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PALGRAVE STUDIES IN EUROPEAN UNION POLITICS
SERIES EDITORS:
MICHELLE EGAN · NEILL NUGENT · WILLIAM E. PATERSON

Illiberal Trends and

Anti-EU Politics in
East Central Europe

Edited by
Astrid Lorenz · Lisa H. Anders
Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics

Series Editors
Michelle Egan
American University
Washington, USA

Neill Nugent
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester, UK

William E. Paterson
Aston University
Birmingham, UK
Following on the sustained success of the acclaimed European Union
Series, which essentially publishes research-based textbooks, Palgrave
Studies in European Union Politics publishes cutting edge research-driven
monographs. The remit of the series is broadly defined, both in terms of
subject and academic discipline. All topics of significance concerning the
nature and operation of the European Union potentially fall within the
scope of the series. The series is multidisciplinary to reflect the growing
importance of the EU as a political, economic and social phenomenon.
To submit a proposal, please contact Senior Editor Ambra Finotello
[email protected].

Editorial Board
Laurie Buonanno (SUNY Buffalo State, USA)
Kenneth Dyson (Cardiff University, UK)
Brigid Laffan (European University Institute, Italy)
Claudio Radaelli (University College London, UK)
Mark Rhinard (Stockholm University, Sweden)
Ariadna Ripoll Servent (University of Bamberg, Germany)
Frank Schimmelfennig (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)
Claudia Sternberg (University College London, UK)
Nathalie Tocci (Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy)

More information about this series at

http://www.palgrave.com/gp/series/14629
 Astrid Lorenz · Lisa H. Anders
Editors

Illiberal Trends
and Anti-EU Politics
in East Central
Europe
Editors
Astrid Lorenz Lisa H. Anders
Institute of Political Science Institute of Political Science
Leipzig University Leipzig University
Leipzig, Germany Leipzig, Germany

ISSN 2662-5873 ISSN 2662-5881 (electronic)

Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics
ISBN 978-3-030-54673-1 ISBN 978-3-030-54674-8 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54674-8

© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2021. This book is an open access
publication.
Open Access This book is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
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The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc.
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names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for
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The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and informa-
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This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature
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The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
 Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Erasmus+

Programme of the European Union. The European Commission support
for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorse-
ment of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the
Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made
of the information contained therein.

v
 Contents

1 Examining Illiberal Trends and Anti-EU Politics

in East Central Europe from a Domestic Perspective:
State of Research and Outline of the Book 1
Lisa H. Anders and Astrid Lorenz

Part I Societal Roots of the Illiberal Trends and Anti-EU

Politics

2 Illiberal and Anti-EU Politics in the Name

of the People? Euroscepticism in East Central Europe
2004–2019 in Comparative Perspective 29
Lars Vogel

3 The Varying Challenge of Islamophobia for the EU:

On Anti-Muslim Resentments and Its Dividend
for Right-Wing Populists and Eurosceptics—Central
and Eastern Europe in a Comparative Perspective 57
Gert Pickel and Cemal Öztürk

vii
viii CONTENTS

4 Is There an East–West Divide over European

Solidarity? Comparing European Citizens’ Attitudes
Towards Cross-Border Solidarity 2016 81
Florian K. Kley and Holger Lengfeld

Part II Rhetoric and Practice of Illiberal and Anti-EU

Politics

5 Differential Illiberalism: Classifying Illiberal Trends

in Central European Party Politics 111
Vratislav Havlík and Vít Hloušek

6 Party Rhetoric and Action Compared: Examining

Politicisation and Compliance in the Field of Asylum
and Migration Policy in the Czech Republic
and Hungary 137
Paula Beger

7 Pro-Europeans and ‘Euro-Realists’: The Party-Voters

Linkage and Parties’ Political Agendas in Poland,
2004–2019 157
Michał Dulak

8 Same Same, but Different: Domestic Conditions

of Illiberal Backlash Against Universal Rights
in the Czech Republic and Slovakia 179
Petra Guasti

Part III EU Reactions to Illiberal and Anti-EU Politics

9 Talking Past Each Other: On Common Misperceptions

in the Rule of Law Debate 209
Attila Vincze
 CONTENTS ix

10 Does It Help to Call a Spade a Spade? Examining

the Legal Bases and Effects of Rule of Law-Related
Infringement Procedures Against Hungary 235
Lisa H. Anders and Sonja Priebus

11 Safeguarding Democracy and the Rule of Law by Civil

Society Actors? The Case of Poland 263
Claudia-Y. Matthes

Part IV Theoretical Reflections and Conclusions

12 Contesting the EU, Contesting Democracy and Rule

of Law in Europe. Conceptual Suggestions for Future
Research 285
Luca Tomini and Seda Gürkan

13 Towards a Political Theory of Democratic

Backsliding? Generalising the East Central European
Experience 301
Ireneusz Paweł Karolewski

14 Illiberal Trends and Anti-EU Politics in East Central

Europe: Major Findings and Avenues for Future
Research 323
Astrid Lorenz and Lisa H. Anders

Index 349
 List of Contributors

Lisa H. Anders Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany

Paula Beger Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
Michał Dulak Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
Petra Guasti Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Seda Gürkan Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
Vratislav Havlík Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
Vít Hloušek Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
Ireneusz Paweł Karolewski Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
Florian K. Kley Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
Holger Lengfeld Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
Astrid Lorenz Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
Claudia-Y. Matthes Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Cemal Öztürk University Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Gert Pickel Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
Sonja Priebus Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg,
Germany

xi
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xii LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

Luca Tomini Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

Attila Vincze Andrássy University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
Lars Vogel Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
 Abbreviations

