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Tales of Daring and Danger

Chapter 2 No.2

Word Count: 42798 | Released on: 06/12/2017

was to go with them. It was evidently an arranged thing, the girls only were surprised, but they were at once turned out, and as we started I could see two crouching figures

have done the distance in an hour and a half, but I had to rest constantly, and was finally carried rather than helped up. I had gone not unwil

and I was led to a rough sort of arbour in which was lying, on a pile of maiz

ame, sahib?' he

nant Hastings,' I

e Punt!'

g of what was going on four or five troops of native police were scouring the country after him. He gave an order which I did not understand, and a wretched Bombay writer, I suppose a clerk of some money-lender, was dragged forward.

f he will take any sum

k his head ve

ld take my chance, for I well knew the importance which Government attached to Sivajee's capture. I read out loud all that I had written in English, and the interpreter translated it. Then the p

was hoisted rather than climbed, two men standing above with a rope, tied round my body, so that I was half-ha

ression a gallery had been cut, leading to a subterranean store-room or chamber. This natural fortress rose from the face of the hill at a distance of a thousand yards or so from the edge of the plateau, which was fully two hundred feet higher than the top of the rock. In the old days it would have been impregnable, and even at that time it was an awkward place to take, for the troops we

it down behind the parapet, a fellow armed to the teeth squatting down by me, and signifying that if I showed my head above the stones he would cut my throat without hesitation. There were, however, sufficient gaps between the stones to allow me to have a view of the crest of the Ghaut, while below my view extended down to the hills behind Bombay. It wa

or a boy, much less for the two stalwart Mahrattas; besides, I was by no means sure that the way I had been brought up was the only possible path to the top. The day passed off quietly. The heat on the bare rock was f

to get through the line of their pursuers, or, if caught, to escape with slight punishment, the men who remained being too deeply concerned in murderous outrages to hope for mercy. Sivajee himself handed me a letter, which the man who had taken my note had brought back in reply. Major Knapp, the writer, who was the second in command, said that he could not engage the Government, but that if Lieutenant Hastings was given up the act would certainly dispose the

spot at which an ascent or descent was possible. The prospect was not encouraging. At some places the face fell sheer away from the edge, and so evident was the impracticability of escape that the only place which I glanced at twice was the western side, that is the one away from the hill. Here it sloped gradually for a few feet. I took off my shoes and went down to the edge. Below, some ten fee

ng bones woke me up several times, and once, just as the first tinge of dawn was coming, I thought I could hear movements in the jungle. I raised myself somewhat, and I saw that

and learned the side from which the ascent must be made. That the Dacoit and his band were still upon the slopes of the Ghauts they knew, and were gradually narrowing their circle, but there were so many rocks and hiding-places that the process of searching was a slow one, and the intelligence wa

d lay down on the edge, where, sheltered by a parapet, they commanded the path. They paid no attention to me, and I kept as far away as possible. The fire began-a quiet, steady fire, a shot at a time, and in str

an artillery fire could do no harm, for the party could be absolutely safe in the store cave. The instant the shot flew overhead, however, Sivajee Punt beckoned to me, and motioned me to take my seat on the wall facing the gu

rval of silence. With a field-glass every feature must have been distinguishable to t

path, the others were in the store beneath me. After half an hour's silence the guns spoke out again. Evidently the gunners were told to be as careful as they could, for some of the shots went wide on the left, others on the right.

up saw that the ball had struck the parapet to the left, just where my guard was sitting, and he lay covered

the ledge. Then I began to wave my arms about-I had nothing on above the waist-and in a moment I saw a face with a uniform cap peer out through the jungle, and a hand was waved. I made signs to him to make his way to the foot of the perpendic

pe-ladder quickly, I can haul it up. Ten men in garrison. They a

-commissioned officer of the police was already standing below. I

re was now much more heavy and sustained than before. Presently I again saw a move

d it up. A rope-ladder was attached to it, and the top rung was in a minute or two in my hands. To it was tied a piece

ed, but the native policeman who came up first did not weigh half so much as an average Englishman. There were now two of us to hold. The officer in command of the police came up next, then Norworthy, then a dozen more police. I explained the situation, and we mounted to the upper le

out and give yourself up! We are in p

ame bounding out, firing as they did so. Half of their number were shot down

all either hung or imprisoned for life. I escaped my blowing-up for having gone down the Ghauts after

who, having searched everywhere without finding any signs of my body, came to the conclusion that I had been found and carried away, especially as th

see the women wh

; and I was reduced at last to sending them down two sets of silver bracelets, necklaces, and bangles, which must have rendered them the envy of all the women on the Ghauts. They sent back a message of grateful thanks, and I never heard of them afterwards. No doubt their relatives, who knew that their connection with the Dac

ATERN

HTING

nny, why do you not rebel, and say we won't be put ashore? I call it horrid, after a fortnight on board this dear little yacht, to have to g

am afraid we must submit. Do you really think it is quite necessary, Mr. Virtue? Minnie and I are both good sailors, you

we don't feel it much here, it must be blowing pretty hard outside. The Seabird is as good a sea-boat as anything of her size that floats; but you don't know what it is to be out in anything like a heavy sea in a thirty-tonner. It would be impossibl

or do anything foolish, Mr. Virtu

weather. Of course, if you prefer it, we can put off our start till this puff of wind has blown itself out. It may have dropped before morning. It

uld be a great pity to lose three or four days perhaps; and we have been looking forward to cruising about among the Channel Island

rantham will take you on shore at once, and as soon as the boat comes back I shall be off. You will start in the steamer this evening

signation. "Come, Minnie, let us put a few things into a hand-bag fo

too bad. Here have we been cruising about for the last fortnight, with scarcely a breath of wind, and longing for a good brisk breeze and a little c

later Mr. and Mrs. Grantham and Miss Graham took their places in the gig

the owner of the Seabird as much as his guests to come to the con

ny particular vocation in that direction, but because he thought it incumbent upon him to do something. Then, at the death of an uncle, he had come

t than a large one, for in the latter he would be obliged to have a regular skipper, and would be little more than a passenger, whereas on board the Seabird, although his first hand was dignified by the name of skipper, he was h

e his ownership of her that the Seabird had carried lady passengers. His friend Grantham, an old school and college

You look fagged and overworked; a month's b

though I should enjoy it of all things. But it would not be fair to my wife; she doesn't get very m

them especially in the way on board a yacht; but he had a great liking for his f

sailor. The accommodation is not extensive, but the after-cabin is a pretty good size, and I would do all I could to make her comfortable. Perhaps she would l

put you out frightfully; but the offer is a very tempting one. I

It is wonderful, Tom Virtue making the offer; and I take it as a great personal compliment, for he certainly is not what is generally called a lady's man. It is very nice, too, of him to think of my having a

rantham

ll it downright treachery to take anyone on board

s we could do him, to take Minnie on board; and I am sure he is the sort of man any girl might fall in love with when she gets to know him. The fact is, he's shy! He never had any sisters, and spends all his time in winter at that horrid club; so that really he has never had a

ed Mrs. Grantham's letter, thanking him warmly for the invitation, and saying that s

ited Jack Harvey, who was a mutual friend

n mine. I will run down to Cowes to-morrow and have a chat with Johnson; we shall want a different

the aspect of the yacht below. She had been repainted, the saloon and ladies' cabin were decorated in delicate shades of gray, picked out with gold; and the uph

wn her!" Grantham, who had often sp

; "but I hope she's all right, Mrs. Grantham, and tha

reciate it; don't we, Minnie? It is such a surprise, too; for James said that while I should find

with the exception of Virtue himself, had been to the Channel Islands, the last fortnight of the trip should be spent there. The weather had been delightful, save that there had been some deficiency in wind, and througho

will be pleasant for ladies. I tell you what, Grantham; the best thing will be for you to go on shore with the two ladies, and cross by

s has been seen, without opposition a

he first day Tom Virtue had exerted himself to play the part of host satisfactorily, and had ere long shaken off any shyness he may have felt towards the

de of the yacht than her owner began

the weather, Watkins?"

