific hill facing them, such a proceeding ~ was out of the question. Matters looked serious, Jack and Ned were brave as boys could be, but it was not likely that they were a match for two such desperate men. There was no house near, no person in sight. ** Seize your wheel and run,” cried Jack, loudly, At least the aPrerenty inevitable con- | flict might be postponed for awhile, The two boys pushed their bicycles be- fore them as they ran up the hill, and by this sudden action they put a space of twenty or thirty yards betwen them and the tramps, ** Those two wretches wouldn’t hesitate to murder us,” said Jack, “I know it. We could easily escape them by running, but that means leavin otic behind, and we can’t think of a * **T’d die first.” ° : “Better hand over, gents!” cried one of the tramps; “only it’sa ten spot now, Prices is raised,” Jack stooped suddenly at this moment and doing so he grasped a large, round stone, which had been lying in the road at his feet. He hurled this with all his sity 5 at the oe tramp. “That's the only kind of a ten spot bd ever get from me,” shouted the boy, uriously, There was a how] of pain from the hobo, The stone had caught him with all its force in the pit of the stomach, bringing him instantly to the ground. The rnflian lay in the road uttering the most awful ee mingled with howls of pain, an all che while wriggling about like an ee “Kill them! Bill, kill them!” " = tgs comrade em!” he shout ‘* Not on yer life,” was the answ other tramp, who, instead of Aivkeoius ri the attack, proceeded to betake himself to a safe distance, . For by this time Ned had possessed him- self of a stone, with which he was threat- enin the tramp who was still on his feet. e'll make tracks, Ned, Come along.”