ALDE Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

ANO (2011) Akce nespokojených občanů, Action of Dissatisfied Citizens
CBOS Centrum Badania Opinii Społecznej, Polish social research center
CEE Central and Eastern Europe
CEU Central European University
CFR Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
CJEU Court of Justice of the European Union
ČSSD Česká strana sociálně demokratická, Czech Social Democratic
Party
ECB European Central Bank
ECE East Central Europe, East Central European
ECtHR European Court of Human Rights
EFSF European Financial Stability Facility
EMU European Monetary Union
EP European Parliament
ESM European Stability Mechanism
ESS European Social Survey
Fidesz Federation of Young Democrats—Hungarian Civic Alliance
HFHR Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights
HUF Hungarian Forint
ILGA International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Associ-
ation
IMF International Monetary Fund
KDNP Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt, Christian Democratic People’s
Party

xiii
xiv ABBREVIATIONS

KOD Komitet Obrony Democracij, Committee for the Defence of

Democracy
KOS Komitet Obrony Sprawiedliwości, Justice Defense Committee
LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
MC Monetary Council
MEP Member of the European Parliament
MSZP Hungarian Socialist Party
MT Media Council
NB National Bank
NCJ National Council of the Judiciary
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
NJC National Judicial Council
NMHH National Media and Infocommunications Authority
NUTS Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics
ODS Civic Democratic Party
OL’aNO Obyčajní ľudia a nezávislé osobnosti, Party of the Ordinary
People and Independent Personalities
OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
PES Party of European Socialists
PiS Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, Law and Justice Party
PO Platforma Obywatelska, Civic Platform
PSL Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe, Polish People’s Party
SaS Sloboda a Solidarita, Freedom and Solidarity party
SC Supreme Court
SMER Sociálna demokracia, Social Democracy
SPD Svoboda a přímá demokracie, Freedom and Direct Democracy
TESS Transnational European Solidarity Survey
TEU Treaty on European Union
TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
TK Trybunał Konstytucyjny, Polish Constitutional Tribunal
 List of Figures

Chapter 1
Fig. 1 Trust in national government and in the EU, 2004–2019 6

Chapter 2
Fig. 1 Diffuse regime support: EU membership is a good thing
(Means 2004–2019, EES) 39
Fig. 2 Input-specific support: Satisfaction with EU democracy
(Means 2004/9/19, EES) 40
Fig. 3 Policy-specific support: Evaluation of European integration
(Means 2009–2019, EES) 40
Fig. 4 Types of Euroscepticism in ECE and EU-20 (Percentages,
EES 2009/19) 42

Chapter 3
Fig. 1 Key issues faced by the EU from the perspective of citizens 60
Fig. 2 Qualifications considered important for immigrants 66
Fig. 3 Rejection of different groups of immigrants 67
Fig. 4 Sources of Euroscepticism 68
Fig. 5 Relationship between Islamophobic and Eurosceptic attitudes
among voters of different parties 69
Fig. 6 Differences in Islamophobic and Eurosceptic attitudes
between voters of right-wing populist parties and average
citizens 70

xv
xvi LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 7 The relationship between the percentage of Muslims in the

overall population and the support for a Muslim immigration
ban 72
Fig. 8 The moderating effect of the share of Muslims
as a proportion of the total population on the
Islamophobia-Euroscepticism Nexus 73

Chapter 4
Fig. 1 Approval for bailouts in times of crisis by different spatial
levels 89
Fig. 2 Approval for bailouts in times of crisis by different spatial
levels: country differences 90
Fig. 3 Willingness to pay into a solidarity fund 91
Fig. 4 Willingness to pay into a solidarity fund: country differences 92
Fig. 5 Approval for reduction of spatial differences by different
spatial levels 95
Fig. 6 Approval for reduction of spatial differences by different
spatial levels: country differences 96
Fig. 7 Where should territorial differences be reduced first and
second? 97
Fig. 8 Where should territorial differences be reduced first? Country
differences 98

Chapter 7
Fig. 1 General attitude of Polish society towards Poland’s EU
membership 2004–2019 163
Fig. 2 Attitudes towards Poland’s EU membership in PiS electorate
2005–2019 164
Fig. 3 Attitudes towards Poland’s EU membership in PO electorate
2005–2019 165
Fig. 4 Attitudes of PiS and PO electorate towards European
Integration, percentage of average answers 2013–2019 166
Fig. 5 Attitudes of PiS and PO electorate towards state’s sovereignty
in the EU, percentage of average answers 2014–2016 166
Fig. 6 PiS and PO electorate’s attitudes on the Euro, percentage of
average answers 2017–2018 167
Fig. 7 Visions of PiS and PO electorate about the future of Poland
and the EU, percentage of average answers 2017–2018 167
 LIST OF FIGURES xvii

Chapter 8
Fig. 1 Voting on same-sex registered partnership in the Czech
Republic 2005 and 2006 190
Fig. 2 Evolution of public opinion on LGBT rights in the Czech
Republic (1998–2019) 192
Fig. 3 Evolution of public opinion on LGBT rights in Slovakia
(2008–2017) 195
 List of Tables

Chapter 2
Table 1 Types of Euroscepticism in ECE countries 41
Table 2 Single- and Multi-level linear regression models explaining
support for European Integration 44
Table 3 Question wording 50
Table 4 List of Eurosceptic Parties 51

Chapter 4
Table 1 Items and question wording: territorial solidarity 102
Table 2 Items and question wording: fiscal solidarity 103
Table 3 Country-specific item adaptations 105

Chapter 5
Table 1 Dimensions and indicators of illiberal politics 115
Table 2 Illiberal practices of governing parties in East Central
Europe 128

xix
xx LIST OF TABLES

Chapter 6
Table 1 Recent infringement procedures in asylum and migration
policy in the Czech Republic 145
Table 2 Recent infringement procedures in asylum and migration
policy in Hungary 147

Chapter 10
Table 1 Rule of law-related infringement procedures against
Hungary 240
Table 2 Rule of law-related infringement procedures launched
against Hungary since 2010—trigger, the Commission’s
critique and Hungary’s legal reactions 251
 CHAPTER 1

Examining Illiberal Trends and Anti-EU

Politics in East Central Europe
from a Domestic Perspective: State of Research
and Outline of the Book

Lisa H. Anders and Astrid Lorenz

1 Introduction
In East Central Europe (ECE), democracy and the rule of law are under
siege, most notably in Hungary and Poland and, to a lesser extent, also
in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Elected majorities weakened the
judiciary, limited minority rights and curtailed activities of independent
media and several NGOs. As a result of these illiberal trends, some of
the former democratisation and Europeanisation frontrunners are now
regarded as prime examples of democratic backsliding. EU actors repeat-
edly demanded to uphold EU foundational principles as enshrined in
Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). But the more they did