r to-day. Still, it's just as you likes; the Seabird won't mind it if we don't. She has ha

and I am not going to begin it to-day. We had better house the topmast at once, and get two reefs in the main-sail. We can get th

reefing down the sails, and a few minutes after the gig had returned an

te so closely," Jack Harvey sai

shall have pretty nearly a dead beat down the Solent. Fortunately tide will be running strong with us, but there will be a nasty kick-up there. You will see we shall feel the short choppy seas there more than we shall when we get outside. She is a grand boat in

a short, angry sea, crested with white heads, and Jack Harvey agreed that she had quite as much sail on her as she wanted. The cabin doors were bolted, and all made sn

ht them with us they would have changed their minds

is is not a day for a fair-weather sailor.

we shall be fairly out; and I sha'n't be sorry; one feels as if one was playing f

an hour and they ha

ar rise and fall; "this is what I enjoy-a steady wind and a regular sea. The Seabird g

le we go down to lunch. I am not sorry to give it up for

, give us a couple of towels; we have been pretty well s

sir, and that cold pie yo

pen a couple of

they went o

ally, as the yawl rose lightly over each wave. "What do you think o

seems to me it's blowi

ady we will bring her up into the wind and set it. That's the comfort of a yawl, Jack; one

e-sheet hauled aft, the mizzen sheeted almost fore and aft, and the Seabird lay, head to wind, ri

Gib., we were caught in a gale strong enough to blow the hair off one's head, and we lay to for nearly thr

efs were put in the try-sail. Two hands went to each of the halliards,

ady, Wa

ready

ft the leeward. Slack out the mizzen-sheet a little

essure of the heavy boom to leeward and

go anywhere in her. I thought we were rather fools for starting this morni

as blowing a

de into two watches; I will keep one with Matthews and Dawson, Mr. Harvey will go in your watch with Nicholls. We had better get the try-sail down altogether, and lie to under the foresail and mizzen, but don't put many lashings on the try-sail, one will be enough, and have it ready

deck again, muffled

you can go belo

lie down. There's nothing much to do here

e steward to give you a big pipe with a cover like this, out of the

thing like a quid in weather like this, it ain't never in your

l the two hands forward to kee

art the Seabird breasted the waves easily; the bowsprit had been reefed in to its fullest, thereby adding to the lightness and buoyancy of the boat. Tom Virtue

sleet came along on the wind, and the ho

e see, do you

couple of m

but if when we think we ought to be within sight of Guernsey we see nothing of it, we must lie to again, till the storm has blown itself out or the clouds lift. It would never do to go groping our

was soon und

ward has a good supply for you and the hands; but first, do you take the helm, Jack, whilst Watkins and I h

the chart, then Watkins went

e coffee ready,

hocolate. I didn't know

nd put that cold pie on the table, and a couple of knives and forks; never mind about a cloth; bu

nd mufflers put on, pipes lighted, and the

lculate we ought to

lking along at a good pace. Matthews, cast the log, and let

sir," the man said, wh

's always difficult to ju

'clock the

we get a glimpse of the sun between the clouds, presently. Will yo

to use the instruments, for ten minutes later, Watkins, w

n her lee bow, about six

ng. "There's a gleam of sunshine on it, or we shouldn't have seen it yet. Yes, I think you are

ine was transient-the clouds closed in again overhead, darker and grayer than before. Soon the drops of rain came flying before the wind, the horizon closed in, and they could not see half a mile away,

ust give them a wide berth. We had best make round to the south of the island, and lay to there till we can pick up a p

a pilot all the better; if not, we will lie to till morning, if the weather keeps thick; but if

learer. Suddenly Watkins exclaimed, "There is a wreck, sir! T

caught sight of her the next time the Seabird lifted on

t thicker than we had, and may not ha

way towards her. Shall we

re doing, sir; the currents run like a millstream, and if we get that reef under our lee,

, take the helm a minute while w

get so that they can either fasten a line to a buoy and let it float d

f them show merely at high tide, and a lot of them are above at low water. It will be an awfu

whatever the risk, it must be tried. Mr. Grantham and the two ladies went on board by my persuasi

es there is no lying to weather of her, with the current and wind driving us on to the reef; we must beat up from behind. Now, lads, the sea there is full of rocks, and the chances are ten to one we strike on to them and go to pieces; but, anyhow I am going to try; but I wo

er, and muttered something about the ladies, for the pleasant faces of Mrs. Grantham a

it I will give each of you three months' wages. Now set to work with a will and ge

breaking up. The jagged outline showed that the stern had been beaten in. The masts and funnel were gone, a

Jack Harvey said; "another hour and I should

the world if I had not persuaded them to go o

ble's-length of the breakers a

ul or let go as I give the word." So saying, Tom Virtue

ts surface, and whose position was indicated only by the occasional break of a sea as it passed over them. Every time the Seabird sank on a wave those on board involuntarily held their breath, but the water here w

k Harvey, who was standing close to him. "Another

ple clustered in the bow of the wreck. Two or thre

r the wreck. I see no broken water between us and them

yawl forged up nearly in the eye of the wind towards the wrec

coil of line in h

to throw, Jac

Then Tom threw the line. It fell over the bowsprit, and a cheer broke from those on board the wreck and from the s

try-sail as fast as you can. Now, one of you, clear th

on the rocky bottom, still they might catch on a projecting ledge, and at any rat

wreck as soon as the line was thrown, and the

" Jack Harvey exclaimed; "do

said, "but I don'

uld not be there if they weren't, you may be sure. Yes, there they are; those two mu

ng men wave

Watkins? There's a tremend

sir; they are

d give a turn or two, we must re

de great progress in the work of destruction, and th

thews, catch hold of that boat-hook and try to fend off any piece of timber that comes along. You get

re comes the f

d, than the slings were attached to it and a woman placed in them. The hawser was tight and the descent sharp, and without a check the figure ran down

n to pour a little brandy down her throat. Gi

nd helped below. The next t

ued!" Tom said, as he he

t all hope till we saw your sail, and even then the captain said that he was afraid nothing could be done. Minnie wa

he need for it was over. She was unable to stand when sh

more women, M

ne other lady passeng

s and some bedding on the floor, so you will all four be able to turn in. There's plenty of hot coffee and

them with both legs broken by the fall of t

all?" T

ree gentlemen passengers and three ladies on board. The weather looked so wild when we started that no one else cared about making the passage. God bless you,

lost. Take all your men below, captain; you will find plenty of hot soup there. Now, Watkins, let us be off; that steamer won't hold together many minutes longer, so there's no time to lose. We will go back as we came. Give me a hatchet. Now, lads, tw

wser, and, as he lifted his hand for a third, it parted. Then came the sharp rattle of the chains as they ran round the hawser-holes. The try-sail was hoisted and sheeted home, and the Seabird was under way again. Tom, as before, conned

d of the captain and two sailors-the sole survivors of those who had been on d

said, as Tom Virtue entered; "and I thought you would not want me on

in?" Tom asked, as the ca

away from the reef, when we saw it on our beam, not a hundred yards away. It was too late to avoid it then, and in another minute we ran upon it, and the waves were sweeping over us. Every one behaved well. I got all, except those who had been swept overboard or crushed by the funnel, up into the bow of the ship,

of your advice. My skipper and I know the islands pretty well, but no d

, the lights of St. Helier's were in sight, and an hour later the

had the satisfaction of being present at the ceremony which was the successful consummati

sake it has so; but you must allow that it very nearly had a disastrous ending, and I think if I were you I should leave matters to take their natural course in future. I have

saucily; "but you must remember that Tom Virtue

y dear, after our next cruise. All husbands

OF MY

es had, after dancing round the Christmas-tree, enjoying the snapdragon, and playing a variety of games, gone off to bed; an

