Bob Spencer the life saver; or, Guarding the coast for Uncle Sam

Front matter

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Preface

Dear Boys : —

In this new series of books which I expect to place before you, I shall aim not only to afford a fair amount of interesting adventure reading, such as every healthy lad loves; but at the same time to give absolutely reliable descriptions in connection with considerable of the business conducted in Uncle Sam's great workshops.

I trust that every one of my young friends will enjoy reading about the remarkable events that came to pass in the lives of these five sturdy and ambitious sons of Colonel Frederic Spencer, — Frank, Fred, Bob, Sam and Dave, after they in turn found themselves in the employ of the Government. And you can rest assured that whatever I have written concerning the working of the Life-saving Service, the Army, the Navy, the Revenue Department as connected with the Secret Service — and last but not least, the conservation of the mines, forests and other resources that are the natural heritage of the Nation, has all a firm foundation in fact, as recorded in the yearly reports, which are vi

Preface issued for distribution by the great Government Printing Office in Washington.

Nor can the gallant Spencer family really be looked on as a myth. All over this glorious land of ours may be found many families where the seed has been sown in good ground; so that in due season other members, urged on by similar aspirations, will seek eagerly to enter the various branches of Uncle Sam's service.

It is the hope of the Nation, this desire on the part of our boys to serve their country under the Stars and Stripes, no matter in what capacity, or in what field. And we would do well to encourage such a laudable ambition by every honorable means in our power.

Sincerely yours,

Captain Taylor Armitage.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Along the Juniper i

11 . The Boy Who Knew How . . lo

CHAPTER I “ Come on, I’ll race both of you! ”

“ Is that a challenge, Bob ? ”

‘‘ I meant it for one, Fred; that is, if both you and Frank feel like taking a swim with me.”

“ Well, it’s surely a warm afternoon, even for July; and I reckon the cool water of the good old Juniper would feel pretty fine. I’ve got half a notion to take you up on that dare. Bob ; though it’s a small chance any of us ever have against a regular water-rat like you.”

“ How about you, Frank? ”

“ Oh! if the rest mean to jump in, I’m not the fellow to sit moping on the bank, and miss all the fun.”

“ That sounds good to me. Now, let’s see who’ll be the first to dive off this high bank here. Get busy, boys ! ”

I

While the three boys are tossing off their garments, in anticipation of enjoying their favorite sport, let us take advantage of the opportunity to make their acquaintance, and learn just what relationship Bob, Fred and Frank bear to one another.

Colonel Frederic Spencer had served his country during the Spanish war with distinction, and left one of his arms on the battlefield near Santiago. He came of a long line of patriotic Americans, stretching away back to the days of the early pioneers; so that it was not strange that every one of his sons should be imbued with a healthy and determined desire to enter the service of Uncle Sam, when the eagerly-awaited chance arrived.

There were just six children living, and five of them boys, sturdy fellows every one ; with two pair of twins in the lot. Janice, the only girl, happened to round up the half dozen; and it can be readily understood that she was the idol of her five brothers — a little queen, whose every wish they loved to gratify.

First came Dave and Frank, as the older twins were named; and Frank somehow always allowed Dave to assume the airs of an elder brother, since

was said that he had seen the light of day first.

Then there were Fred and Sam, the second pair, with the former such a sober fellow that every one looked upon him as much older than his mate.

Energetic Bob was the last of the boys, though no one would suspect it because of his size and muscular development, which made him the peer of even Frank, several years older.

Bob was the wild horse of the lot, and, though good-hearted and impulsive, caused his father many a heart-ache because of his mischievous ways. He was above playing mean pranks; but seemed to be possessed of a spirit of rollicking fun, and throughout the entire community around the town of Clayton, if any trick chanced to be turned that was plainly the work of boys. Bob was immediately saddled with the blame, though doubtless in many instances he had nothing to do with the matter. It was a case of giving a dog a bad name over again.

When it came to water sports Bob had no equal among his fellows; and perhaps it was partly this that, next to Sam, had always made him a favorite with his grandfather; who had once commanded a gunboat on the Mississippi during the Civil war, and whose love for the navy seemed to have come down to some of the boys of the third generation.

Fred Spencer, on the other hand, did not seem to be an adventurous boy, like his brothers. He was something of a book-worm, and would rather be left alone in his “ den,” to pore over the Government reports on conservation, and such topics, than be out playing baseball, or even fishing in the clear waters of the Juniper.

But Fred had such a gentle disposition that all of his brothers felt toward him very much as though they must act as his protectors. He did not seem quite so rugged as the others, though this may have come from his staying indoors so much, when he should have been exercising his muscles.