L. H. Anders (B) · A. Lorenz

Institute of Political Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
e-mail: [email protected]
A. Lorenz
e-mail: [email protected]

© The Author(s) 2021 1

A. Lorenz and L. H. Anders (eds.), Illiberal Trends and Anti-EU Politics
in East Central Europe, Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54674-8_1
2 L. H. ANDERS AND A. LORENZ

so, the more ECE governments reacted by accusing the EU of applying

ill-defined rule of law concepts, by insisting on national sovereignty stip-
ulated in Article 4(2) TEU and by emphasising the cultural differences
between Eastern and Western Europe.
Relations between Brussels on the one hand and Budapest, Warsaw,
Prague and Bratislava on the other hand further deteriorated during
the so-called refugee crisis. The Visegrád countries openly opposed
commonly agreed EU law, namely the refugee relocation scheme. When
EU actors demanded compliance, ECE politicians argued that they had
to defend their electorate. They fiercely refused to comply and comple-
mented their opposition with an increasingly harsh anti-EU rhetoric. As
a result, opposition against particular EU policies turned into general
EU criticism—a development we subsume under the keyword of anti-EU
politics.
As is also reflected in recent European case law, such problems and
conflicts undermine the EU’s legal system and previous integration
achievements. In 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union
(CJEU) noted that European values and norms, particularly the funda-
mental right to an independent tribunal, can no longer be taken for
granted in all EU member states. Referring to a Polish national, the CJEU
ruled that judicial authorities in EU member states can now block the
execution of a European arrest warrant if they consider that the indepen-
dence of the judiciary in the issuing member state is no longer guaranteed
(CJEU 2018). In 2020, a German Higher Regional Court refused for
the first time to extradite a Polish suspect to his home country due to
“profound doubts about the future independence of the Polish judiciary”
(Bauomy 2020).
Illiberal trends and anti-EU politics have the potential to undermine
mutual trust among member states and to alter relations between the EU
and some of its member states permanently, as well as shattering estab-
lished theorising in EU studies. Hence, it is crucial to understand their
domestic causes, context conditions, processes and consequences. This
edited volume, therefore, aims to provide in-depth empirical knowledge
of the background of rule of law problems and the open defiance of EU
rules in ECE countries. To arrive at a more encompassing understanding
of these phenomena, it brings together researchers from different disci-
plines and with different theoretical perspectives on the illiberal trends
and anti-EU politics in ECE countries. It contains qualitative case studies,
comparative works and quantitative analyses of the societal, political and
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Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Harper's Round Table,
March 24, 1896
 This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other
parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may
copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License
included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in
the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are
located before using this eBook.

Title: Harper's Round Table, March 24, 1896

Author: Various

Release date: February 17, 2018 [eBook #56589]

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Annie R. McGuire

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, MARCH 24,
1896 ***
 THE BATTLE OF EASTER MONDAY.
THE CARE OF A WHEEL.
RICK DALE.
BICYCLE-TOURING DURING SUMMER VACATIONS.
THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.
TOM CHIST AND THE TREASURE BOX.
EASTER.
WHAT IS A MILLION?
FROM CHUM TO CHUM.
INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT.
THE PUDDING STICK.
BICYCLING.
THE CAMERA CLUB.
STAMPS.

Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers. All Rights Reserved.

