Ling staggered under the weight of his burden. For all that, he gained
the junk, where he threw the sack into an open hatchway in the forepart
of the ship.
He then returned to the glade, and by a great effort lifted a second
sack upon his shoulder. In all, he made the journey twenty times; and
on each occasion his gait was more unsteady, his breathing shorter and
faster. It appeared to Frank, who watched him, that the man diminished
in stature; his shoulders became round--when he had once been so
upright--and he walked like an old man, with bent knees and hollowed
chest.
He was not able to complete his final journey without a rest. Half-way
between the glade and the junk, he threw down the last sack upon the
ground, and seating himself upon it, placed his head between his hands
and came out with a great sob that was pitiful to hear. He needed his
last ounce of strength to steady himself to walk the narrow gangway. No
sooner had he reached the deck of the junk than the sack fell from his
hands, and he himself collapsed. His knees gave way from under him, and
he lay for several minutes quite motionless, curled up like a great dog
that sleeps.
Frank, thinking that the man was unconscious, knew not what to do. He
began to search for a tin can or pannikin of some sort in which to give
him water, but he had failed to find anything suitable for such a
purpose when Ling struggled to an elbow.
"Come here," said he. "I would speak to you."
His voice was so low as to be scarcely audible. Frank hastened to his
side and, kneeling down, placed an ear close to his mouth.
The boy had no fear now of the mighty Ling. Indeed, it would have been
mere foolishness to fear one so stricken, in so sorry a plight. Ling
was no longer an incarnate monster, a blustering, boisterous bully. The
tiger was caught, choked and enfolded in the meshes of a net. And yet,
he still struggled for life--struggled to the last.
He was a man who, during the last few hours, had been possessed by but
one idea, which had absorbed the whole of his mind and strength and
energy. Call it avarice, greed of gold, or the nobility of a supreme
endeavour, it is all the same--it means that there was something in him
of the earthly hero. It means that a power that is immortal had given
him strength to accomplish all that he desired, had given him courage to
live but a little longer. And now, with the plunder safely on board,
and the wide river of the valley extending to the open sea, he knew that
his days were numbered, his time on earth was short.
"I would speak with you," he whispered. "I would tell you, you are my
friend. Go below and release the European prisoners, but keep
Cheong-Chau's men bound hand and foot. You cannot trust them. They are
all of a breed--of the same breed as their leader. In Canton--if you
wish it--you can hand them over to justice. Tell the prefect that they
were captured by the mighty Ling."
In that thought he appeared to find some degree of satisfaction. He had
always been vain of his strength, his wisdom and his courage.
He was silent a moment. Frank noticed that he smiled--a smile that was
terrible to see, because his face was so pinched and haggard. His
thoughts must have turned to things divine, for when he spoke again, it
was in the words of the Celestial Emperor's prayer. He had turned over
upon his back, and lay with his eyes wide open, looking up at the stars.
"To Thee, O mysteriously working Maker, I look up in thought. How
imperial is Thy expansive arch! I, Thy child, dull and unenlightened,
come to Thee with gladness, as a swallow rejoicing in the spring,
praising Thine abundant love."
All his vanity had left him now. The heart of the monster was that of a
little child. The violence of the life he had lived, the cruelty of his
deeds, departed from him as the life's blood flowed from his wound; and
the wisdom and the reverence he had learned on earth rose superior to
earthly joys. He closed his eyes, and lay for a long time, breathing
more easily, as if asleep.
Frank got to his feet and, descending into the cabin below, cut the
bonds that bound Mr Waldron and his uncle. In as few words as possible,
the boy explained exactly what had happened; and then all three went on
deck, to the place where Ling was lying at the foot of the mast.
As they approached, he endeavoured to lift his head, but it fell back
again, as if he had lost control of the muscles of his neck.
"Can you sail the junk?" he asked, speaking for the first time in
English.
"I think so," said Frank. "In any case, if we can but get her out into
mid-stream, she will drift upon the current."
"That is what I would wish," said Ling. "Let me drift into the other
world. Forty years since, I was born upon the turbulent waters of the
Hoang-Ho. Let me breathe my last upon the tranquil Pe-kiang. One is
inclined to believe," he continued, "that destiny is expressed in
symbols. The Hoang-Ho is the most boisterous, violent and unmanageable
river in all the thirteen provinces of this celestial land. And my life
has been such, in very truth. I have lived by violence, and now I die a
death by violence. But--I know not why--I die calmly, in peace with all
men and my Maker. I think that, perhaps, the bad that was within me has
gone out of me with the brute strength that was mine, and the good that
was within me has taken possession of my soul, to conduct me to the
expansive arch of heaven. And now, that I may rest in peace, bring me a
pillow for my head. You cannot move me--I am too heavy. Besides, I
desire to remain here, to regard the stars."
Searching the junk, they found several cushions, and these they disposed
so that the man could lie in greater ease. And Mr Waldron, who--as a
man who had lived much of his life in the wilds--had some little
experience in surgery and medicine, attended to Ling's wound, washing
away the blood and folding another and a cleaner bandage.