houses said to be haunted, but nothing have I seen-no noises that could not be accounted for by rats or the wind have I ever heard. I have never"-and here he paused-"never but on

once' when circumstances happen

ry," the colonel said,

and the longer the story is, the better; and if you don't believe in ghosts, how

f what the Scotch call second sight, than one of ghosts. As to accounting

; the railroad across India passes through it, and no end of changes have taken place; but at that time it was one of the most out-of-the-way stations in India, and, I may say, one of the most pleasant. It lay high, there was capital

ese hills are called Gonds, a true hill tribe-that is to say, aborigines, somewhat of the negro type. The chiefs are of mixed blood, but the people are almost black. They are supposed to accept the religion of the Hindus, but are in reality deplorably ignorant and superstitious. Their priests are a sort of compound of a Brahmin priest and a negro fetish ma

marvellous stories were constantly coming to our ears of the unerring foresight with which he predicted the termination of diseases, both in men and animals; and so generally was he believed in that the colonel ordered that no one

en talked over at mess, some of the officers scoffing at the whole business, others maintaining that some of these fakirs

fact that it is very seldom indeed that these fakirs will utter any of their predictions to Europea

ddle of a large patch of jungle at the foot

ht by a native, who came in to say that at about eight o'clock a t

mage, and had carried off about thirty men, women, and children. So great was the fear of him, indeed, that the people in the neighbourhood he frequented scarcely dared stir out of doors, except in pa

d with the native trotting on ahead as guide we went off at the best pace of old Begaum, for that was the elephant's name. The village was fifteen miles away, but we got there soon after daybreak, and w

ears of blood, showed where he had dragged his victim through the long

hing but a few bones and a quantity of blood. The tiger had made off at the approach of daylight into the jungle, which was about two

d in numbers. At last all was ready, and we gave the signal. However, I am not telling you a hunting story, and need only say that we could neither find nor disturb him. In vain we pushed Begaum through the thick

h up in an exceedingly small clump of grass or bush, and will sometimes almost allow himself to be trodden on before moving. However, we determined to have one more search, and if that should prove unsuccessful, to send off to Jubbalpore for some more of the men to come out with elephants, while we kept up a circle of fires, and of noises of all descriptions, so as to

urried back to find, as we had expected, that the tiger was gone. He had burst out suddenly fr

istant. This wood was four or five hundred yards across, and the exclamations of the people at once told us that it was the one in which stood the ruined temple o

therefore sent off a runner with a note to the colonel, asking him to send the work-elephants, and to allow a pa

immense damage. We then had a talk with our shekarry, sent a man off to bring provisions for the

ty was by no means strong, and we determined to go in and warn him of the presence of the brute in the wood. It was a mission which we could not intrust to anyone else, for no native would have entered the jungle for untold gold; so we mounted the Begaum again, and starte

in a terrific roar, and in an instant the tiger had sprung upon him, struck him to the ground, seized him as a cat would a mouse, and started off with him at a trot. The brute evidently had not detected our presence, for he came right towards us. We halted the Begaum, and with our fingers on the triggers, awaited the favourable moment. He

and then got down to examine the unfortunate fakir. The tiger had seized him by the s

fakir. We proposed taking the latter to our hospital at Jubbalpore, but this he positively refused to listen to. However we finally persuaded him to allow his arm to be set and the wounds dressed in the first place by our regimenta

e litter upon them, and the surgeon set his arm and dressed his wounds by torch-light, wh

ratitude to Simmonds and myself. We told him that we would ride over to see him s

others knocked up with fever just about this time, so that the duty fell very heavily upo

ver, we had made up our minds to see him, especially as we had agreed that we would endeavour to persuade him to do a prediction for us; so we turned our hor

hibs, and was joyful in the thought of

again, though your arm is still in a sling,' I

were coming?' I asked, when

servant to know many t

d that the tiger was goi

atened, and that Siva would not l

e into our fut

or a moment earnestly to see if I wa

is servants. They call his messengers impostors, and sco

We have heard of so many of your predictions coming true, that we

ging in a low voice, rocking himself to and fro, and waving a staff which he held in his hand. Gradually his voice rose, and his gesticulations and actions became more violent. So far as I could make out, it was a prayer to Siva that he would give some glimpse of the future which might benefit

ade experiment, but mixed with some other substance, which was, I imagine, haschish, a preparation of hemp. A few puffs, and I felt a drowsiness creeping over me. I saw, as through

tly pressing, with a sort of shampooing action, my temples and head. When he saw that I opened my eyes he left me, and performed the same proc

ed I sat up; Cha

or a minute without speaki

go, and no mis

ion is, we've made fools of ours

horses, poured a mussuk of water over our heads, took a drink of brandy from our

rity which I had is true, all I can sa

just my cas

ou like to call it, was a

nstrously strange, to say the least of it. However,

in the regiment, by the way-made a rush at me, and I shot him through the head with a revolver. At the same moment a ball hit me, and down I went. At the moment a Sepoy fell dead across me, hiding me partly from sight. The fight lasted a minute or two longer. I fancy a few fellows escaped, for I heard shots outside. Then the place became quiet. In another minute I heard a crackling, and saw that the devils had set the mess-room on fire. One of our men, who was lying close by me, got up a

was on horseback, holding a very pretty but awfully pale girl in front of me. We were pursued by a whole troop of Sepoy cavalry, who were firing pistol-shots at us. We were not more than seventy or eighty yards in front, and they wer

a hole just large enough to get through, with a stone staircase inside the body of the idol, made no doubt for the priest to go up and give responses through t

er a pause. 'Did you understand what the old fell

s an entreaty to Siva to give us some gl

at a brisk canter without remark. When we wer

. 'We have got that opium out of our heads

ertain similarity in our dreams. In all nightmares something terrible happens, or is on the point of happening; and so it was here. Not unnaturally in both our cases, our thoughts turned to soldiers. If you remember there was a talk at mess some little time since, as to what would h

'We should never hear the end of it;

lpore we went to Beerapore. The time is very marked in my memory, because the very week we arrived there, your aunt, then Miss Gardiner, came out from England, to her father, our colonel. The instant I saw her I was impressed with the idea that I knew her intimately. I recollected her face, her figure, and the very tone of her voice, but wherever I had met her I could not conceive. U

ears,'

arley,' she said, 'd

idity, and was stammering out

vidently look ever so many years older; but papa can certi

elf, that even when rumours of general disaffection among the Sepoys began to be current, they never once recurred to us; and even when the news of the actual mutiny reached us, we were just as confident as were the others of the fidelity of our own regiment. It was the old story, foolish confidence and black treachery. As at very many other stations, the mutiny broke out when we were at mess. Our regiment was dining with the 34th Ben

arley said; 'it is t

revolver at the subadar, w

ugh the mutineers, and darted through an open window on to the parade. There were shouts, shots, and screams from the officers' bungalows, and in several places flames were already rising. What became of the other men I knew not; I made as hard as I could tear for the colonel's bungalow. Su