It was Sam who never lost an opportunity to coax Grandfather Spencer into a cozy comer, and get him to tell of his thrilling experiences during those dark days in the far past, when this beloved country of ours was divided into hostile camps.

The old man was as patriotic as any one could wish; but there were times when Sam would discover him sitting under the apple tree in the shady side yard, tenderly stroking a tiny silken Confederate flag, which he must have carried near his heart all these long years, while a sad smile would wreathe his wrinkled face.

Ah ! the dear hands that had made that little token for him long ago he could never again feel pressing his. Possibly it was of her the old man was thinking, as well as of the stormy scenes that fell to his portion during those war times.

Then there was Dave, ‘‘ long-headed Dave ’’ they often called him, because he dearly loved to solve riddles that every one else seemed ready to give up ; and was deeply interested in the workings of Uncle

Sam’s Secret Service people. Perhaps the uncle after whom Dave was named, and who sometimes dropped in on them for a short stay, was in some measure responsible for the bent of the boy’s mind, since he delighted to tell stories of his work in that part of the great Government machinery at Washington.

As for Frank, he had inherited his father’s love for the army; and though he seldom committed himself on the subject, it could be seen plainly that some day, sooner or later, there would be another soldier in the patriotic Spencer family, striving to uphold the traditional honor of the name.

The town of Clayton, near which Bob and his brothers lived, was far in the interior; and this little river named the Juniper was the only body of water accessible to the boys; but that did not prevent Bob and Sam from dreaming of the happy day when they might gaze upon the tumbling billows of the great salt ocean, and have the dearest wish of their lives gratified.

Sam never tired of reading about foreign countries, which he hoped to see with his own eyes before many years; since nowadays life in the navy is not the drudgery it used to be, and through extensive travel can be made to form the basis of a liberal education.

A recent heavy rain had caused the river to swell beyond its customary summer dimensions, so that there was a strong current, and many strange eddies besides.

But reckless boys seldom think of danger when a sudden desire to enjoy anything comes over them; and when Bob, being the first after all to strip, gave a leap from the bank, and dived head-first into the river, like a big frog, his only realization seemed to be that the water felt delightfully cool.

The others were fast upon his heels, and for some little time they splashed and dived and swam around, enjoying themselves as only care- free lads may.

How about that race I proposed ? ” called out Bob, when they had worn off a little of their enthusiasm.

“ Ready any time you say the word,” replied Frank, who had beaten Bob in swimming, once upon a time, through some “ fluke,” and secretly cherished a forlorn hope that he might be able to do the same thing again though no one else dreamed that he had the least chance to come in ahead, with Bob doing his best.

Fred, are you in the game with us? ” demanded Bob.

“ Why, I suppose I might make a start ; but chances are I’ll be left far behind before a quarter of the course is gone over. What is the goal to be. Bob? ” asked the one who did not feel as much at home in the water as he did in that cozy old armchair at home, with a big volume of Government reports on his knees.

“ Up or down stream, Bob? ” asked Frank, carelessly, as though it did not matter much to him which course they followed.

Let’s see,” remarked the one who had proposed the race, how would that willow tree around the second bend above do for the finishing stake ? ”

‘‘Fine! Line up here, Fred, and get ready to make a start when Bob gives the word,” and Frank made room for the third contestant, who knew he had not the least chance in the world yet was willing to lend encouragement to the project just to please the rest.

“Remember,” called out the enthusiastic Bob, “ the one who leaves the water opposite the willow, and touches the trunk of the tree, is the winner. And no climbing out on the bank beforehand, and racing to the goal along the bank, like Sam did once, and claimed to have won the title of champion. All ready ? Then go I ”

Immediately they jumped forward, and began to swim in the most energetic fashion possible, each according to his favorite method. Frank had a very strong way of pushing his body through the water, which is known as the “ breast stroke ; ” while Bob nearly always used an overhand stroke whenever he really wished to make speed.

As for Fred, he tried first one way and then another, without being able to hold his own with his more muscular brothers; so that from the start he fell far behind, and was being left more in the lurch with every minute, though continuing to swim lustily, not being easily discouraged.

Frank was managing somehow to keep almost even with Bob, and this encouraged him greatly, as doubtless the crafty “ water-rat ’’ intended should be the case. When the race had been some threequarters covered, perhaps Bob would see fit to show his true form, and simply ‘‘walk away” from his nearest competitor.

Splashing, and striking out bravely, the lads kept on up the stream. It was no child’s play, with such a heavy current against them; but difficulties only served to make them the more determined to carry out their full plans.