published weekly. NEW YORK, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1896. five cents a copy.
vol. xvii.—no. 856. two dollars a year.
 THE BATTLE OF EASTER MONDAY.
BY W. G. van TASSEL SUTPHEN.
Fred March had an idea. It was even a brilliant idea, and the longer he pondered over it,
the more certain he was that it was a practical one. "And that, after all, is the important
point," as Jack Howard had sagely observed, after being taken into Fred's confidence.
Here it is as it finally resolved itself into tangible form.
"The Twelfth Regiment of the Transylvania State National Guard are to hold a sham fight
on Easter Monday. There has been a great deal of talk about the use of the bicycle in
war, and here is a chance to test the theories. Let us organize the boys into a bicycle
corps, and offer our services to your father, Colonel Howard, who commands the
regiment."
Jack reflected, soberly, "How could we be of any use?"
"We could be organized as a body of mounted riflemen, and also do scout and staff
service. The fight is going to be somewhere on the Quantico golf course, and the grass
on the links is short and smooth enough for riding. Easter comes so late this year that
the frost is out of the ground already, and it isn't likely to rain before Monday. And then
there are the roads in all directions."
"How many fellows can we muster?"
"Well, you know that all the boys from boarding-school are at home for the Easter
holidays, and I've counted up sixty-five single wheels and three tandems; then we have
the motor cycle, the 'Happy Thought,' and the people at the Driving Park have promised
to lend me the 'quad' that they have there for pacing the circuit riders—an available force
altogether of seventy machines and seventy-seven men."
Jack became enthusiastic. "Let's go down to the armory and propose it to my father," he
said, briefly.
Colonel Howard was mildly amused when the proposition was first broached to him, but
as the boys proceeded to explain the practical details of the plan he grew interested.
"There may be something in it," he said, finally, "and I'll think it over."
Two days later Colonel Howard sent for Fred and Jack, and informed them that their idea
had been favorably considered, and that the services of the bicycle corps would be
accepted.
"I have arranged," said Colonel Howard, "that the boys on the single wheels and two of
the tandems shall be armed with short repeating carbines, and shall act as mounted
riflemen, under command of Fred March. I have a friend in the gun-factory at Decatur,
and he has promised to lend me two rapid-fire guns, which I will have mounted on the
third tandem and on the 'Happy Thought.' Jack will take command of the 'quad,' and will
act as a member of my personal staff. You will report with your men at the armory
Monday morning at nine o'clock sharp."
The idea had actually materialized, and Fred was naturally pleased to think that his
suggestion was to be taken up in earnest. But he was even more anxious that the
experiment should be a success and that the military value of the bicycle should be
demonstrated.
Now sham fights are generally carried on after a carefully prepared plan, every
movement being carefully thought out beforehand, even to the strategy. But on this
occasion it had been proposed that an actual problem should be placed before the two
commanders, and that they should be allowed to work it out in their own way. Here,
then, was a chance for real strategy, and, other things being equal, brains must win. Of
course, as only blank cartridges are used, umpires must be appointed to determine the
practical results of the various movements, and to finally award the victory to the side
which in their judgment has fairly won it.
The field of operations had been decided upon, and Saturday afternoon Fred and Jack
jumped on the "Happy Thought" and went down to have a look at it.
The map on the opposite page gives a good idea of the military features of the battle-
ground, and if you study it carefully, you will easily understand the conditions of the
problem.
It is supposed that Colonel
Howard with a force of two
hundred and fifty men,
together with an auxiliary
bicycle corps of mounted
riflemen, including two
machine-guns, are intrenched
upon the wooded ridge at the
left and locally known as the
"Cardinal's Nob." This ridge is
the key to the country lying
behind it, and must
consequently be defended at
all hazards. The position is
naturally strong, as its steep
sides are inaccessible except PLAN OF THE BATTLE-FIELD.
at the three points marked by
the numerals 1, 2, and 3. The open space in front is part of the Quantico golf course, and
a putting-green occupies the little knoll at 8. The green is defended by an earth bunker,
and from its military appearance it is known to the golfers as "Sebastopol." In the woods
immediately behind "Sebastopol" the forces of the enemy, under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Camp, are supposed to be concealed. They number four hundred and fifty, with a
battery of two field-pieces, and their object is to obtain possession of the "Cardinal's
Nob." It is to be understood that the ground south of the "Cardinal's Nob" and separated
from it by "Deadman's Hollow," is practically unfitted for military occupation, and
consequently of no strategic importance to either side. The other features of the map
explain themselves.
It is furthermore arranged that the two parties shall leave the armory at Fairacre at ten
o'clock precisely, and proceed by separate routes to their respective positions. The battle
will begin theoretically at eleven o'clock, and will continue until three in the afternoon
unless decided earlier.
With these points carefully fixed in mind the two boys made a careful survey of the
ground. The "Happy Thought" moved swiftly and easily over the short, firm grass of the
golf course, and it was evident that the bicycles would have no difficulty in operating in
the open. But how would they ever have a chance to do so with the enemy under cover
in the woods? Exposure would mean destruction, and, moreover, they could expect no
support from the main body under Colonel Howard. At all risks the "Cardinal's Nob" must
be held, and, it was clear that Colonel Howard would act strictly on the defensive. The
bicycle corps, it is true, could assist in the defence as an unmounted body, but that was
not what Fred wanted. Could not the wheelmen be used as an independent force without
materially weakening the defence? Of course the "Cardinal's Nob" must be held, but
might it not be strategy to both repel the assault and destroy the attacking force?
"And I think it is possible," thought Fred to himself as the "Happy Thought" rolled slowly
back to Fairacre.
Easter Monday dawned clear and warm. The armory was a busy place at nine o'clock,
and every effective man was present to answer to his name. Fred's force was complete
just as he had counted it up, and the machine-guns, mounted on the "Happy Thought"
and Alec Jordan's tandem, looked particularly wicked and fit for work. The ammunition
was served out, the general orders read, and at ten o'clock the two forces took up the
march. Fred on the front seat of the "Happy Thought," and with forty wheelmen armed
with repeating carbines, headed the line, and the rest of the bicycle corps, under
command of Acting-Lieutenant Alec Jordan, formed the rear-guard.
The "Cardinal's Nob" was reached at half past ten, and Colonel Howard summoned a
council of war. There was still half an hour before hostilities would commence, and it was
necessary to consider carefully Colonel Camp's probable line of attack, and to devise an
effective checkmate.
Colonel Howard briefly outlined the situation as follows:
1. The "Blacks," or Colonel Camp's force, will occupy "Sebastopol" with their artillery, and
a false demonstration will be made against the point 1.
2. A strong flanking force will be sent around by way of the Swamp Road (4) to make an
attack in the rear of "White" at the bridge (3).
3. At the moment that the attack on "White's" rear begins, "Black's" main force, under
cover of the artillery, will abandon the demonstration against 1, and endeavor to carry
the "Cardinal's Nob" by a charge across the open and a general assault at 2, the most
practicable scaling-point.