I shouted. 'W

figure rushed out of a clump of bus

s were fired after us. But fortunately the Sepoys were all busy looting, most of them had laid down their muskets, and no one really took up the

y had fainted as I lifted her on to my horse-happily, because the fearful screams that we heard from the various bu

safe from any immediate pursuit, and then w

out into the verandah. The night was dark, and scarcely had she left the house than she heard a burst of firing across at the mess-house. She at once ran in among the bushes and crouched there, as she heard the rush of men into the room she had just left. She heard them searching for her, but they were looking for a white dress, and her dark rug saved her. What she must have suffered in the five minutes betwee

arrying double. I made for a sort of ruin I saw at the foot of a hill half a mile away. I did so with no idea of the possibility of concealment. My intention was simply to get my back to a rock and to sell my life as dearly as I could, keeping the last two barrels o

ward; don't let me fall

The chase, her pale face, the words, the

ent, as we rode into the courtyard, in

he saddle, and then hurried May round the idol, between whic

een it but the day before. I placed my hand on the leaflet without hesitation, a solid stone moved back, I hurried my amazed companion in, and shut to

small holes pierced in the upper part of the head, and through still smaller holes lower down, not much larger than a good-sized knitting-needle could pass

out. Then, saying that we must be hidden somewhere, and that they would wai

in to tell the rebels that a column of British troops marching on Delhi woul

ceremony then; there were no means of sending her away; no place where she could have waited until the time for her mourning for her father

immonds, uncle? Did

t he crawled out, and found the mutineers had marched for Delhi. He went through a lot, but at last joined us before that city. We often talked over our dreams together, and there was no question that we owed our lives to them. Even then we did not talk much to othe

t will be Christmas-day. So you see, Frank, that although I don't believe

how, uncle, and beats g

he girls said, "for we can go to bed wi

said, "or I shall get into terrible disgrace with your fathers and mothers, w

-FACE

F PINE-TR

plorer, that he camped under it, and named the place in its honour; or, may be, some fallen giant lay in the bottom and hindered the work of the first prospectors. At any rate, Pine-tree Gulch it w

d, in the Yuba valley rather than in the Gulch. At first most gold had been found higher up, but there was here comparatively little depth down to the bed-rock, and as the ground became exhausted the miners moved down towards the mouth of the Gulch. They were doing well as a

down and lay thick among the gravel. But most of the parties were sinking, and it was a long way down to the bed-rock; for the hills on both sides sloped steeply, and the Yuba must

test difficulty, for the gravel would have been full of water, and even with the greatest pains in puddling and timber-work the pumps would scarcely have sufficed to keep it down as it rose in the bottom of the shafts. But the miners had made common cause together, and giving each so many ounces of gold or so many day's work had erected a dam thirty feet high along the led

three feet in height, on which the sharp sloping roof was placed, thatched in the first place with boughs, and made all snug, perhaps, with an old sail stretched over all. The camp was quiet enough duri

the news of the luck at other camps. The sound of music came from two or three plank erections which rose conspicuously above the huts of the diggers, and were bright externally with the

attention to the strains of the fiddle or the accordion, save when some well-known air was played, when all would join in a boisterous chorus. Som

rial Saloon, which stood just where Pine-tree Gulch opened into Yuba valley,

ck had been thrown on the world to shift for himself. Nature had not intended him for the work, for he was a delicate, timid lad; what spirits he originally had h

er, and every pound of weight was of importance, no one grudged him his rations in return for his services; but when the company began to descend the slopes of the Sierra Nevada they began to break up, going off by twos and threes to the diggings

gave a thought to the solitary boy. However, at that time no one who had a pair of hands, however feeble, to work need starve in Sacramento; and for some weeks Dick hung around the town d

et a living. At first he tried rocking cradles, but the work was far harder than it appeared. He was standing ankle deep in water from morning till night, and his cheeks grew paler, and his strength, instead of increasing, seemed to fade away. Still, there were jobs within his s

ening to Jeffries. I knew him down on the flats, and I daresay he will take you on. I don't say as a saloon is a good place for a

w, for till the miners knocked off there was little doing in the saloon; a few men would come in for a drink at dinner-ti

hirl with the noise, the shouting, and the multiplicity of orders, happened frequently. He might have fared worse had not Red George always stood his friend, and Red George was an authority in Pine-tree Gulch-powerful in frame, reckless in bearing and temper, he had been

on in the saloon, and a good many men were clustered round the table. Red George was having a run of luck, and there was a big pile of gold dust on the table before him. One of the gamblers who

orge exclaimed. "Are you man

e, and in a moment the two men were facing each other with outstretched pistols. The two reports rung out simultaneously: Red George sat down unconcernedly with

nces in Pine-tree Gulch, and the piece of ground at the top of the hill, that had been set aside as a burial place, was already

than it had hitherto been, for there were few in Pine-tree Gulch who cared to excite Red George's anger; and strangers going to the place were

the thought of the dead man's face as he fell back. He had seen many such frays before, but he was too full of his own troubles for them to make much impression upon him. But in the present case he felt as if he himself was responsibl

evotion towards Red George, and he felt that he could die willingly if his life would benefit his champion. Sometimes he thought, too, that his life would not be much t

nner and thinner, and folks will think as I starve you

e pine-woods which still clothed the upper slopes of the hills, and

e knew that the rains were not due for another month yet

water rushing along with thick and turbid current. But those who repeated the rumours, or who reported that the channel was full, were summarily put down. Men would not believe that such a calamity as a flood and the destruction of all their season's work could be impending. There had been some showers, no dou

the driving mist which presently set in. He was calculating that he had, with his savings from his wages and what had been given him by the miners, laid by eighty dollars. When he got another hundred and twenty he would go; he would make his way down to San Francisc

and boulders of the old bed of the Yuba there was the gleam of water, and even as he watched it he could see it widening out. He started to run do

hose at the windlasses worked their hardest to draw up their comrades below. A man coming down from above stopped close to Dick, with

s it, S

n they shouted up to me to go up and fetch them a bottle of rum. The

tes were still in the bottom of the shaft, ign

me yet," and at the top of his speed da

rties of men mounting the hill. "R

e centre of the stony flat, and it was widening with terrible rapidity. It was scarce ten yards fro

The river is rising; you will be flooded

ing, and the handles of the windlass flew round rapidly as it

ight b

s time to Dick before the bucket came up, and the first man stepped out. It was not Red George. Dick had hardly expected it would be. Red George woul

bucket was again down, the three grasped the handles. But quickly as they worked, the edge of the water was within a few inches of the shaft when the next man reached the surface; but again the b

tremble under their feet, and then at the turn of the valley above, a great wave of

ers shouted. "Run for your

heavy man; then suddenly the weight slackened, and the handle went round faster. The shaft was filling, the water had reached the bucket, and had risen to Red George's neck, so that his weight was no longer on the rope. So fast did the water pour in, that it was not half a minute before the bu

ten men, headed by Red George, went and brought it solemnly back to Pine-tree Gulch. There, among the stumps o

would dream that it was once a busy scene of industry; but if the trave

to save Red George. 'What can a man do

of an ex-clergyman working a

y came to him when the common fund of the company was divided after the flood on the Yuba, bought a small farm, and settled d

WITH THE

AT CAM

s, and it was expected that a strong naval force would soon gather to bring her to reason. In the meantime the ships on the station had a busy time of it, chasing the enemy's junks when they ventured

ran up for miles into the flat country; and as they not unfrequently had many arms or branches, the boats might, in the dark, miss the junks altogether. Orders were issued that four boats should be ready for starting

g in the pinnace and launch, commanded respectively by the first lieutenant and the master. The three oth

"and it's no use making a row about it; the cap

those chosen; and it is not so hard for Simmons and Linthorpe, because they went the other day in the boat th

first lieutenant sung out 'Easy all,' and there was nothing for it but to turn round and to row for the ship, and a nice hot row it was-two hours and a half in a broiling sun. Of course I am not blaming Oliphant, for the captain's orders were strict

did have bad luck last time, you had your chance, and I don't suppose we shall have anything more exciting now; these fellows

ind telling the first lieutenant you do not care for going, and that I am very anxi