And then they loosed the junk from her moorings, and with difficulty at
last succeeded in getting the ship clear of the creek. She at once
swung round with the current. And when they lowered what little canvas
she carried, the ship drifted down the river, with Sir Thomas Armitage
at the tiller.
On this account progress was very slow, and they had not progressed many
miles when the red dawn began to appear in the east. They passed
villages upon both banks of the river, surrounded by flooded ricefields,
purple in the dawn. As the light grew, they were able to perceive
distant wooded hills, with ancient temples and pagodas built upon their
slopes.
They had taken turn and turn about at the work of steering, relieving
one another every half-hour, so that there were always two of them in
attendance upon Ling. He did not speak again until the sun had risen,
when he complained that the light was trying to his eyes.
As he had said, he was far too heavy to be moved. They constructed an
awning above him, a small sail tied to the mast. He thanked them with
Chinese courtesy, and then closed his eyes again, as if he desired to
sleep.
A little after, they rounded a bend of the river, and found that they
had gained the Pe-kiang, or North River, which joins the West River a
little above Canton. And there, lying in mid-stream, like a watch-dog
at the mouth of its kennel, was a British gunboat, her paint glistening
in the sun, the great muzzle of a 4.5 gun directed at the bows of the
junk. They could see the gunners, each man in his place, standing ready
to fire.
The junk drifted nearer and nearer to the man-of-war. They could see
the commander on the bridge. He shouted to them through a megaphone,
ordering them to heave to and drop their anchors, or else he would open
fire. When he saw that there were Europeans on board, however, who were
free to do what they liked, and that the only Chinaman visible was a man
stretched at full length upon the deck beneath an awning, he threw back
his head with an exclamation of surprise.
At the commander's side upon the bridge stood a long-coated Chinaman;
and as the junk drew alongside, Sir Thomas and his nephew recognised
their old servant, Yung How.
A moment later, the lieutenant-commander was on board the junk,
listening in astonishment to the extraordinary tale which Frank Armitage
had to tell. It was not easy to believe, but there was on board the
junk indisputable evidence that the boy spoke the truth. For there was
the sack of silver dollars upon the deck, where Ling had thrown it;
Cheong-Chau's seven men were below, bound hand and foot; and there was
the great Honanese himself, with the spark of life no more than
glimmering in that colossal frame.
Whilst Frank was relating his story, Sir Thomas addressed himself to
Yung How, who stood upon the deck of the gunboat. The man explained
that he had done all in his power to atone for his treachery and
ingratitude. He had reached Hong-Kong--as we know--on the same boat as
the letters, but had not been able to pluck up sufficient moral courage
to present himself before the police authorities until after he had been
several hours on the island. The ransom had already been despatched,
when the Chief of Police presented himself before Sir John Macintosh,
the Governor.
It would have been easy to telegraph to Canton, instructing those on
board the launch to wait for His Majesty's gunboat _Ferret_. It was
decided, however, to allow the ransom money to be taken over by the
brigands, who could afterwards be brought to book at the junction of the
Sang River with the Pekiang. It would not be possible for Cheong-Chau
to remove the treasure by any other means than by junk or _wupan_. Of
the operations of Ling and the undoing of Cheong-Chau and his band, the
Hong-Kong police authorities, of course, knew nothing.
Yung How himself was ordered to accompany the ship's doctor, who
immediately hastened to the assistance of the dying man on board the
junk. When the servant found himself face to face with his master, he
immediately fell upon his knees, imploring Sir Thomas to be merciful.
The judge was not slow to forgive, realising that Yung How had at last
been made to realise the evils of the drug to which for so many years he
had been a slave, and the depths of degradation to which the opium
smoker can sink.
Upon that fateful morning, however, beyond a few brief words of mutual
congratulation, little enough was said. The attention of all was taken
up by the prostrate figure of the notorious Canton robber, who for years
past had defied all authority and law.
The naval surgeon declared that he could do nothing. The man was
already as good as dead. The surgeon's sole cause for wonderment was
that Ling still lived.
The great Honanese remained insensible until the moment when
Cheong-Chau's brigands were brought on deck. Then, opening his eyes, he
looked at them, at first not appearing to remember who they were. Then,
very slowly, a smile spread upon his face.
"They go the way of all men," said he; "to the Potter's Yard, if
evidence can be produced against them; at all events, to the wooden
cages that are to be found at the gates of the city. As for myself, I
go before a greater court of justice. And I am not afraid."
He remained silent for a moment, and then, seeing Frank, he asked the
boy to come to him.
"Had I not met you," said he, "that morning on the wharf at Sanshui,
perhaps I should not now be bidding farewell to all my earthly troubles.
Still, that is a matter of no importance. I would like to thank you,
because you have been true to me. It does not flatter me to think that
you preferred me to Cheong-Chau. You obeyed me in the first instance
through fear, and then because you saw that I was one upon whom you
could rely. Tell me, is that so?"