"We may therefore expect, gentlemen," concluded Colonel Howard, "a pretty hot corner
at the point 2, and a simultaneous attack at the bridge (3), which, if successful, will place
us between two fires. Obviously we must, above all things, protect our rear. Captain
Jones will therefore take one hundred men and occupy a position near the bridge (3), to
meet and, if possible, ambuscade the expected flanking force. As for the bicycle corps—"
It was Fred's chance, and he improved it. Colonel Howard listened attentively to what he
had to say, and turned to his staff for their opinion. The suggestion was a daring one, for
it involved a separation of forces in the face of an enemy numerically superior, but it
looked feasible, and if there was no hitch it meant defeat to the "Blacks." There was not
much time for deliberation, and Colonel Howard acted quickly.
"Your suggestion is accepted, Captain March," said Colonel Howard, "and you will
therefore take your corps, including the machine-guns, and occupy the wooded knoll
shown on the map at 6. Corporal Wood, with two men, is detailed as signal officer, and
will take up a position at the point marked 7. It is expected that Captain Jones will be
able to hold 'Black's' flanking force at the bridge (3) in check, but to draw the enemy into
the open it will be necessary that we should make a false demonstration in our own rear.
If 'Black' takes the bait the bicycle corps will be brought up by signal to the point 7, and
finally ordered forward at the proper moment to take 'Black' in the rear, and, if possible,
capture the battery. Captain March will remain in strict concealment at 6, and will not
advance under any consideration until the signal is given from 7 by the waving of a white
flag. Is that clear, gentlemen? It is just eleven o'clock," concluded Colonel Howard,
shutting his watch with a snap, "and the game of war is on. Lieutenant Mason, you will
determine at once the exact whereabouts and disposition of the enemy's force.
Gentlemen, to your posts."
Ten minutes later Fred, at the head of the bicycle corps, was spinning rapidly along the
wood road in the direction of the wooded knoll at 6. It was all important that the
movement should not be discovered by the enemy, and the greatest care had to be taken
in transporting the bicycles down the hill and out upon the road. As Fred glanced back at
the shining silent line bowling swiftly along in column of twos, he felt sure that they had
been unobserved, and that success was certain.
But he had not reckoned upon the fact that Lieutenant Young of the "Blacks" was a smart
young officer who owned a particularly fine pair of binocular glasses. Colonel Camp
smiled grimly when Lieutenant Young reported that the bicycle corps had left the
"Cardinal's Nob," and were proceeding southward, and that the point 7 had been
occupied as a signal station. It had been his original intention to carry out the very plan
of operations that Colonel Howard had outlined; but it was now necessary to modify it.
Colonel Camp decided upon the following plan:
As before, the artillery would occupy "Sebastopol," and a false demonstration would be
made against the point 1. But instead of a large, a very small flanking force would be
sent to the bridge (3), and they would be instructed to deceive "White" as long as
possible in regard to their real number. In this manner forty "Blacks" might occupy the
attention of the hundred "Whites" detailed at 3, and therefore sixty of the defenders
would virtually be kept out of the main action.
Secondly, a squad of men under Lieutenant Young would be sent around back of 6 with
instructions to capture "White's" signal station at 7, and another squad to ambuscade the
wood road at the gate (5).
As Colonel Camp figured it out, it would then be impossible for Colonel Howard to
communicate with the bicycle corps either by signal or by a messenger along the road,
and with the bicyclers also out of the action, the "Blacks" should be able with their main
body of 400 men to carry the "Cardinal's Nob" at 2, the defending force being now
reduced to 150 men. It would take just about an hour to capture the signal post and
guard the gate on the road, and the same length of time for the small flanking force to
engage the attention of "White's" rear guard. The instant that the firing in "White's" rear
announced that the skirmish at the bridge (3) had commenced, the main assault at 2
would be made, and, if everything went as Colonel Camp expected, it could not fail. It
was indeed a good plan, and reflected much credit upon the strategic ability of the
commander of the "Black" forces.
It was twelve o'clock, and nothing in particular had happened to change the situation of
affairs. "Black's" artillery had occupied "Sebastopol," and had opened a hot fire on the
"Cardinal's Nob," but the "Whites," protected by their intrenchments, had suffered but
little. The mythical bullets from the "Black" sharpshooters in the edge of the woods were,
according to the plan, directed against 1, and one or two false sorties had been made in
that direction without result. Both commanders were waiting for the real development of
the struggle.
At ten minutes after twelve the signal officer on the "Nob" reported to Colonel Howard
that communication with the signal-station (7) had suddenly been broken off. Colonel
Howard looked grave, for he realized at once that with the bicycle corps out of the action
he could hardly hope to defend the "Nob" against an attack at 2. There was but one
thing to be done, and that was to send a messenger by the wood road to order up the
bicycles to the signal-station at 7, with instructions to use their own discretion in making
any further advance.
A moment later Jack and his crew of three were pedalling down the wood road on the
"quad." Another message was despatched to Captain Jones at the bridge (3), ordering
him to send back every man whom he could possibly spare to assist in repelling the
expected assault. And then Colonel Howard lit a fresh cigar and waited.
In the mean time Fred and his force had occupied the wooded knoll (6), taking care to
keep well under cover. The trees cut off their view of the battle-field, but the signal-
station at 7 was plainly visible, and all they had to do was to wait for the waving of the
white flag. But would the signal ever come? Fred could hear the booming of Colonel
Camp's artillery and the sharp crackle of the rifle-firing. Could it be possible that Colonel
Howard had forgotten about them, and that the real fight was already in progress? He
was half inclined to steal forward under cover of the woods and see what was going on.
And then he remembered that he was a soldier, whose first duty is to obey.
Nearly an hour had gone by, and the boys were beginning to feel the nervous strain.
They had examined the breech mechanism of their carbines and counted over the
cartridges in their belts a score of times, and they were anxious for active service. A half-
suppressed murmur arose.
"Silence in the ranks!" commanded Fred, sternly, as he gazed eagerly over at the signal-
station. It was odd, but certainly some kind of a struggle was going on there. Could
anything have gone wrong? "Steady!" he said to himself. "Your business, Fred March, is
to wait for that white flag, and then we'll see who holds the trumps."
Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes more, and then—surely there was something waving, and it
was white. The signal! It was a queer kind of motion, too; the signal-man was acting as
though he had suddenly been afflicted with St. Vitus's dance. But it must be the signal.
What else could it be?
"By column of fours!" shouted Fred, as he sprang to his saddle. "Attention! Charge!" and
as one man the bicycle corps swept down the little hill and out upon the short grass of
the golf course.
Fred remembered that his instructions were to regulate his advance by the signal-flag;
but surely that frantic waving could mean but one thing, and that was to go on. A
moment later and they had swept around the point, and the battle-field was before them.
And just in the nick of time, for the "Blacks" were charging across the open, and were
already within fifty yards of the "Nob."
"Fire!" shrieked Captain Fred, and a destructive volley was poured in upon the astonished
"Blacks," while a cheer went up from the gallant defenders on the "Nob."