Tom, I am sorry you are not going, but you mus

is senior in a coaxing tone later on, "you coul

as likely to hit your little carcase as to lodge in one of the sailors. No, you must just make the best of it, Percy, and I p

the boy said; "but I would a deal rathe

here will be any fighting. Two junks would hardly make any opposition to the boats of the ship, and I

urite among the men, and when he spoke to the bow oar of the gig, the la

myself as well as I can under your thwart, and all you have got to do is to take no notice of me. When the boat is lowered I think they will

if you are caught you must not let

ff in, and the first lieutenant will be too busy to blow me up. Of course I shall get it when I am on board again, but I don't mind that so that I see the fun. Besi

the falls. As soon as she touched the water the rest of the crew clambered down by the ladder and took their places; then Fothergill took his seat in the stern, and the boat pushed off and lay a few lengths away from

h tide. The creek was about a hundred yards wide, and the lad could not see far ahead, for it was full of sharp windings and turnings. Here and there branches joined it, but the boats were evidently following the main channel. After another half-hour's rowing the first lieutenant

on, do you keep with me and attack the junk highest up the river; Mr.

matchlocks was opened from the junks, and the bullets pattered on the water round the boats. Percy was kneeling up in th

nks in that passage, Fothe

eutenant hea

bout, Mr. Mason, as lying up one of these creeks; that accounts for those two junks not going higher up. I was surprised at seein

. As they neared the junks the fire of those on board redoubled, and was aided by that of many villagers gathered on the bank of the creek. Suddenly from a bank of rushes four cannons were fired. A ball struck the pinnace, smashing in her side. The other

amen only attempted to oppose them. These were speedily overcome, and the British had now time to look ro

the gauntlet of that battery on shore if we were to attack them, and migh

g their guns, yelling and shouting, while

with all that row," Fothergill said. "You young rascal, how did you get on board the boa

heir pieces on the bulwarks, they did considerable execution among the Chinamen crowded on board the junks, while the shot of the Chinese, for the most part, whistled far overhead; b

n't wait for them to board you, but the moment they come alo

ng the gig's crew and some of those rescued from the pinnace, while Mr. Bellew, with another party, had boarded her at the stern. Several of the Chinese fought stoutly, but the greater part lost heart at seeing themselves attacked by the

y, one on each side, and the little body of sailors were gathered in her wai

what up the creek by the tide that was sweeping inwar

, sir." He asked the master:

ied. "Quick, lads, get the boats alongside an

ts and rowed to the other junk, wh

re still five to one superior in number, but made a precipitate rush for their own vessels. The English at once took the offensive. The first lieutenant with his party boarded one, while the new-comers leapt on to the deck of the other. The panic which h

se the craft you captured," Lieutenant Olip

roceeding to hoist their sails. They were too late, however. Almost before the craft had way on her Fothergill and his crew were alongside. The Chinese did not wait for the attack, but at once sprang overboard and made for th

ll we do

se were fighting pluckily up to that time, and it would have gone very hard with us if you had not been at hand; the beggars will fight when they think they have got it all their own way. But before we land we will set fire to the five junks we have taken. Do you retu

gill?" Percy Adcock said, as the midshipma

in will be so pleased when he hears that we have captured and burnt f

was thinking, Jack.

n your body. There are a good many of our poor fellows just at the present mome

nd thrown down into the hold; bamboos, of which there were an abundance down there, wer

to your boats and let's make

inhabitants of the village, furious at the failure of the plan which had been laid for the destruction of the "white devils," kept up a c

three columns of smoke arose simultaneously from the other junk

rge. They were directed to keep under shelter of the junks until rejoined by

etween the burning junks and rowed for the shore. Such of the natives as had their weapons char

to the houses; shoot down every man you see. This place is a

these were immediately set on fire. The tars regarded the whole affair as a glorious joke, and raced from house to house, mak

ding in that little grove a h

ll have a look at it." And calling two sailors to accompany h

will have a look at it, but we won't burn it; it will be as well to re

were discharged in their faces. One of the sailors dropped dead, and before the others had time to real

head, and he fell insensible even b

at first understand, and was being bumped and jolted in an extraordinary manner. It was some little time before he could understand the situation. He first remembered the fight with the junks, then he reca

himself, "and I suppose I am a prisoner now to these b

tened back to back upon the shoulders of a Chinaman. Percy remembered the tales he had heard of the imprisonment and torture of those who

there would have been an end of it. Now, there is no saying what is

feel that the cords were being unwound, and he was dropped on to his

stood Fothergill. He was bleeding from several cuts in the head. Percy's heart gave a bound of joy at finding that he was not alone; then he tried to feel sorry that Jack had not escaped, but failed to do so, although he told himself that his comrade's pres

. On the way they passed through several villages, whose inhabitants poured out to gaze at the captives, but the men in charge of them were evidently not disposed to delay, as they p

ng with only two men into that temple, but as the village had been deserted and scarcely

suppose, just as we went in, and the first thing I knew about it was that I was being carried on the back of

that my face was scorched with one of them, and almost at the same instant I got a lick across my cheek with a sword. I had just time to hit at one of them, and then almost at the same moment I got two or three other blows, and down I went; they threw themselves on the top of me and tie

going to do with us

I suppose they will cut off our heads or saw us in two, or put us to some other unpleasant kin

in the next room. After a time the din subsided and t

destruction of their junks and village. As to the idea that mercy has anything to do with it, we may as well put it out of our minds. The Chinaman, at the best of times, has no feeling of pity in his nature, and after their defeat it i

chance of our getting away?

rcely stand at first, my feet were so numbed by the pressure. However, we must keep up our pluck. Possibly they may keep us at Canton for a bit, and if they do the squadron may arrive and fight its way pas

some water," Percy said.

they won't let us die of thirst, they could

of the noise they had heard. A cage had been manufactured of strong bamboos. It was about four and a half feet long, four feet wi

r intend to put us in t

. "They are going to carr

re then put in their places and securely lashed. Four men went to the ends of the poles and lifted the cage upon their shoulders;

o sit upright in, it is nothing like long enough to lie down, and as to getting out one might as well think of flying. Do you know, Percy, I don't think they mean taking us

were, however, kept a short distance from the cage by the men in charge of it. Then a wooden platter was

they are up to, you see if it isn't; they are going to travel up

barbarians of whose doings they had so frequently heard. Consequently a small crowd soon gathered round the cage, eyeing the captives with the same interest they would have felt as to unknown and dangerous beasts; they laughed and joked, passed remarks upon

tempers and not to seem to mind what they do to us, then if they f

ot so easy to follow. That fellow very nearly poked out my eye wi

freshment house. The place of the elders was now taken by the boys and children of the village, who crowded round the cage, prodded the prisoners with sticks, and, putting their hands through the bars, pulled their ears and hair. This amusement, however, was brought to an a

gh they continued to poke the prisoners with sticks they did not venture again to thrust a hand through the bars. At sunset the guards again came round, lifted the cage and carried it into a shed. A

suppose it is," Fothergill said, "the s

sore all over with those pro

d at and poked at as if we were wild beasts by these curs, when with half a dozen of ou

daresay we shall get no more until to-morrow night, and we must keep up ou

here had been any bad water in the neigh

thrusts of the sharp-pointed bamboos, to which they had daily been subjected-the bad food, the cramped position, and the misery which they suffered had worn both lads to skeletons; their hair was matted with filth, their faces begrimed with dirt. Percy was so weak that he felt he could not stand. Fother

alked over their homes and friends in England, and their comrades on board ship, seldom saying a word as to their present position. Th

journeys, and have not stopped at any of the smaller villages we passed through. I fancy our guards must see that we can

ot that it makes much difference now to me, for

ger to kill, so I hope with all my heart that I may be right,

ged than during the early days of their captivity, for they had now no longer strength or spirits to resent their treatment, an

the side of the cage. He spoke to their guards and looked at them attent

nglish words, the first they had heard spoken since t

hinaman said; "me pilot-man many year

were firing on us. We entered a place full of pirates, and were knocked down and taken pri

n said; "plunder many junk on river

asked. "You will be well rewarded i

shook

e ask them. English ships attack Canton, much fight and take town, people all hate Eng

sked. "Could you not send down t

off," the man said; "no

to Canton let our people know what has been

night!" And after saying a few words to the guards, who had been rega

trength to attempt to break through its fastenings or to drag themselves many yards away if they could do so. They therefore left it st

ely hot, and the crowd of visitors round the cage impeded the circulation of the air and added to their sufferings. I

the villages attacking e

is no law or order. The different villages are like clans, and wage war on each other. Sometimes the Government sends a number of troops, who pu

as disturbed by a sudden firing; shouts and

have come into lately, there is a strong earthen wall round it, with gates. Wel

ht up their matchlocks, and ran to aid in the defence o

he said; "just

s that held the bamboos in their plac

he said; "no

ation of pain. Percy crawled out more slowly; he tried to stand up, bu

one." He set off at a run. Jack followed as fast as he could, groanin

ide to repel the attack. They stopped at a small gate in the wall, the Chinaman drew back the bolts and opened it, and they passed out into the country. For an hour

and he produced from a wallet a cold chicken and some boiled r

nightee come again-bringee more food." And w

ot spoken a word since he had been released from the cage, and had been insensible