"I think it is," said the boy, and then he added: "You are a strange man
indeed."
"I believe I am," said Ling. "A singular mixture: evil and good,
brutality and kindness, strength and weakness."
"I should not call you weak," said the boy.
"Then you do not know me, after all. What was all my vanity and
boasting but weakness? What right has any man to boast? In the midst
of the universe he is smaller than the ant; his voice, beside the
thunder, is no more than the croaking of a frog. And now, bid me
farewell, for I am about to die, and would gladly do so, that the pain I
suffer may be ended."
It was just as if the man passed into the other world of his own free
will. Slowly he closed his eyes; and then he breathed no more. The
features of his face relaxed; the hardness and the cruelty, the lines of
agony and crime, vanished from his features. The tiger was no more. And
let us believe what he himself believed: that the evil that was in him
remained upon this earth in that great casket of sinew, nerve and
muscle, destined to decay, and the good that was within him--all that
was noble and heroic, the great thoughts that he had had and the wisdom
he had acquired--was carried by his soul into what he himself had
described as "the expansive arch of heaven."
THE RIVERSIDE PRESS LIMITED, EDINBURGH
----
A Select List of Books for
Young People: Published by
Humphrey Milford, Oxford
University Press
Books for Boys
"_Boys who read Mr. Strang's works have not merely the advantage of
perusing enthralling and wholesome tales, but they are also absorbing
sound and trustworthy information of the men and times about which they
are reading._"--DAILY TELEGRAPH.
By HERBERT STRANG
The Blue Raider
Illustrated by C. E. BROCK.
Phil Trentham, a young English trader, and his friend Hoole, an
American, are amongst the few survivors of a tramp steamer sunk by a
German raider in the Pacific. Together with Grinson, the boatswain, and
Meek, a seaman, they reach the coast of New Guinea, and find themselves
between the devil and the deep sea, in the shape of cannibal natives on
the one hand and the German raiders on the other. After running
imminent risk of being devoured, the party come to terms with the
natives, who have themselves suffered much at the hands of the Germans;
and they unite against the common foe. By a clever stratagem Trentham
wrecks the German raider and outwits the crew, who make an attack on his
party. The fat boatswain, Grinson, and the lean, melancholy Meek are
good examples of Mr. Herbert Strang's power of characterisation.
The Long Trail
Illustrated by H. EVISON.
This is a story of African adventure that carries the reader on
breathlessly. Two English lads, who had gone to Africa prospecting for
tin, come into contact with the wild race of the Tubus, and unwittingly
cross the ambitions of their leader, Goruba. They are besieged, with
their carriers, in a tumble-down fort, have encounters with savage
beasts as well as savage men, and ultimately, getting the better of
Goruba, have their reward in the shape of a hoard of ivory which lay
concealed beneath the fort.
A Gentleman-at-Arms
A Story of Elizabethan Days. Eight plates in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO, and
thirty-eight line drawings by T. H. ROBINSON.
This book is unique In literature for boys. It relates the adventurous
career of an Elizabethan gentleman, in a style carefully modelled on the
simple prose of the century which produced the Authorised Version of the
Bible. No previous writer for boys has ever attempted a similar
achievement. Apart from its romantic and exciting incidents, this story
has great value by reason of its historical and geographical
information, and its exceptional style.
Sultan Jim
Empire Builder. Coloured illustrations by CYRUS CUNEO.
Asia and Australia have been the scene of Mr. Strang's most recent
romances of Empire. In this book he turns to Africa, where the
colonising activity of rival powers is raising problems of the greatest
interest and importance. The presence of a young Englishman in one of
the debatable lands at a time of upheaval and international rivalry
enables him to uphold the interests of the Empire against formidable
opposition. The story is brimful of adventure, and its moral is that of
patriotic self-sacrifice.
"Father Christmas brings many good things in his train, but It Is
doubtful If he brings anything better in its own way than a new story by
Mr. Herbert Strang. The multitude of his youthful readers are likely to
find their most insatiable thirst for adventure satisfied by this new
volume."--_Bookman_.
The Air Patrol
A Story of the North-West Frontier. Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS
CUNEO.
In this book Mr. Strang looks ahead--and other books have already proved
him a prophet of surprising skill--to a time when there is a great
Mongolian Empire whose army sweeps down on to the North-West Frontier of
India. His two heroes luckily have an aeroplane, and with the help of a
few Pathan miners they hold a pass in the Hindu Kush against a swarm of
Mongols, long enough to prevent the cutting of the communications of the
Indian army operating in Afghanistan. The qualities which marked Mr.
Strang's last long story, "The Air-Scout," and won extraordinarily high
commendation from Lord Roberts, Lord Curzon, and others, as well as from
the _Spectator_ and other great journals, are again strikingly
displayed; and the combination of thrilling adventure with an Imperial
problem and excellent writing, adds one more to this author's long list
of successes.