The boys could all ride without their hands, and again and again the rifles spoke as the
line dashed on. Fred with a squad of twenty of the fastest riders had already made good
his position in the rear of "Sebastopol," and before the bewildered artillerymen could turn
to meet them the battery had been captured and the guns silenced. The rest of the
corps, under command of Alec Jordan, had dismounted, and were firing over their wheels
into the broken masses of the "Blacks." In another instant Fred had brought the
machine-gun mounted on the "Happy Thought" into action, and the "Blacks," huddled
together at the entrance to "Deadman's Hollow," were under three destructive fires.
It was only a question of five minutes, and Colonel Camp's force had been pronounced
annihilated by the umpires. The battle was over, and the honors of war rested with
Colonel Howard and his gallant "Whites."
Of course they fought the battle all over again at the armory that night, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Camp demanded an explanation.
"My dear fellow," said Colonel Howard, soothingly, "it was very clever of you to capture
my signal-station; but you forgot that it was possible for me to send a messenger by the
wood road."
"But I did think of that," retorted the defeated warrior. "The road was ambuscaded by my
men, and the 'quad' was stopped and captured at the gate."
It was Colonel Howard's turn to look mystified. "How, then—" he began, looking at Fred.
"But, indeed Colonel," said that young gentleman, eagerly, "I only obeyed orders. I did
get my signal."
"Lieutenant Young," said Colonel Camp, "you captured the signal-station by my orders,
and held it to the end. Have you any explanation to offer of this extraordinary affair. And,
by-the-way, what is the matter with your face?"
Lieutenant Young blushed and stammered.
"Well, Colonel, if you must know—it—it was the hornets."
"Hornets!"
"You see, while we were waiting, one of the men undertook to explore an old hornets'
nest, and, the weather having been rather warm for the last week, why—er—they—er—
proceeded to resume business."
"Exactly," said Colonel Camp, grimly. "And I suppose you used your handkerchief to
protect yourself, and the boys mistook it for the signal."
"Well, it was something white," said Fred, apologetically, "and it was waving as though it
meant business. I thought I'd better go on."
"You did exactly right," said Colonel Howard; "it was the turning-point of the whole
affair."
"That fellow Young ought to be court-martialled," growled the irate Camp.
"Never mind, Camp," laughed Colonel Howard; "you out-generalled me fairly enough, and
the rest was simply the fortune of war. By-the-way, what became of Jack and the 'quad'?"
Now it happened that there was an interesting answer to Colonel Howard's query about
this "quad"; but that is another story.
 THE CARE OF A WHEEL.
BY DUDLEY D. F. PARKER.
It is astonishing, considering the number of riders of the wheel at present, the
comparatively small percentage that know really anything about their "mounts." A visit to
any bicycle repair-shop will conclusively dispel all doubts as to the truth of this assertion.
Here you will find long lines of wheels awaiting repairs, some of the damages, of course,
being serious, but the majority are unruly valves, punctures, and bearings out of
adjustment. It is particularly noticeable the number of wheels in which a slight knowledge
of their construction would have enabled the repairs to be made at home.
How frequently one sees a rider, wrench in hand, dubiously surveying his wheel at arm's-
length, now tightening a nut here or loosening one there, in a vain endeavor to fix in this
manner something that is out of order and prevents his wheel from running properly! But
beyond the fact that something is wrong, he has not the slightest idea of the nature of
the trouble.
Or again, another enthusiast is deluging every visible chink in his bicycle with oil, in the
hopes of finding some mysterious squeak, the location of which would be an easy matter
if the position of the different bearings were understood. It is conceded without
exception by all wheelmen that a fair knowledge of the construction of a wheel is
essential to its proper care.
Perhaps the most important thing to be considered is
the care of the bearings. In the advanced stage
which bicycle construction has reached to-day there
are a large number of ball-bearings in a machine—in
fact, there are balls wherever there is friction,
however light. These bearings should have careful
adjustment. Perhaps a glance at the sketch of a
wheel bearing will make the construction clearer. Of
course the bearings of different makes of wheels
vary, but the principle is the same in all. The little
SECTION OF BALL-BEARING.
steel balls are the only medium by which the weight
on the bearing is transmitted between the rim and
the cone (hub and axle). To have the bearing work properly and with least possible
friction, the cone must not be screwed in so tightly as to jam the balls in the rim, or the
wheel will run hard; at the same time it must not be unscrewed so as to allow too much
play of the balls, or the wheel will "wobble." Most bearings have a flattening on the
projection of the cone, between the hub of the wheel and the fork, that can be caught by
a wrench, enabling the cones to be tightened or loosened by screwing this one only.
Some have a thumb-screw in place of the device mentioned, and other makes adjust the
cones by screwing the axle.
In the adjustment of a wheel's bearings, whether front or rear, a good test to use against
too tight a cone is to raise the wheel clear of the ground, and, turning it so that the valve
of the tire is on top or nearly so, see if the weight of the valve will cause the wheel to
rotate so that the valve will describe an arc, like a pendulum, each swing gradually
diminishing in length. If the cone is properly adjusted, the valve should swing back and
forth for some time. Of course the rear wheel will not swing as long as the front, the
valve having to impart motion to the sprocket and pedals. If the cones are too loose, by
gripping the wheel by the rim you will be able to slide it back and forth on the axle. The
most important bearings in the whole wheel are those of the crank-axle. Here the whole
strain of the propelling power comes. The adjustment of these cones is on the same
principle as those of the wheels; the same test may be used as for the rear wheel. The
two bearings in the steering-head may be adjusted by screwing the cone of the top one,
and, of course, the wheel may be made hard steering or easy, to suit the taste of the
rider. This is not a matter of material importance. The adjustment of the pedal bearings is
not of so great importance, but it should be seen that they run evenly and quietly, as it is
at this point that the propelling force is applied. This is usually accomplished by
tightening or loosening the outside cone, which may be gotten at by removing the dust-
cap.
Perhaps it would be as well to speak here about the quite frequent mishaps of a broken
ball in the bearings. As soon as one is found broken, waste no time in removing it; a ball
less will do no harm; but if the wheel is ridden with a broken one, it will soon cut the
cone and rim all to pieces.
A word about oiling. Do not go to the excess of either too little or too much oil. In the
first case the cones and rim will wear more quickly and the bearings run hard; and in the
latter, the oil will gum, causing hard running, or, if it does not do this, it will ooze out of
the joint, and, collecting the dust, will become gritty and mar it. The amount and
frequency of the oiling, of course, depend on the use of the bicycle. For a wheel
moderately used, a fair oiling once a week I should deem amply sufficient. Most of the
bearings have openings in which to apply the oil, and the oil should not be applied at any
other place than this. In the case of the head-bearings, unscrewing the cone of the upper
one will expose it, and will permit the head to be raised so as to expose the one on the
crown for oiling. The pedals may be lubricated by removing the dust-cap and applying
the oil on the outside bearing, tilting the machine so as it will run down to the inside one.
 PARTS OF THE WHEEL.