, and with luck and that good fellow's hel

down there; you may

s chicken and rice. Oh, nonsense, you have got to do it. I am not going to let you give way when our trouble is just over. Think of your people at home, Percy, and make an effort, for their sakes. Good heavens! now I think of it, it must be Christmas morning. We were caught on the

ce and chicken, then he took another draught of te

short but hearty thanksgiving for his escape from a slow and lingering death, he, too, fell off to sleep. The su

you feel this morning

to move," Percy r

white as snow, and the tea is first rate. I thought last night after I lay down that I heard a murmur of water, so after we have had break

fore, and Jack, although he pretended to grumble, was satisfied with his companion's progress, and finished off the rest of the food. Then he set out to search for water. He had not very fa

found it. We can wash to our hea

it to flow over them, then they rubbed themselves with handfuls of leaves dipped in the water, and when they at last put on their rags again felt like new men. Percy was able to walk back to the spot they had quitted w

are too. I have certainly seen some like them in native

mour over the escape of the prisoners, and had made a close search throughout the village and immediately round it, for they were convinced that their captives had not had the strength to go any distance. He thought, however, that although they had professed the greatest indignation, and had offered many threats as to the vengeance that Government would take upon the village, one of whose inhabitants, at least, must have aided

me both the lads had almost recovered from the effects of their sufferings. Jack, indeed, had picked up from the first, but Percy for some days continued so weak and ill that Jack had feared that he was going to have an attack of fever of some kind.

y. The journey was accomplished at night, by very short stages at first, but by increasing distances as Percy gained strength. During the daytime the lads lay hid in woods or jungles, while their companion wen

nd covered with mats in the stern of the boat, and remained thus sheltered not only from the

e were being carried on with the authorities at Pekin. Peeping out between the mats, the lads caught sight of the English warships, and, knowing that

ess to the prisoners, and was highly satisfied with the result of his proceedings, which more than doubled the little capital with which he had retired from business. Jack Fotherg

f "John Herring

. With 10 full-page Illustrations by M. Zeno Diemer and a

the arch?ologist have had full scope, with the result that we have a narrative of adventure of the most romantic kind, and at the same time an interesting and minutely accurate account of the old Icelandic families, their homes, their mode of life, their superstitions, their songs and stories, their bear-serk fury, and their heroism by land and sea. The story is

A. H

. By G. A. Henty. With 10 full-page Illustrations by Go

sity of conviction in the rightness of its cause, and abounding in heroic incidents. Of these points Mr. Henty has made admirable use in this story of a young Virginian planter, who, after bravely proving his sympathy with the slaves, serves with no le

A. H

best of story tellers for

By G. A. Henty. With 10 full-page Illustrations by Maynard B

ugh the historic conflict the adventures and brave deeds of an English boy in the household of the ablest man of his age-William the Silent. Edward Martin; the son of an English sea-captain, after sharing in the excitement of an escape from the Spaniards and a sea-fight, enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is employed by him in many dangerous and responsibl

entury. By G. A. Henty. With 10 full-page Illustrations by

ed any story more delightful, more wholesome, or more vivacious. From f

Mark. He has certainly not published one in which he has been at such pains to rise

, principle, all the qualities that help the young

ornia. By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by

by hard work, good temper, and unfailing courage. The descriptions given of life

r school, are admirably drawn; and the adventures in California are

the humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, the Westminst

A. H

rstand boys' tastes better th

By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gor

alcolm, and his hairbreadth escapes from the machinations of his father's enemies, make up as good a narrative of the kind

. Henty has written many more sensational sto

ty. With 10 full-page Illustrations by Solomon J. Solomon: an

pictures of the hopeless Jewish resistance to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record o

author's war stories so famous, and many an 'old boy' as well as the younger o

s of Religion. By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations

e piece of history, and as boys may be trusted to read it conscientiou

wars of Gustavus Adolphus. Mackay, Hepburn, and Munro live again in Mr. Henty's pages, as those de

ook should hold a place among the classics

By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by C. J. S

uality of the scenic background. From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bear

structed or too dandified to be affected by a graphic

A. H

enture for boys Mr. Henty stands

By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gor

he dead facts of history new life, and as no pains are spared by him to ensure accuracy in hi

ically told, but also a deeply interesting and often thrilling tale

ails is worthy of all praise, does full justice.... His adventures are told with much spirit; the

By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gor

stirring adventures and thrilling situations. The picture

k. Those who know something about India will be the most ready to thank Mr. Henty for

ndence. By G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by

loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the hostile redskins in that very Huron c

dents by flood and field, combined with a gift of picturesque narrative,

G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordo

t. His tale of the days of Wallace and Bruce is full of s

achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a boy, once h

rit-stirring description of Bannockburn than the one with whi

A. H

ost successful writers of

. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by H. M.

, and courage. This is one of the best of the many good books Mr. Henty

ition for the best list of novel writers for boys we have little do

book, and its teaching is, that we have enemies within as well as without, and therefore the power

A. Henty. Illustrated by 12 full-page Pictures by Gord

but the author has so carefully worked up his subject that the exc

uth of this maritime country are lik

ith experience enough one would think to tur

SSOR A.

By Professor A. J. Church. With 12 full-page Illustrations

entertaining as well as useful, and there is a wonderful

o end, and full of adventure which is all the liveli

to make the Romans of that day live a

ed by above 100 Pictures by Gordon Browne.

lutely the best, of Defoe's work whi

ot a 'Robinson Crusoe,' just glance at any one of these hundred illustratio

E MANVIL

ank of writers of stories f

rge Manville Fenn. With 10 full-page Illustrations by F

of story-writers for boys-George Manville Fenn-has surpassed him

hic and well-described scenes, and it has an exc

re-read by every school-boy in the land. We are not exaggerating when we

G. Manville Fenn. With 12 full-page Illustrations by F

l of incident and mystery, and the mystery is kept up to the last moment. It

men, which deserves to be so heartily and unreservedly praised as regards plot, incide

le Fenn. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon

roes as for the excellent descriptions of coast scenery and life in Nort

her level than he has in Devon Boys. It must be put

lle Fenn. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon

ther the best, of the stories for boys. Mr. Fenn is

. He will be a very dull boy indeed who lays it down without wishing

Manville Fenn. Illustrated by 12 full-page Pictures by G

nd adventure, and told in the lively style

t has the great quality of always 'moving on,' adventure

E MANVIL

es having won for him a foremost place

y G. Manville Fenn. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Go

e to promise that a quiet week may be reckoned on whilst the youngsters have

inventiveness of Jules Verne, and the solidity of character and earnestness of

Manville Fenn. Illustrated by 12 full-page Pictures by G

Mr. Fenn has produced.... The Illustra

, and many will be read with breathless interest. 'The Golden Magnet' is, of course, th

Y COLLI

l and Adventure. By Harry Collingwood. With 12 full-page Illustrat

flies through the air, skims over the surface of the water, and darts along the ocean bed