"An exceptionally good book, written moreover In excellent
style."--_Times_.
"The 'Air Patrol' is really a masterpiece."--_Morning Post_.
The Air-Scout
A Story of National Defence. Illustrated in Colour by W. R. S. STOTT.
The problems of National Defence are being discussed with more and more
care and attention, not only in Great Britain, but also in all parts of
the Empire. In this story Mr. Strang imagines a Chinese descent upon
Australia, and carries his hero through a series of exciting adventures,
in which the value of national spirit, organisation, and discipline is
exemplified. The important part which the aeroplane will play in
warfare is recognised, and the thousands of readers who have delighted
in the author's previous stories of aviation will find this new book
after their own heart.
LORD ROBERTS writes: "It is capital reading, and should interest more
than boys. Your forecast is so good that I can only hope the future may
not bring to Australia such a struggle as the one you so graphically
describe."
LORD CURZON writes: "I have read with great pleasure your book, 'The
Air-Scout.' It seems to me to be a capital story, full of life and
movement: and further, it preaches the best of all secular gospels,
patriotism and co-operation."
"We congratulate Me. Strang on this fine book--one of the best fighting
stories we have read."--_Morning Post_.
Rob the Ranger
A Story of the Fight for Canada. Illustrated in Colour by W. H.
MARGETSON, and three Maps.
Rob Somers, son of an English settler in New York State, sets out with
Lone Pete, a trapper, in pursuit of an Indian raiding party which has
destroyed his home and carried off his younger brother. He is captured
and taken to Quebec, where he finds his brother, and escapes with him in
the dead of the winter, in company with a little band of New Englanders.
They are pursued over snow 'and ice, and in a log hut beside Lake
Champlain maintain a desperate struggle against a larger force of
French, Indians, and half-breeds, ultimately reaching Fort Edward in
safety.
One of Clive's Heroes
A Story of the Fight for India. Illustrated In Colour, and Maps.
Desmond Burke goes out to India to seek his fortune, and is sold by a
false friend of his, one Marmaduke Diggle, to the famous Pirate of
Gheria. But he escapes, runs away with one of the Pirate's own vessels,
and meets Colonel Clive, whom he assists to capture the Pirate's
stronghold. His subsequent adventures on the other side of India--how
he saves a valuable cargo of his friend, Mr. Merriman, assists Clive in
his fights against Sirajuddaula, and rescues Mr. Merriman's wife and
daughter from the clutches of Diggle--are told with great spirit and
humour.
"An absorbing story.... The narrative not only thrills, but also weaves
skilfully out of fact and fiction a clear impression of our fierce
struggle for India."--_Athenaeum_.
Samba
A Story of the Congo. Illustrated in Colour.
The first work of fiction in which the cause of the hapless Congo native
is championed.
"It was an excellent Idea on the part of Mr. Herbert Strang to write a
story about the treatment of the natives in the Congo Free State.... Mr.
Strang has a big following among English boys, and anything he chooses
to write is sure to receive their appreciative attention."--_Standard_,
"Mr. Herbert Strang has written not a few admirable books for boys, but
none likely to make a more profound impression than his new story of
this year."--_Scotsman_.
Barclay of the Guides
A Story of the Indian Mutiny. Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO.
With Maps.
Of all our Native Indian regiments the Guides have probably the most
glorious traditions. They were among the few who remained true to their
salt during the trying days of the great Mutiny, vying in gallantry and
devotion with our best British regiments. The story tells how James
Barclay, after a strange career in Afghanistan, becomes associated with
this famous regiment, and though young in years, bears a man's part in
the great march to Delhi, the capture of the royal city, and the
suppression of the Mutiny.
With Drake on the Spanish Main
Illustrated in Colour by ARCHIBALD WEBB. With Maps.
A rousing story of adventure by sea and land. The hero, Dennis
Hazelrig, is cast ashore on an island in the Spanish Main, the sole
survivor of a band of adventurers from Plymouth. He lives for some time
with no companion but a spider monkey, but by a series of remarkable
incidents he gathers about him a numerous band of escaped slaves and
prisoners, English, French and native; captures a Spanish fort; fights a
Spanish galleon; meets Francis Drake, and accompanies him in his famous
adventures on the Isthmus of Panama; and finally reaches England the
possessor of much treasure. The author has, as usual, devoted much
pains to characterisation, and every boy will delight in Amos Turnpenny,
Tom Copstone, and other bold men of Devon, and in Mirandola, the monkey.
Palm Tree Island
Illustrated in Colour by ARCHIBALD WEBB.
In this story two boys are left on a volcanic island in the South Seas,
destitute of everything but their clothes. The story relates how they
provided themselves with food and shelter, with tools and weapons; how
they fought with wild dogs and sea monsters; and how, when they have
settled down to a comfortable life under the shadow of the volcano,
their peace is disturbed by the advent of savages and a crew of mutinous
Englishmen. The savages are driven away; the mutineers are subdued
through the boys' ingenuity; and they ultimately sail away in a vessel
of their own construction. In no other book has the author more
admirably blended amusement with instruction.