They had turned the first bend, and were striking out for the upper one, when a sound came floating to their ears that thrilled them instantly.

“ Listen! What’s that mean, Frank? cried Bob, treading water, as he turned his anxious face toward the other, who had also stopped swimming for the moment.

“It sounded like a shout, as sure as you live, Bob!” spluttered Frank, who had gulped in more or less water in his sudden excitement. “ Yes, there it is again! Do you think it can be Fred? ” For the other brother was now far behind.

‘‘ He’s caught a cramp, perhaps ! ” exclaimed Bob, instantly starting down the current of the river, and swimming like mad, as the thought of the favorite brother in deadly peril spurred him to do his best.

Chapter II

On other occasions Bob Spencer may have thought he had made fast time, but had any one been on the bank to observe him now, that person must have considered that he had all records broken. A human life was in peril, that of his favorite brother in the bargain; and this acted as an incentive for speed, such as no mere honors of an ordinary race could have done.

After him came Frank, also doing his best, yet finding himself but a poor second when compared with Bob.

Rounding the bend in the river, Bob saw instantly that his worst fears were realized. Fred was struggling desperately to keep his head above the surface, splashing at a tremendous rate, and evidently growing weaker with every passing second.

Twice he vanished from Bob’s sight, even while the other was rapidly nearing the spot; though each time he came up again, his efforts to keep afloat diminishing all the while.

II

At last Bob found himself close by; and just then poor Fred sank for the third time. By a desperate plunge Bob was able to clutch hold of him before the current got in its full work.

Of course the drowning boy immediately attempted to cling desperately to his intended rescuer ; for under such conditions self-preservation becomes the first law of nature. But Bob had many a time practiced life-saving, and knew exactly what to do, even though in an emergency he would be compelled to give the imperiled one a smart blow, in order to break his strangle-hold, since the lives of both depended on Bob’s ability to keep his arms free.

Having secured just the grip he wished upon Fred, he started toward the shore, trying to keep the other’s head above water as much as possible.

“ Good ! keep it up, Bob ! Fll be there to help in a jiffy! ” shouted Frank, who was coming along at a great rate, and was already near at hand.

Even had he been left to himself, Bob would have undoubtedly proven his ability to get his brother ashore; but all the same he did not scorn the assistance which the coming of Frank put in his way.

Together they pushed Fred to shallow water, and then lifted him out to the bank. Frank looked down on the white face of the dearly loved brother with dire dismay.

“ Oh ! is he really drowned, Bob ? ” he asked.

trembling, not with cold, but with the horror of the threatened calamity.

‘‘Not a bit of it!” exclaimed Bob, though secretly he felt alarmed himself at the possibility of such a thing coming to pass. “ Here, help me get him over on his face. We must pump the water out of him first, and get his blood circulating.”

“Do you think we — think we can save him. Bob?” gasped Frank, as he tried to control the fit of shivering and trembling that had seized him.

“ Think ! I don’t think — I know ! ” exclaimed Bob, with such energy that Frank, who had, several times before, seen his brother restore half-drowned persons to life, felt a return of confidence.

“ He — ^he’s awful still,” Frank ventured.

“ So would you be, if you had as much water in you as he’s probably got! Come on, now, get busy ! ” cried Bob, briskly. “ Turn him on his face!”

The two brothers rolled Fred over. Bob pulling up a clod of earth and grass to be used in place of the bundle of clothing sometimes put into play for the purpose of pressing on the stomach to eject the water. Then Bob knelt astride of the unconscious one, pulling Fred’s arms up over his head.

“ Come on,‘now! ” called Bob to Frank. “ Help me press on his ribs. We’ve got to force the water out of his lungs. Press in, and upward, on his short ribs. Come on ! ”

He spoke sharply to arouse Frank to action, and his brisk words had a good effect.

“ Force the water out, and get some air in — that's what we've got to do!" panted Bob, as he worked beside his brother. ‘‘ He'll be all right soon, Frank. Push harder — don’t be afraid.”

They worked feverishly, waiting anxiously for the first sign of returning consciousness.

‘‘ Rub his legs ! " suddenly called Bob. ‘‘ I can attend to his lungs now. I think he's coming around ! ”

Frank rubbed the limbs vigorously, to start up the sluggish circulation.

‘‘ Here he comes ! " cried Bob, a moment later. There was a long-drawn, tremulous sigh from the lips of Fred, and his eyes slowly opened.

“ Oh, is he — all right? " cried Frank.