RAH D

12 full-page Illustrations by G. G. Kilburne

iment and pathos. Its plot is skilfully contrived. It will be re

n conception, and with skilfully wrought-out plots; but we have seen nothing from this lad

A. H

writers whose office it is to enc

enty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by W. H. O

for the will, though apparently thorough, fails to bring it to light. The mother of Ralph, however, succeeds in entering the house as a servant, and after an arduous and exciting search secures the will. In the meantime, her son has himself passed through a series of adventures. The boat in which he is fishing is run down by a French privateer, and Ralph,

A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by J. R. W

, of sport, of religious ceremonial, and of other things which may still b

erilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skilfully constructed a

omance and adventure. We have never examined a story-book that we c

d. By G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by

early days of England which has

ng incidents of Alfred's reign are made accessi

y G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Gordon

ducing a strong story at once instruct

supplement, on their behalf, the historical labours

A. H

of story-tellers for

Spain. By G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Picture

uth, mercy and loving kindness, as indispensable to the making of an English gentleman. British lads wi

. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Gordon Bro

s of adventure, is its honest effort to do justice

at is still more useful, an account of a territory and its inhabitants which must for a long time

Boy. By G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by J

enty's record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and pe

y G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Gord

le in Ireland, rendered memorable by the defence

f what is being described were really passing before the eye.... Orange and Green should b

y G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Pictures by

thor's personal knowledge of the west coast

ired, setting before the boys a bright and bracing

A. H

riter of boys' stories is dese

lia. By G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illustrati

is best.... The drawings possess the uncommon merit

nty's very best vein-graphic, exciting, realistic; and, as in all Mr. Henty's books, the tend

the Coal Mines. By G. A. Henty. With 8 full-page Illus

look-out for a good book to give as a present to a boy who is

RANKFOR

By F. Frankfort Moore. With 8 full-page Illustrations by

-tells his story with no less humour than vividness. He shows incidentally how little real courage and romance there frequently was about the favourite law-breakers of fiction, but how they might give rise to the need of the highe

rankfort Moore. With 8 full-page Illustrations by A. F

ughly qualified to write books for boys as

nd, from a literary point of view, far better written

rld over. The characters are well drawn and consistent; Patsy, t

E MANVIL

hearts of lads more readily than

the Lawyer, Preston the Professor, and Lawrence the Sick. By G. Manville Fenn.

great novelty and attraction for them, and the experiences wit

G. Manville Fenn. With 8 full-page Illustrations

from life, they are racy of the soil, salt with the sea-water, and they stand out from the

e is excellent. Josh is a delightfully amusing character.

By G. Manville Fenn. With 8 full-page Illustrations by A

are always conspicuous in Mr. Fenn's stories-a humour racy of the British soil, the manly vigour of his sentiment,

ps his readers in a suspense that is not intermitted for a moment, and the d

nville Fenn. With 8 full-page Illustrations b

om first to last. One of the best books of its kind

o youthful readers, and will give a good idea of that which was the real st

Eastern Seas. By G. Manville Fenn. With 8 fu

ood books for boys that have

f character, develops resource, and teaches

Y COLLI

With 8 full-page Illustrations by W. H. Overe

of sea stories for boys, and the present is on

he hero is as heroic as any boy could desire, an

Cuba. By Harry Collingwood. With 8 full-page Illustrations

for years, and is certain to give unalloyed pleasure to boys

Collingwood. Illustrated by 8 full-page Pictures by C. J

author is superior in some respects as a marine novel

ge. It would be difficult to find a more t

By Harry Collingwood. With 8 full-page Illustrati

ten than the Congo Rovers. It is as origi

OTT R.

h nearly One Hundred Illustrations by Gordon Br

trations, more laughter-provoking than most we h

would put the sourest-tempered boy into a good humour, and to an

ndians. By Ascott R. Hope. With 8 full-page Pictu

guage and with a fulness of detail that make them inst

. NO

f It. By G. Norway. With 8 full-page Illustrations by Jo

hor, which is driven from her course in a voyage to Hammerfest, and wrecked on a desolate shore. The survivors experience the miseries of a long sojourn in the Arctic circle, with inadequate means of supporting life, but ultimately, with the aid of some friendly but thievish Lapps, they succeed in

A MULH

Mulholland. With 8 full-page Illustrations b

ely touched with the enthusiasm of humanity. The illustrations are unusually good, and combine with th

bject is evidently to hold up a mirror, in which are seen some of the

he 19th Century. By Douglas Frazar. With 12 full

all difficulties, and his subsequent success, should alone make this a capital book for

than 100 Pictures by Gordon Browne. Crow

it has enchanted a family party of ages varying from six to sixty. Which

ited, and brilliant of our illustrators of books for boys, and one of the m

ON OF THE

d and explained by Natural Science. By F. A. Pouchet, m.d. With 272 Engravings on wood, of which 55 are full-page size,

chet's book, which is admirably, as it

iting romance, and a great deal more likely

o likely to stimulate in the young an interest

GE MAC

nald, LL.D. With 75 Illustrations by Arthur Hug

ne on common earth. The story is thoroughly original, full of fancy and pat

L.D. With 36 Illustrations by Arthur Hughes. New Ed

fect. It is a beautiful picture of childhood, teaching by its impr

With 30 Illustrations by Arthur Hughes, and 2 full-page

fancy which are characteristic of George Mac Donald's fairy tales. Mr. Arthur H

ructive, and poetical. We cordially recommend it as one of th

ld, LL.D. With 8 full-page Illustrations by

ople would do wisely occasionally to lay aside their newspapers and magazi

Sarah Tytler. With 8 full-page Illustrations by C. T.

f Miss Sarah Tytler's stories.... Very healthy, v

Y C. R

y C. Rowsell. With 6 full-page Illustrations by L

piracy. In consequence its owner, a kindly, quiet, book-loving squire, who lives happily with his sister, bright Mistress Amoril, finds himself suddenly involved by a treacher

Plot. By Mary C. Rowsell. With 6 full-page

racters are lifelike beings, not dry sti

ICE C

6 full-page Illustrations by Robert F

that simple and picturesque style which marks the authoress as

an. With 6 full-page Illustrations by Gor

lightful piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young E

Alice Corkran. With 60 character Illustrations by Gordon Brown

nder-book for chi

l is told with such simplicity and perfect naturalness that the dream appears to

C. HUT

. By John C. Hutcheson. With 6 full-page Illustration

rom the Pratas Reef on which she is stranded, everything is described with the accuracy of perfect practical knowledge of ships and sailors; and the incidents of the story range from the broad humours of the fo'c's'le to the perils of flight from and fig

John C. Hutcheson. With 6 full-page Illustrations

years as has the author of this capital story.... Boys will find it d

od as sometimes to remind us of Tom Crin

elen Land. By John C. Hutcheson. Illustrated by 6

destined to wreck on Kerguelen Land is manned by a very lifelike party, pass

rne Creek. By John C. Hutcheson. With 6 full-

y well encourage him to further efforts. The description of

illiam Everard. With 6 full-page Illustrations

h alike will take an interest in the career of Dodo, in spite of his unheroi

By Ascott R. Hope. With 100 Illustrations by Gordon

ere is, we venture to say, not a dull page in the book, no

OLINE

. With 6 full-page Illustrations by W. Pa

by her young cousin Geoffrey, who at length meets with a serious accident for which she is held responsible. She is then passed on to other relatives, who prove even more objectionable, and at length, in despair, she runs away and

tin. With 6 full-page Illustrations by C. T

derness, and its healthy interesting mo

full of interest, and excell

S. B

E. S. Brooks. With 12 full-page Illustrations b

senior boy, and is eminently readab

nd can be confidently recommended as one of the ge

en Times. By E. S. Brooks. With 20 Illustrations by Gordon

ls of olden days are no mere fictitious or imaginary sketches, but are real and actual records of

r Times. By E. S. Brooks. With 12 full-page Illustrations by

ches enlivened by brisk dialogue. We advise schoolma

E. R.

s. E. R. Pitman. With 4 full-page Illust

llustrating faith in God, and commending to young minds all t

e for others. By Mrs. E. R. Pitman. With 4 full-p

nature in all its phases, but she has acquired the artist's skill in depicting in grap

y Mrs. E. R. Pitman. With 4 full-page Illu

bright examples of charact

. R. H

R. H. Read. With 6 full-page Illustrations by J

rth, though brought up in a humble station, well deserves the more elevated position in

R. H. Read. With 6 full-page Illustrat

of rubbish, to get a story so pure

BETH J.