"Written as well that there Is not a dull page in the book."--_The
World_.
Herbert Strang's Romances of Modern Invention
Each of the following stories is concerned with some particular
discovery of Modern Science, such as the aeroplane and the submarine,
which is made use of in the working out of the plot; and the heroes of
these adventures, who face dangers that were unknown in olden times,
cannot fail to make a strong appeal to boys of to-day.
The Flying Boat
Illustrated in Colour.
The flying boat Is a logical development of the hydroplane. At a
sufficiently high speed, the hydroplane leaves the water and becomes a
hydro-aeroplane. The possession of such a machine gives the hero of the
story (the scene of which is laid in China) opportunities of highly
exciting adventures, and Incidentally the chance of rescuing an old chum
who has fallen into the hands of Chinese revolutionaries.
"The book is alive with vigorous action from cover to cover, 'The Flying
Boat' is a rattling good story."--_Bookman_.
The Motor Scout
A Story of Adventure in South America. Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS
CUNEO.
In the interest aroused by the solution of the problem of flying, the
motor bicycle has been entirely overlooked by story-writers. Happily
Mr. Herbert Strang has now thought of making it the pivot of a story,
the scene of which is one of the Latin States of South America. Mr.
Strang tells the story of an Irish boy who is living in this State just
at the time when one of the periodical revolutions breaks out. He is
forced to take sides, and with the help of his motor-cycle is able to
assist his friends, but not without running risks unknown to scouts
provided with less novel means of traversing the country. "A really
fine story, full of life, and one that any bay can enjoy."--_Outlook_.
Round the World in Seven Days
The Story of an Aeroplane. Illustrated in Colour by A. C. MICHAEL.
"This is a book which any boy would revel in, and which people who are
no longer boys will read with equally breathless
interest."--_Educational News_.
The Cruise of the Gyro-Car
Illustrated in Colour by A. C. MICHAEL.
(The Gyro-Car, which is a road vehicle or a boat at pleasure, is the
logical outcome of the gyroscope applied to the bicycle.)
Swift and Sure
The Story of a Hydroplane. Illustrated in Colour by J. FINNEMORE.
"It is one of the most exciting of this season's works for boys, every
page containing a thrill, and no boy will leave it to a second sitting
if he can help it."--_Teacher_.
King of the Air
or, To Morocco on an Aeroplane. Illustrated in Colour by W. E. WEBSTER.
"One of the best boys' stories we have ever read."--_Morning Leader_.
"The best book of its kind now in existence."--_Manchester Guardian_.
Lord of the Seas
The Story of a Submarine. Illustrated in Colour by C. FLEMING WILLIAMS.
"The excitement lasts from cover to cover."--_Manchester Courier_.
By Captain G. B. McKEAN, V.C., M.C., M.M.
Scouting Thrills
Illustrated by JOHN DE WALTON.
Captain G. B. McKean is a Canadian officer who served throughout the
war, first as a private, afterwards gaining a commission, and winning
successively the Military Medal, the V.C., and the Military Cross. In
his book he recounts some of his most thrilling experiences on the
Western Front, particularly the exploit by which he gained the V.C.
Captain McKean was Scout Officer in his battalion, and his chapters are
amongst the most vivid and thrilling accounts of the war yet
written--not the war of "big pushes," massed attacks, bayonet charges,
and the capture of miles of trenches, but of nights spent crawling about
in the mud of No-Man's-Land, of lonely vigils in shell-holes, bombing
raids, and unpleasant experiences "on the wire."
GENERAL SIR ROBERT BADEN POWELL writes: "I have devoured it with great
relish.... It gives a life-like representation of the risks and thrills
of scouting and the 'real thing'; and as a moral lesson of chucking
everything aside to get your duty done, it is bound to have powerful
results."
By HYLTON CLEAVER
Brother o' Mine
A School Story. Illustrated by H. M. BROCK.
"Brother o' Mine" is a story of Harley, a great public school. Toby
Nicholson, an old Harleian, after making a shot at one or two possible
openings for a career, accepts the post of Games Master at his old
school. To his younger brother Terence the prospect of being at Harley
with Toby is one of unalloyed pleasure, and as he is pretty sure of his
First XI. colours next term, the world for him is rose-coloured. But
his anticipations are not altogether realised, for Slade, the Captain of
Cricket, having no particular liking for Terence to start with, feels
that the presence of Toby is a direct challenge to him to assert his
independence; and on the plea that he will not show favouritism to a boy
because his brother happens to be Games Master, he refuses to do him
simple justice and keeps him out of the XI. In the duel that ensues,
Slade makes several false moves that show him to be actuated by petty
spite rather than by any high motive of justice and fair-play; and his
own play proving anything but fair, his career at Harley comes to an
abrupt conclusion. Terence is a fine bat, and the force of public
opinion and his own worth secure him the coveted "last place" in the XI.
