In this issue of Tip Top Weekly, entitled “Frank Merriwell’s Red Rival or Fun among the Indians”, our fearless hero travels to New Mexico to witness a Pueblo Indian celebration called “St. Geronimo Day.” Frank is accompanied by his usual posse, with the additions of Inza, a young spinster who serves as the stereotypical “Damsel in Distress”, along with her aunt and chaperone, Abigail Gale. As Frank and his gang journey into the unknown, the perils of the lawless and rugged frontier loom large from the very start. Abigail Gale worries of the dangers of scalping, even though the Pueblo Indians have never been known to do so (2). Immediately upon exiting the train, Inza is grabbed by an inebriated Indian and saved by Frank’s “Red Rival”, John Swiftwing, a seemingly handsome and sophisticated Indian witnessing the scene. In the aftermath of this incident, Dan Carver, a brawny and rugged outlaw with a gambling problem, aims his revolver at the Indian, later saying it’s “the only way to let the devilment out of them dogs” (10). Carver is the perfect embodiment of the chaos and tension existing on the frontier at this time. Not only does he have strong hatred for every Indian, but he is an outlaw in the truest form as he often shoots first and asks questions later, as Frank puts it (5).

Frank uses his wit and psychological prowess to diffuse the situation, and the crew sets off to visit the Pueblo village. Inza becomes smitten and intrigued with her Native American rescuer, John Swiftwing, who attends an Indian college in the east, and has even competed against Frank’s Yale team in football (5). Swiftwing is eloquent, gentlemanly, and sophisticatedly dressed; something that seems very astonishing to the group since he’s an Indian. When they arrive at the village, a rivalry develops between Frank and John Swiftwing, which quickly evolves into a series of competitions between Frank’s crew and the Indians. Not surprisingly Frank naturally excels at any test of physical ability, and the competition becomes fierce as they compete for bragging rights and the attention of Inza (22).

All of sudden, during a wrestling match, Swiftwing hurls Inza over his shoulder and retreats to the hills where he confesses his love for her. Merry is in hot pursuit, and quickly tracks them down and rescues Inza (26).As Frank goes to rescue Inza, Swiftwing comes to the sad realization that despite his schooling he will always be an Indian, and therefore will never be able to integrate into civilized life. He resolves to drop out of the “white man’s school”, and return to his village where is shunned for his refined way of life. Frank, always articulate and polite, actually ends up consoling Swiftwing at the very end of the novel.

It is clear that the writers of Tip Top Weekly desired to teach young boys how to become men, and Frank Merriwell is the perfect example. He not only excels in sports, but is also a beacon of chivalry and eloquence. On top of his Ivy League education, he also knows how to remain calm and collected under pressure and is not afraid of death. While Frank may seem superhuman, he serves as a perfect role model for young boys and one that parents would definitely approve of. Included in this dime novel is a lengthy and detailed description of a pueblo Indian ceremony (15). While seeming a bit out of the ordinary for dime novel literature, it is important to note that many of the dime novel readers had never travelled to the frontier. Thus, a description and storyline like that of “Frank Merriwell’s Red Rival” appeals to both the curiosity and fascination of a young, city-dwelling reader and furthers a lawless and chaotic yet almost romantic notion of the frontier.