Family. By Elizabeth J. Lysaght. With 6 full-pa

e plot is cleverly constructed, an

ent for the Little Ones. By Jennett Humphreys. Charmin

ction of the little ones. The various chapters of the Learn section carry the child through the "three R's" to easy stories for reading, and stories which the mother may read aloud, or which more advanced children may read

By Henry Frith. With 6 full-page Illustrations b

whales, and icebergs in Labrador will delight many a young reader, and at the same time give him a

ca. By J. A. Steuart. With 6 full-page Illustration

m death in all its shapes which the hero experiences in the course of a few mo

y-Groves, late 27th Inniskillings. With 6 full-page Illustr

ting with the Frenchmen in the beginning of our cent

. W. Champney. With 12 full-page Pictures by W

deal of information to be gained from it. The steam from the magic teapot bubbles up into a girl, and the little girl, when t

hool. By Lewis Hough. With 6 full-page P

scinating book. There is the same manliness of tone, truthfulness of outline, avoidance of exaggeration

HALF-CRO

nt Artists. In crown

Volu

e Wilds. By Gordon Stab

ay finding the lost son of his uncle's close friend, Captain Herbert. He succeeds in tracing him through the forests of Ecuador, where the abducted boy has become an Indian chief. Afterwards he is discovered on

Story for Children. B

n of romantic incident, solving a mystery which had thrown a shadow over several lives. A charming foil to her grave and earnest elder sister

he Queen of the M

ead by poachers just before the christening, and when, years after, her mother died on the very day Lilac was crowned Queen of the May. And yet White Lilac proved a fortune to the relatives to whose

are. By Evelyn

nder pathos of Mrs. Ewing's delightful tales. This is quite one of the

otice of those in charge of girls' schools.

crets. By Evely

children's stories o

very touching picture of high principle and unshr

udacious."

e have great pleasure in reco

d fresh and wholesome as a breath

May. By

y both interesting an

the ocean wave which will be acceptable to

est. By Elizab

l of stirring adventure and startling episodes, and y

How George Andrews made

modesty, and innate pluck carry him, naturally, from poverty to affluenc

he Working Genius. By

om to say is, get it for your boys and girls to read for themselv

Adventures in South Afr

bit of writing.... The story is well and brilliantly told, and the

ton: Stories of Village

is. They will learn further to avoid all that is petty and mean if they read

from Long Ago to Now. By Jane

have followed the whole course of the work with exquisite pleasure. Teacher

, Forest, Field, and Stream. By Jenn

d whose mind is beginning to inquire and reflect upon the wonders of n

: Or the Lost Fou

y, full of pathos and interest, told in a style whi

tory of Faith and Pa

s will be charmed with the tale, and delighted

n's Offer. By

s the one personality in the story which can be said to give it the

Girls. By Lo

d show them how to make their lives fra

he beau ideal of girls' s

obody's Bairn. B

ghtful creature-piquant, tender, and true-and her

ory of the Crusades. B

ated, and may safely be chosen as sure to prove in

Ned Somerset's Inherit

y written. There is plenty of incident, and the int

es: Or "Peggy Pepper-

ing a girl true to real life, who will p

Tale of Saxon Engla

t of book that all girls and some boys like, an

A Tale of the 17th Ce

on of manners and character has been well studi

timent which pervades the volume renders i

off: The Deliverer of Sweden,

s a happy thought to have put them side by side. Plutarc

Former Days: Narrative

ons of maritime peril and suffering which awaken the sympathies by the realism

Captivity

oung people a book which combines interest and in

overies by

divine fire kindled by these 'great of old' to lay open other

Events of

aller ways of history pleasant and attractive. It is a gift-book in

ood, and Forest. Storie

in producing. The editor has beyond all question succeeded admirably. The

A Tale of Adventur

prime favourite with our boys, who will be assisted by it in mastering a

Failing. By

and a capital lesson on the value of contented

. Richards. With 30 humorous and fan

cate humour. It should take its place beside Lewis Carroll's unique works, and

TWO-SHILLI

our and black and tint. I

Volu

The Story of Two Fatherl

dparents, by whom they are being brought up, leads to their passing through a number of adventures in uncomfortable homes and among strange people. In the end the el

y of a Boy's Adventures

s into the hands of the Berinaquas, and becomes the friend of their prince, Moryosi, but is on the point of being sacrificed when he is saved by the capture of the kraelah by a neig

By Amy

The authoress shows a great deal of insight into c

" And other Stori

ly true to nature. For children between nine and four

orns. By

child-life. At this species of work Amy

le of the Time of Charl

armly welcomed by children. The little heroine,

Glimpse of the Past.

type of girlhood as one could wish to set before ou

the Gentle Heart.

er rich uncle and thus unwittingly restores the family fortune

goodyism in it, but a tone of quiet and true relig

:" The Story of a Tr

if any boy after reading it would be tempted to the great mistake of runn

d The Lost Pinnace.

ng, adventurous, and romantic, and the stories a

a "Little Pickle." B

its, and when at length he goes to sea with Uncle Jack he speed

oys. By Cecilia

book, and will be heartily apprecia

way, but is full of the kind of humour

who Love Children. From the German of

n local colouring, and, what is be

d fascinate older and less enthusiastic minds with their delicate romance and

n: A Devonshire Stor

lial affection, and devotion to duty on the part of the young hero

edom in the Olden Time. Edited by Arthur G

which ought to be in the hands

d-Spinner. Translated from the Fre

y translating into readable English thes

Field and Tree. By Alice Banks. Wi

uched by the sensibility of the tender-hearted ant, and may profit by the mora

schiefs. By Ro

enuine humour and innocent fun."-Freeman. "A char

A Series of Stories illustratin

can easily find in the literature of the season. W

Two Other Stories

ies; the book is a most alluring priz

er Tricks and Trouble

apas should not omit Naughty Miss Bunny from th

ing-to-be, and other St

book for little gir

pirit to win the hearts

Mrs. R. H. Read. With many Woodc

d prettily illust

vourite with young chi

w. By Mrs. R. H. Read. With many W

edge of natural history and other matters gently in

EIGHTEENPE

ur, and black and tint. In

Volu

g and Danger.

ooting expedition, and his subsequent captivity among the Dacoits; a strange tale of an Indian fakir and two British officers; a tale of

en Keys. By Ja

e seven journeys to find the keys, and in her travels she passes through a number of adventures and learns seven important lessons-to speak the truth, to be kind,

a Queen. By M

entres in a heroine rather than in a hero, the book has no lack of adventure, and will be read with no less eagerness by boys than by girls. To th

he North Pole and Elsew

ming style and easy prose narrative makes its re

e a Coward? By

sufficiently varied to suit chi

Gold. By Jen

Miss Perrett's description of life on the quiet

Treasure. By F.

his search for treasure and the sequel are sure

ude: A Story of Home

and forms one of the best children's book

ry for Girls. By E

whom all instinctively turn for guidan

arge. By Elizab

e influence of two Indian children who are unexpectedly left upon

ven. By Ann

breezy freshness, as well as for the pract

Open

1 Chapter 1 No.1 2 Chapter 2 No.2