The Harley First Eleven
Illustrated by C. E. BROCK.
"The Harley First Eleven" is a collection of Mr. Hylton Cleaver's best
short stories, all centring on the great public school Harley, and,
individually, dealing with the sports for which it is famous. Mr.
Cleaver's knowledge of public school-boy character is extensive and
profound; he has a ready fund of wit and humour at his call, and he can
describe a Rugger match in a way that makes the blood tingle with
excitement. Rugger was Harley's great game, though the school produced
many first-class cricketers; and the two games form the pivot of several
stories. Others are concerned with boxing, running and swimming; and we
are let into secrets regarding the giving or withholding of colours for
which the school at large saw no justification at the time. The book is
a history of battles fought and won on the playing-fields of Harley.
By CLAUDE GRAHAME-WHITE AND HARRY HARPER
Heroes of the Air
Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO.
This book deals with the labours and exploits of those who have played
an important part in bringing about the conquest of the air. It not
only contains personal memoirs of the men themselves, but traces the
progress of aerial flight from the early gliders to the aeroplanes of
to-day. The story of the experiments of those who first essayed to
fly--the problems that long baffled them and the difficulties they
overcame--together with the accounts of the daring feats of modern
aviators, make a stirring narrative, and carry the history of heroism
and endurance a. stage further forward.
"This will prove a great attraction to a multitude of readers who wish
to read of deeds of great daring and very narrow escapes."--_Nation_.
With the Airmen
Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO.
Mr. Grahame-White has not only repeatedly proved his skill and daring as
a pilot, but the well-known type of biplane bearing his name shows that
he is in the forefront of designers and constructors. With his
practical and technical knowledge is combined the somewhat rare ability
to impart his knowledge in a form acceptable to boys, as he has already
shown in his "Heroes of the Air." This time he has written a vade mecum
for the young aeroplanist, who is conducted to the aerodrome and
initiated Into all the mysteries of flying. The structure of the
aeroplane, the uses of the different parts, the propulsive mechanism,
the steering apparatus, the work at a flying school, the causes of
accidents, and the future of the aeroplane are all dealt with.
"It is surely one of the most entertaining books on a technical subject
that have ever appeared, as well as one of the most instructive and
comprehensive."--_Nation_.
By CAPTAIN CHARLES GILSON
On Secret Service. Illustrated by JOHN DE WALTON.
Captain Gilson's new book carries us back to the early days of the war,
when the hidden menace of spies in our midst was scarcely less
formidable than the obvious menace from the enemy without. Daniel
Wansborough, a retired Scotland Yard detective, takes up active service
again in the hour of his country's need, and becomes aware of a
well-organised system of espionage at work, with its headquarters in
London; but for a time he cannot discover whose is the brain directing
the organisation. His nephew, George, a lad of sixteen, is instrumental
in obtaining this information. George falls into the hands of the
arch-spy, and is kept a prisoner in London. Here he learns the details
of an ingenious plan whereby the chief Government offices in Whitehall
are to be destroyed by Zeppelins. The detective, in trying to unravel
the mystery of his nephew's disappearance, finds the threads mingling
with those of the spy-plot, and when at length he locates the house in
which the boy is shut up, he finds himself with his hand upon the very
nerve-centre of the German Secret Service organisation. George is able
to supply the missing links in the chain of evidence, and the scheme for
the destruction of Whitehall if frustrated at the eleventh hour.
The Spy
A Story of the Peninsular War. Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO.
To the work of story-writing Captain Gilson brings a remarkable
combination of talents: an unrivalled knowledge of military history, an
imagination that never flags, a dramatic literary style, and a keen
sense of humour. These qualities are seen to perfection in "The Spy."
The hero, Sir Jeffery Jones, Bart, when a boy of sixteen, secures a
commission in a famous foot regiment, then under orders to sail for
Portugal under the command of Sir Arthur Wellesley. His first encounter
with the enemy takes place before he is fifty miles from home, for on
the road to London he pursues and comes near to capturing a spy in the
pay of Bonaparte. Several times subsequently the paths of the two
cross, and eventually Sir Jeffery is the means of thwarting the
Frenchman's schemes. He takes part in much of the fighting in the
Peninsula, and, at the storming of Badajoz and elsewhere, renders his
country good service.
"Every boy who loves tales of war and perilous enterprise--and what boy
does not!--will read 'The Spy' with unqualified enjoyment."--_Bookman_.
The Lost Empire
A Tale of Many Lands. Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO. With Map.
This is the story of a middy who was taken prisoner by the French at the
time of the Revolution. While in Paris he obtained possession of
Napoleon's plans for the capture of India, and, after many adventures,
was the means of frustrating that ambitious scheme.
The Lost Column
A Story of the Boxer Rebellion. Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO.
