Transcriber’s Notes: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. * * * * * [Illustration: HE DESCENDED THE SLOPE] THE SAFETY FIRST CLUB BY W. T. NICHOLS Illustrated by F. A. ANDERSON THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY PHILADELPHIA 1916 * * * * * COPYRIGHT 1916 BY THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY [Illustration] The Safety First Club * * * * * _To M. H. M._ _A youthful critic with the precious art of combining frankness and friendliness, this book is appreciatively dedicated_ Introduction The Safety First idea, along with some other sound rules of conduct which have been hammered out by hard experience of the race, is often easier to put into words than into practice. Like other brakes on machines or men it sometimes seems to cause too much friction, with resulting protest, especially from youngsters impatient of warnings of dangers possible rather than presently pressing. The fact is, however, that these objectors fail to recognize the true spirit of the rule. Nobody expects active boys and girls to be wrapped in cotton wool and stored away out of all harm’s reach. They have their work to do in the world, and in doing it must take certain risks as the rest of us do. But there are unnecessary risks, just as there are other risks which are not to be avoided; and it is in shunning these unnecessary risks, in learning that reasonable caution is not cowardice, that recklessness is no proof of bravery, and that the way to redeem a mistake is not to repeat it, that the rule is to be truly honored. In “The Safety First Club” and the volumes which are to follow it are set forth certain adventures of boys who have to deal with problems such as confront healthy young Americans, boys well intentioned but not wise beyond their years, fond of the open, restive under restraint. It is the author’s hope that in their haps and mishaps they may be found likably human. Contents I. “HEDGEHOG DAY” 11 II. SAM TAKES CHANCES 23 III. THE LUCK OF A LONG SHOT 34 IV. THE CLUB GETS A NEW NAME 43 V. SAM FACES THE MUSIC 61 VI. DEALING WITH THE OGRE 72 VII. THE RECKONING 87 VIII. BEGINNING THE TEST 96 IX. POKE AND STEP PUT THEIR HEADS TOGETHER 111 X. QUEER TROUBLES 124 XI. THE CLUB GETS A CLUE 135 XII. PUNISHMENT POSTPONED 146 XIII. NOT ON THE PROGRAM 159 XIV. SENT TO COVENTRY 173 XV. THE CLUB ENDORSES ITSELF 182 XVI. SAM HAS A RUDE AWAKENING 194