A. Crank-axle. B. Front Sprocket. C. Crank. D.

Barrel. E. Pedal. F. Head. G. Upper Cone. H. Lower
Cone. I. Handle-bars. J. Grips or Handles. K. Front
Hub and Axle. L. Handle-bar Clamp. M. Saddle. N.
Saddle-post. O. Saddle-post Clamp. P. Rear
Sprocket. Q. Rear Hub and Axle. R. Chain. S. Rear
Fork. T. Tire. U. Rim. V. Valve. W. Front Forks. X.
Crown.
To have the bearings in "tip-top" condition, they should be cleaned every month or six
weeks. In cleaning them the cone should be taken out, carefully wiped, the balls put in
kerosene oil to remove all possible grit, and the rim wiped clean of all remains of
previous oilings. The easiest ones to get at are those of the front wheel and pedals. In
the former case, all that is necessary is to undo the nuts and spring the wheel out of the
fork, unscrewing the movable cone, and taking out the axle. In the pedals, remove the
dust-caps and the outside cone, and slip the pedal off. The rear wheel is a little more
troublesome, the chain having to be removed from the rear sprocket before the wheel
can be taken out. To remove the chain, unscrew the small screw-bolt that holds two of
the links together. The bearings in the head will also be a little troublesome, having to
remove the handle-bars and top cone, and take out the front fork. The only remaining
bearings to be spoken of—those of the crank-axle—are in some respects the most
important to have clean, and at the same time the most difficult to get at, as it is
necessary to take off the cranks before the axle can be removed or the bearings exposed.
After the cranks are removed, the rest is usually an easy matter.
To give any general rule for the cranks removal is impossible, as there are so many
manners in use for attaching them to the axle; but, however, the way to remove the
several prominent patterns might be useful. We will select four of the general methods,
and these will suffice to cover most of the ground. These may be best understood from a
study of the accompanying sketches. First, the most common way of putting the cranks
on, with a key or pin (No. I). To remove these, unscrew the nut on the pin and drive it
out. This might be done at home, but as a rule the pins are put in or become wedged in
so tightly that it is frequently advisable to have them driven out at a shop. In the absence
 of proper punches, there is a great
chance of badly mutilating the pin in
removal. The second general class is the
clamp attachment. There are several
patterns in use, but the one described
below is most commonly seen (No. II). To
free it from the axle the bolt is removed,
and it is frequently necessary to insert a
wedge to spring the clamps free from it.
In the third class the crank fits in a
continuation of the axle, usually
projecting a little, so as to permit locking
with a nut (No. III). Sometimes it passes
a little to one side of the centre, and,
again, exactly through it. The fourth and
METHODS OF FASTENING CRANKS TO last general class is where the axle and
CRANK-AXLES. cranks are made in two forgings, as
shown by No. IV (sketch represents a
cross-section of barrel), the part shown being half, and the two sections fitting together
by teeth. These cranks are removed by unscrewing in the opposite direction to which
they revolve in the propulsion of the machine.
The next part of the wheel we will turn
our attention to is the chain—the medium
through which the motion is imparted
from the driving-gear to the rear
sprocket. Frequently after a long ride on
rough roads, or perhaps a few days of
usage, the chain will be found to have DEVICES FOR TIGHTENING CHAIN BY
slackened up considerably. There are MOVING REAR AXLE.
many devices in use for taking up this
slack—all of them, however, working on
the principle of moving the rear axle back and forth, and being more or less
improvements of a few general patterns. In device "x" in the sketch, after loosening the
nut, the axle is moved backward or forward by turning the screw in the proper direction.
If it is desired to move the axle back in "y" the screw is tightened, or if it is desirable to
move it forward (nearer the cranks), the screw is unscrewed, and the axle pushed
forward by gentle taps with a wrench. In "z" the whole bar swings with the axle. This
adjustment is tightened or loosened in the same manner as the preceding one, with the
exception that the nut on the bolt holding the upper end of the bars has to be loosened a
trifle. In "w" the axle is adjusted without the aid of a screw. When in the right place, it is
held by the tightening of the nuts, teeth in the washer engaging others around the edge
of the slot.
No part of the machine collects the dirt more quickly than the chain, it being found
liberally sprinkled with grit after every ride. As long as it runs smoothly and quietly it does
no harm, though when it gets rather thick it would be best to wipe it lightly with a rag or
a stiff brush. When a chain is dry or very dirty it shows a tendency to kink, at the same
time producing a rattling noise, joined with sharp snappings. When in this condition, it
should have a thorough cleaning. First wipe with a rag, and then remove the chain from
the sprockets; put it in kerosene oil to soak, wiping dry with a rag. The only troublesome
part of the cleaning operation will be to replace the chain. This is effected by passing one
of the ends of it over the rear sprocket, joining them with the screw-bolt, then, catching
some of the links on the top teeth of the front sprocket, revolve it, and this will spring the
chain on.
The mentioning of a "dry" chain brings up the subject of chain lubricants. There are a
great many on the market, and as to their relative values riders differ in opinion. Two
facts are clear, however. If a lubricant is too liquid it collects grit very quickly; on the
other hand, if too dry, it does not work in the joints of the chain properly. Oil is obviously,
from the above, very bad, and should only be used on the road when a chain
unexpectedly runs dry or hard. The prominent constituent of most lubricants is graphite,
the different makes varying usually in the amount of oil or other dissolving agent
contained. Some wheelmen recommend powdered graphite alone, but my experience has
found a mixture of graphite and oil having about the constituency of vaseline to be very
satisfactory. Whatever the lubricant, they should all be applied in the same manner. Rest
the step of the bicycle on a box or anything, so that the rear wheel may revolve freely,
and apply lubricant rather sparingly; too much will only serve to collect dirt. Spin the
wheel rapidly for a minute so as to permit it to work into the joints, and then, slowly
revolving, wipe the waste off the top of the chain.
We have now reached in our discussion of the bicycle a part just as essential to the
running ability as anything previously mentioned—the tires. On account of the wear and
tear upon the tires, from one cause or another, they require much care. It is the tires that
take up the jolts from the inequalities of the road, and upon their proper degree of
inflation depends the easy running of the wheel. Quite a study may be made of this, the
pressure varying for the different uses the wheel is to be put to. Without exception the
rear tire should be harder than the front; if the latter is more tightly inflated than need
be, it creates unnecessary jarring, which manifests itself in a numbing of the wrists. For
riding over city pavements the softer the tires, without endangering the rims, the less
jolting; but on good roads hard tires are best, as there is less friction, due to a smaller
surface presented to the ground. From the inflation we will turn to the valve, the most
important part of the tire. This is frequently a source of much annoyance from leakage.
Whenever in doubt as to the valve's effectiveness, immerse it in water, and the air-
bubbles will soon show the size and location of a leak, if there is one.
In all experiences with pneumatic tires you will find water the greatest enemy of leaks,
and in all cases where one is of sufficient size to be an annoyance, water will surely
locate it. The weak point in most valves seems to lie in the plunger that closes the
opening through which the air is admitted. Most valves work on the principle explained in
the sketch. When the air is forced in, the plunger A is pushed down, admitting the air
into D, and so into the tire; and when the downward stroke of the pump ceases, the
spring B, assisted by the pressure of the air in the tire, is supposed to push A tightly up
against the partition E, and so close the opening. Right here the trouble occurs. For
various reasons the spring sometimes does not push the plunger up, and if the pressure
 is not sufficient to do it, when the pump is removed the air forced
in with so much labor blows out in a few seconds. In this case,
first drop a little benzine in, as perhaps the valve may be dirty or
stuck in some manner, and if this has not the desired effect, it will
be necessary to remove the valve. The most common cause of the
above annoyance is the spring becoming too much compressed,
this being remedied by removing and stretching a little. Frequently
the plunger becomes jammed against E, and in pushing it in it
disappears entirely within the body of the valve. Here also it is
often necessary to take the valve apart.
Puncture.—That is a word that makes every wheelman wince. A
little hole in the tire makes the bicycle, that a few seconds ago was
TIRE VALVE. a means of travelling, a useless encumbrance. But in this case it
does not always follow that it is an encumbrance, for if a pocket
repair kit is carried, or the rider can make the best use of things at his disposal, some
kind of stoppage of the escape of wind can frequently be accomplished. The single tube,
or "hose-pipe," is the easiest to patch up on the road. The leakage can usually be
stopped by cementing a piece of rubber over the puncture and binding it on securely with
tire tape. Perhaps if the rider is skilled he may effect a permanent repair by plugging it.
Now a hint to the rider who goes on the road with only a wrench in his pocket; and if he
is given to the chewing-gum habit, it may be of use. A very novel and effective repair for
a single-tube tire may be made by a little chewing-gum and some bandages. After
locating the opening, apply some freshly chewed gum and work it in, leaving a fair-sized
piece on the tire, and binding it with a handkerchief if nothing better offers.
Sometimes a difficult part of a puncture on the road is its location. After examining the
tire and noting the likely places, apply saliva at these spots, and when the right one is
found, bubbles will be noticed.
The permanent repair of a double-tube tire is to patch the inner one. Let the air out, and
if the tire is "cemented" pull it off, and, if the "clincher," spring off, being careful in
pushing the valve through the hole in the rim. If it is the "clincher" pattern the inner tube
may be readily removed, but if a "cemented" tire, it is a trifle more difficult. In the latter
there is a slit about eight inches long in the outer tube, where the valve comes through,
which is held together with lacing. Cut this lacing, and the two ends of the inner tube will
be seen to come together here. Fasten a string to one end, and catching hold of the
other end, pull the tube out, being careful to leave the string in the casing. When
removed inflate tightly, and grasping firmly a section between your hands about a foot
long, immerse in water and stretch to the utmost; and if the puncture is in this section
this will sufficiently enlarge it to permit the free escape of bubbles. Continue this way
throughout the whole tube, and when the puncture is located, bite a little piece of the
rubber out from around it so that it may be more readily found; let the air out, and cut a
piece of rubber to fit over the hole, covering the edges of the puncture and this piece
with a rubber cement made for this purpose; and when a trifle dry, place the patch on
and put a weight on top. Inflate and test in water for leaks, and if all is right let the air
out and fasten one end to the string, which was carried into the outer tube on the
removal of the inner one, and by this haul it in place again, lacing up the slot with string.
Inflate again, and, after covering the rim of the wheel with cement, place it on and let it
dry, revolving the wheel with the rim and tire in water so as to make the cement set.
The method of making permanent repairs in a hose-pipe or single-tube tire is simple—
namely, by plugging. A rubber plug with a head like a rivet is covered with cement and
inserted in the puncture, head within the tire, and when it sets, the projecting part on the
exterior is trimmed off evenly.
 RICK DALE.
BY KIRK MUNROE.