At the outbreak of the great Boxer Rebellion in China, Gerald Wood, the
hero of this story, was living with his mother and brother at Milton
Towers, just outside Tientsin. When the storm broke and Tientsin was
cut off from the rest of the world, the occupants of Milton Towers made
a gallant defence, but were compelled by force of numbers to retire into
the town. Then Gerald determined to go in quest of the relief column
under Admiral Seymour. He carried his life in his hands, and on more
than one occasion came within an ace of losing it; but he managed to
reach his goal in safety, and was warmly commended by the Admiral on his
achievement.
The Pirate Aeroplane
Illustrated in Colour by C. CLARK, R.I.
The heroes of this story, during a tour In an entirely unknown region of
Africa, light upon a race of people directly descended from the Ancient
Egyptians. This race--the Asmalians---has lived isolated from other
communities. The scientific importance of this discovery is apparent to
the travellers, and they are enthusiastic to know more of these strange
people; but suddenly they find themselves in the midst of exciting
adventures owing to the appearance of a pirate aeroplane--of a
thoroughly up-to-date model--whose owner has learnt of a vast store of
gold in the Asmalians' city. They throw in their lot with the people,
and are able in the end to frustrate the plans of the freebooter.
"The story is a riot of adventure. There is the groundwork of a
complete new novel on every page."--_Manchester Guardian_.
The Lost Island
Illustrated in Colour by CYRUS CUNEO.
A rousing story of adventure in the little-explored regions of Central
Asia and in the South Seas. The prologue describes how Thomas Gaythorne
obtained access to a Lama monastery, where he rendered the monks such
great service that they bestowed upon him a gem of priceless value known
as Gautama's Eye. Soon after leaving the monastery he was attacked and
robbed, and only narrowly escaped with his life. "The Lost Island"
describes the attempt of one of Thomas Gaythorne's descendants to
re-discover the missing gem; and he passes through some remarkable
adventures before he succeeds in this quest.
The Race Round the World
An Account of the Contest for the L100,000 Prize offered by the
Combined Newspaper League. Coloured Illustrations by CYRUS CUNEO, and
a map of the route of _The Swallow_.
Old Silas Agge has invented a new motor spirit, far more potent than
petrol, and with this secret in his possession he has no doubt that he
will win the L100,000 offered by a Newspaper League to the winner of the
Aeroplane Race round the World. But a foreigner, with whom Silas has
had business relations, succeeds in obtaining, first, the design of the
aeroplane which the old man has built, and next, a sufficient quantity
of the new spirit to carry him round the world. The race thus becomes a
duel between these two rivals. Guy Kingston, a daring young aviator and
nephew to Silas, pilots his uncle's aeroplane, and at every stage of the
race finds himself matched against an unscrupulous adversary. The story
of the race is exciting from beginning to end. Readers of Captain
Gilson's earlier books will be particularly happy in renewing
acquaintance with Mr. Wang, the great Chinese detective.
"Suggestive of Jules Verne in his most ambitious and fantastic
vein."--_Athenaeum_.
"Boys will like it, and they will want to read it more than
once."--_Scotsman_.
SCHOOL STORIES BY DESMOND COKE
The Bending of a Twig
Illustrated in Colour by H. M. BROCK.
When "The Bending of a Twig" was first published it was hailed by
competent critics as the finest school story that had appeared since
"Tom Brown." It is a vivid picture of life in a modern public school.
The hero, Lycidas Marsh, enters Shrewsbury without having previously
been to a preparatory school, drawing his ideas of school life from his
imagination and a number of school stories he has read. How Lycidas
finds his true level in this new world and worthily maintains the
Salopian tradition is the theme of this most entrancing book.
"A real, live school story that carries conviction in every
line."--_Standard_.
"Mr. Desmond Coke has given us one of the best accounts of public school
life that we possess.... Among books of its kind 'The Bending of a
Twig' deserves to become a classic"--_Outlook_.
The School Across the Road
Illustrated in Colour by H. M. BROCK.
The incidents of this story arise out of the uniting of two
schools--"Warner's" and "Corunna"--under the name of "Winton," a name
which the head master fondly hopes will become known far and wide as a
great seat of learning. Unfortunately for the head master's ambition,
however, the two sets of boys--hitherto rivals and enemies, now
schoolfellows--do not take kindly to one another. Warner's men of might
are discredited in the new school; Henderson, lately head boy, finds
himself a mere nobody; while the inoffensive Dove is exalted and made
prefect by reason of his attainments in class work. There is discord
and insurrection and talk of expulsion, and the feud drags on until the
rival factions have an opportunity of uniting against a common enemy.
Then, in the enthusiasm aroused by the overthrow of a neighbouring
agricultural college, the bitterness between them dies away, and the
future of Winton is assured.
"This tale is told with a remarkable spirit, and all the boys are real,
everyday characters drawn without exaggeration."--_British Weekly_.
The House Prefect
Illustrated in Colour by H. M. BROCK.
