Chapter I: Preface

“BRAKE UP” is the fifth of THE LAKE SHORE SERIES, and was one of the serials which appeared in Oliver Optic’s Magazine. Although the volume contains an independent story, the same characters that appeared in preceding issues of the series are introduced. While Captain Wolf Penniman still remains true to his high standard of duty, Nick Von Wolter is presented to the reader in strong contrast with the hero. The latter, ambitious to put himself forward in the world, makes the oft-repeated mistake of those who follow any other guide than that of religious principle. The result to the evil-doer is but the reflection of the world’s experience; and though all who seek and follow the True Light may not realize the same worldly success that crowned the life of Wolf, they are absolutely sure to attain that peace of mind which alone is happiness here and hereafter.

The railroad phrase “BRAKE UP” is not used in its technical sense, but figuratively indicates how the wrong-doer should proceed when he becomes conscious of his error; and the author hopes his young friends, as well as those of mature years, will follow the example of the magnate of Centreport when they find themselves on the “wrong track.”

HARRISON SQUARE, BOSTON,
January 26, 1870.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. PAGE
COLONEL WIMPLETON WON’T HAVE IT. 11

CHAPTER II.
BRAKE UP! 20

CHAPTER III.
MR. NICHOLAS VAN WOLTER. 31

CHAPTER IV.
A GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY. 41

CHAPTER V.
ROMANCE AND REALITY. 52

CHAPTER VI.
A DISCOMFITED ASPIRANT. 63

CHAPTER VII.
COLONEL WIMPLETON DROPS THE REINS. 74

CHAPTER VIII.
SECRETS FOR TWO. 84

CHAPTER IX.
THE TIPSY MAGNATE. 96

CHAPTER X.
TOM WALTON EXPRESSES HIS OPINION. 106

CHAPTER XI.
A GENEROUS TIPPLER. 117

CHAPTER XII.
ANOTHER CALAMITY. 128

CHAPTER XIII.
AFTER THE ACCIDENT. 139

CHAPTER XIV.
“THE OCCURRENCES OF YESTERDAY.” 150

CHAPTER XV.
A TEMPTING OFFER. 162

CHAPTER XVI.
THE UCAYGA IN TROUBLE. 173

CHAPTER XVII.
AN ACT OF COURTESY. 185

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE MYSTERY OF THE CHECK. 196

CHAPTER XIX.
COLONEL WIMPLETON HUMILIATED. 208

CHAPTER XX.
A NIGHT TRIP TO HITACA. 220

CHAPTER XXI.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ROAD. 232

CHAPTER XXII.
SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS. 244

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE. 256

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE MAGNATES JOIN HANDS. 268

CHAPTER XXV.
MORE SEVEN PER CENT. BONDS. 280

CHAPTER XXVI.
IN HONOR OF THE RECONCILIATION. 292

BRAKE UP;

OR,

THE YOUNG PEACEMAKERS.