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] |
| XVII. | More Surprises | [202] |
| XVIII. | Lon Discusses Crooked Thinking | [211] |
| XIX. | Of Duels and Conscience | [222] |
| XX. | Sam Makes a Speech | [230] |
| XXI. | Lon Plays Detective | [239] |
| XXII. | Tom Orkney Changes His Intention | [252] |
| XXIII. | Lon Gates Entertains | [266] |
| XXIV. | Peter Groche Scores Again | [281] |
| XXV. | The Blizzard | [294] |
| XXVI. | Old Friends Meet | [307] |
| XXVII. | Peter’s Grudge | [319] |
| XXVIII. | Sam Makes Choice | [334] |
| XXIX. | Squaring the Account | [343] |
| XXX. | In Full Settlement | [355] |
Illustrations
| PAGE | |
| He Descended the Slope | [Frontispiece] |
| His Finger Trembled on the Trigger | [37] |
| “You’re Looking for Trouble” | [156] |
| “Hold Hard, There!” | [216] |
| “He’s Coming ’Round All Right” | [283] |
The Safety First Club