‘‘ He will be, in a minute,” replied Bob. ‘‘ How are you, old sport? ” he asked, half jokingly, though there was an undercurrent of anxiety in his voice.

“ I — I'm better than I was,” faltered Fred, faintly. He made a motion to sit up, and Bob put his arm back of him. “ Did I — did I get a cramp? ” he asked, gaspingly.

Bob nodded.

‘‘ I thought I felt it coming on,” resumed Fred, his voice constantly growing stronger. I tried to get to shore, but I couldn't. Did you two see me? ”

“ We sure did ! ” exclaimed Frank. ** I thought we’d never reach you m time. You ought to have seen Bob swim ! ” and he gazed admiringly at his brother.

“ That’s nothing,” spoke Bob, modestly. ‘‘ You’re some little swimmer yourself, Frank.”

‘‘ Nothing to you, though. You sure did cut through the water. You ought to have seen him, Fred! ”

‘‘ I wish I had. But I was about all in. I thought sure I was a goner ! But it must have been a hard swim for you. Bob.”

‘‘ I should say it was ! ” echoed the enthusiastic Frank, as he patted Bob on his bare shoulder; ‘‘ and nobody but our Bob here could ever have reached you in time, Fred, or brought you around so quickly. I tell you. Bob, you ought to be a life-saver, that’s what ! ”

Bob smiled as he turned on the speaker, and said quietly :

‘‘ That’s just what I’ve made up my .mind I’ll be, no matter what happens. I’ve always had the greatest wish to do stunts like this. I’m never tired of reading about Uncle Sam’s brave fellows along the coast, and how they rescue shipwrecked sailors, and people, from vessels that have gone on the reefs, or the shoals, where the life line must be used to reach them. Just you wait, and some fine day I’m bound that I’ll get there.”

Frank and Fred looked at him with admiration.

And believe me/' ventured the former, sturdily, if ever you do get your wish, and join the life savers, you’ll make a success of the job; won’t he, Fred?”

I’m, sure of that,” the other went on, with a vim ; ‘‘ because he seems to have his whole heart ' set on such a life work. And you know father always says that a fellow can only do his level best when he takes up the work that appeals to him. He says there are too many round men in square holes.”

‘‘ And that’s what I think, too,” Frank returned. “ Now, what use would it be for either of us to dream of doing such things as Bob here has in mind — ^you with your heart set on forest conservation, and all those great problems that Congress is wrestling with just now; and me bent on being worthy of wearing shoulder-straps like father’s some fine day, in the army ? ”

‘‘ Every one to his taste, say I,” Bob observed, complacently ; while an eager light shone in his eyes ;

and I mean to tease father right along until he gives me permission to join the coast guard. Already I know everything about handling a boat, and with a few lessons I surely ought to be able to do my part with an oar in a surf boat. And I reckon now that it would have to be some sea to give me a scare ! ”

‘‘ Nobody ever saw you show signs of being afraid, Bob, and that’s a fact,” declared Franlc, admiringly.

That’s been just the trouble,” commented Fred, as he made an effort to get up on his feet, though he required a helping hand on either side, such was his weakness after his close call ; ‘‘ you’re too daring for your own good. If you chanced to be a fireman. Bob, you’d never hesitate about rushing into a burning house, if you saw the chance.”

** If there was any one in peril I think I’d be only too willing to go in, no matter what the danger,” Bob admitted, carelessly. ‘‘ Fact is, I never did know what it was to be afraid, — except to face father, after doing something I was ashamed of.”

Frank and Fred exchanged looks, and smiled; for they knew only too well how often this same thing had happened ; since it seemed as though reckless Bob could never refrain from playing mad pranks, that were fated to get him into a peck of trouble.

They had seen Colonel Spencer many a time looking reproachfully at his youngest anfi wildest boy; evidently at a loss to know just how to manage one with a disposition so reckless, and at the same time so lovable. Doubtless that same question had been debated scores of times with the sweet- faced mother; though up to now no solution had been found of the problem as to what should be done with Bob.

And perhaps the two brothers may have dimly suspected that in the end the boy himself might find an answer to the question; for they knew that his heart was assuredly bent on making the life-saving service his goal.

They knew that every day Bob eagerly searched the papers for accounts of wrecks, and that he kept a scrapbook of all such occurrences, which he studied constantly, so as to familiarize himself with the various ways in which the coast guard worked, when called upon to save human life.

Indeed, unbeknown to even his father. Bob had sent to Washington for a copy of the year book issued by the Treasury Department, covering all the work done by the life-saving service along the lakes, and the sea coast.