CHAPTER IX.

"CHINKS" AND "DOPE."

The dark passage into which the lads had just been ushered was short, and ended at
another door of heavy planking before Alaric found a chance to ask his companion why
they had come to such a very queer and mysterious place. The opening of that second
door admitted them to another passage equally narrow, but well lighted, and lined with a
number of tiny rooms, each containing two bunks arranged like berths one above the
other. By the dim light in these rooms Alaric could see that many of these berths were
occupied by reclining figures, most of whom were Chinamen, though a few were
unmistakably white. Some were smoking tiny metal-bowled pipes with long stems, while
others lay in a motionless stupor.
The air was heavy with a peculiarly sickening odor that Alaric recognized at once. He had
met it before during his travels among the health resorts of Continental Europe, in which
are gathered human wrecks of every kind; of them all none had seemed to the lad so
pitiable as the wretched victims of the opium or morphine habit, which is the most
degrading and deadly form of intemperance.
This boy, so ignorant of many of the commonest things of life, and yet wise far beyond
his years concerning other phases, had often heard the opium habit discussed, and knew
that the hateful drug was taken in many forms to banish pain, cause forgetfulness of
sorrow, and produce a sleep filled with beautiful dreams. He knew, too, of the sad
awakening that followed.
Knowing these things, Alaric was filled with horror at finding himself in a Chinese opium
den, and wondered if Bonny realized the true character of the place. In order to find out
he gained his comrade's side, and asked, in a low tone, "Do you know, Bonny, what sort
of a place this is?"
"Yes, of course. It is Won Lung's joint."
"I mean do you know what the men in those bunks are doing?"
"Certainly," replied Bonny, cheerfully. "They're hitting the pipe."
Perplexed as he was by these answers, Alaric still asked another question.
"But do you know what they are smoking in those pipes?"
"To be sure I do," answered the other, a trifle impatiently. "It's dope. Most any one would
know that. Didn't you ever smell it before?"
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