Thus Bob already knew just what a candidate must be proficient in to be admitted to this service ; and hardly a day went by but that he practiced certain exercises, looking forward to the time when they would be of more or less benefit to him in passing his examination.

Slowly the three brothers made their way down the river bank to the spot where they had left their clothes ; Frank and Bob steadying Fred from time to time, because the latter was still a bit shaky after his recent experience.

I hope you won’t say anything about this at home, boys,” remarked Frank.

“ You can count on me not to tell,” replied Bob, instantly; for one of his best traits was an unwillingness to boast, after he had performed some really praiseworthy service.

“ I suppose it would only make mother anxious,” Fred said reflectively; and while Fd like them to know how Bob saved me, perhaps we’d better keep mum about it. But I’ll never forget it — never ! ”

He shuddered a little when saying this, for Fred knew what' a close call he had had when all his energies seemed to be paralyzed by that terrible cramp in his leg.

Bob laughed, as though it was hardly worth mentioning.

“ Why, it was only a little practice for me, I tell you,” he affirmed; ‘‘ only, of course I’d tnuch rather have another subject to work on than my own brother. But as they say, ‘ all’s well that ends well,^ so let’s forget about it.”

“ How about the race. Bob? ” asked Fred, chuckling to hide his emotion, as he squeezed the arm that was twined so sturdily about him.

“ Oh ! that’s all off ! ” replied the other, laughingly. ‘‘ Frank can call it a draw, if he feels that way.”

‘‘ Huh ! much chance I’d have had with a fellow who can swim like you did when you went to the rescue of Fred here,” grunted the other; I thought I was doing pretty well, but now I know you were just coaxing me along. When it comes to anything connected with the water there’s only one Bob Spencer after all, and he stands in a class by himself.”

Hear ! hear ! so say we all of us ! ” declared Fred, as they started to don their clothes, every one of them with a song of thanksgiving in his heart.

Chapter III

“What’s all the row about down the street, I wonder, Chase?” Dave Spencer remarked, as he came out of a store with his chum. Chase Collins, one afternoon, several days after the events recorded in the preceding chapter ; “ seems like a crowd was collecting in a hurry, coming from every quarter. Perhaps the advance agent of the circus has struck town.”

“ More likely a mad dog has broke loose, for it’s just hot enough to-day to start the rabies, I should think,” grumbled the other, as he wiped his wet forehead with his handkerchief.

“ Well, hardly, because in that case they’d all be running every- which- way like fun, instead of gathering in a bunch,” Dave went on to say; and he had a way of reasoning out things that always made his opinion worth while.

“ Guess you’re right about that, Davy,” grunted the other, as he looked again, and more closely; “ then I’ll try another guess, and say it’s a dog fight. You know that always collects a crowd faster than anything else. I’ve even seen old Deacon 20

Small stand, watching, and looking like he hoped the smaller animal would win out.”

“ Wrong again, Chase, because no dog fight ever happened without a heap of noise. And the people all seem to be laughing, as if it might be something pretty funny.”

Let’s move along that way, and find out about it for ourselves,” suggested the other, sensibly.

Done ! ” agreed Dave ; and accordingly they started on a run toward the constantly-enlarging group.

The tailor and the shoemaker came out to look, and immediately went into convulsions of laughter. Then there was Miss Carson, the dressmaker, who seemed to be tremendously annoyed over something, and was scolding those who laughed. Altogether the two running lads had their curiosity fully aroused long before they found themselves in a position to learn what it was all about.

Pigs ! ” gasped Dave, as an unmistakable series of grunts reached their ears.

But what can there be about just plain ordinary porkers to make all this confusion, and set people to laughing so hard ? ” demanded Chase.

In another half-minute his question was answered. Through the crowd broke one of the strangest looking objects human eyes had ever fallen upon. It was a pig, but such a highly-decorated animal as would never be found outside of a menagerie where they had a mandrill on exhibition.

Each separate leg of the rooter had been artistically painted a different color. One was green, another black, a third yellow and the last one a vivid purple. And a pretty fair representation of the Star Spangled Banner had been daubed on each of his sides; so that he certainly did present the most ridiculous appearance of any creature that had ever appeared at large on the streets of Clayton.

Hardly had he kicked his hind legs in the air, and made off down the street, as the hot sun caused the turpentine in the paint to burn him a little, than a second grotesque animal pushed into view. If anything he looked more remarkable than the other pig; and certainly he gave more vigorous kicks while running after his mate, both of them squealing and grunting at a great rate, as though not appreciating all the attention they were receiving.

“Well, what d’ye think of that, now?” gasped Chase, when he could catch his breath, after laughing until the tears came in his eyes.