This story of the life at Sefton, a great English public school, mainly
revolves around the trouble in which Bob Manders, new-made house
prefect, finds himself, owing to a former alliance with the two wild
spirits whom, in the interests of the house, it is now his chief task to
suppress. In particular does the spirited exploit with which it
opens--the whitewashing by night of a town statue and the smashing of
certain school property--raise itself against him, next term, when he
has been set in authority. His two former friends persist in still
regarding him as an ally, bound to them by their common secret; and, in
a sense, he is attracted to their enterprises, for in becoming prefect
he does not cease to be a boy. It is a great duel this, fought in the
studies, the dormitories, upon the field.
"Quite one of the books of the season. Mr. Desmond Coke has proved
himself a aster."--_World_.
"Quite the hot school story of the year."--_Morning Leader_.
By A. C. CURTIS
The Voyage of the "Sesame"
A Story of the Arctic. Illustrated in Colour.
The Trevelyan brothers receive from a dying sailor a rough chart of a
locality where much gold is to be found in the Arctic regions. They set
out in quest of it, bat do not have things all their own way, for some
rival treasure-seekers have got wind of the enterprise, and endeavour to
secure the gold for themselves. There is a race between the two
expeditions, and fighting takes place, but the crew of the Sesame are
victorious, and after enduring great hardships amongst the ice, reach
home safely with the gold on board.
The Good Sword Belgarde
or, How De Burgh held Dover. Coloured Illustrations by W. H. C. GROOME.
This is the story of Arnold Gyffard and John Wotton, pages to Sir Philip
Daubeney, in the days when Prince Lewis the Lion invaded England and
strove to win it from King John. It tells of their journey to Dover
through a country swarming with foreign troops, and of many desperate
fights by the way. In one of these A mold wins from a French knight the
good sword Belgarde, which he uses to such good purpose as to make his
name feared. Then follows the great siege of Dover, full of exciting
incidents, when by his gallant defence Hubert de Burgh keeps the key to
England out of the Frenchman's grasp.
By FRANK H. MASON, R.B.A.
A Book of British Ships
Written and Illustrated by FRANK H. MASON, R.B.A.
The aim of this book is to present, in a form that will readily appeal
to boys, a comprehensive account of British shipping, both naval and
mercantile, and to trace its development from the old wooden walls of
Nelson's time down to the Dreadnoughts and high-speed ocean liners of
to-day. All kinds of British ships, from the battleship to the trawler,
are dealt with, and the characteristic points of each type of vessel are
explained.
By GEORGE SURREY
Mid Clash of Swords
A Story of the Sack of Rome. Coloured Illustrations by T. C. DUGDALE.
Wilfrid Salkeld, a young Englishman, enters the employ of Giuliano de
Medici, the virtual ruler of Florence, whom he serves with a zeal that
that faint-hearted man does not deserve; he meets Giovanni the
Invincible; and makes friends with the great Benvenuto Cellini. He has
many a fierce tussle with German mercenaries and Italian robbers, as
well as with those whose jealousy he arouses by his superior skill in
arms.
A Northumbrian in Arms
A Story of the Time of Hereward the Wake. Illustrated in Colour by J.
FINNEMORE.
Harold Ulfsson, companion of Hereward the Wake and conqueror of the
Wessex Champion in a great wrestling bout, is outlawed by the influence
of a Norman knight, whose enmity he has aroused, and goes north to serve
under Earl Siward of Northumbria in the war against Macbeth, the
Scottish usurper. He assists in defeating an attack by a band of
coast-raiders, takes their ship, and discovering that his father has
been slain and his land seized by his enemy, follows him into Wales. He
fights with Griffith the Welsh King, kills his enemy In a desperate
conflict amidst the hills, and, gaining the friendship of Harold, Earl
of Wessex, his outlawry is removed and his lands restored to him.
By REV. J. R. HOWDEN, B.D.
Locomotives of the World
Containing sixteen plates in Colour.
Many of the most up-to-date types of locomotives used on railways
throughout the world are illustrated and described in this volume. The
coloured plates have been made from actual photographs, and show the
peculiar features of some truly remarkable engines. These peculiarities
are fully explained in the text, written by the Rev. J. R. Howden,
author of "The Boy's Book of Locomotives," etc.
By JOHN FINBARR
The Mystery of Danger Point
Illustrated by ARCHIBALD WEBB.
A story of a hundred years ago, when there were highwaymen on every
public road and smuggler! in every cove. When their school breaks up,
the two youthful heroes go to spend the holidays with Robin's uncle, who
lives in a tumble-down castle at Danger Point on the western coast, and
they soon discover that the local people are doing a brisk trade in
contraband goods. To assist in putting down this illegal business seems
to them the obvious course. They find a cave which has every appearance
of being used for smuggled goods, and keep their eyes upon certain
suspicious characters. In the absence of Uncle Reuben, the boys get
wind of a big cargo about to be run, and resolve to inform the nearest
Justice of the Peace; but before they can put their scheme into
operation, they are quietly smuggled away themselves out of England into
France. Here an opportunity presents itself for assisting a French
nobleman and his daughter to escape from the Reign of Terror, and they
return to England to invoke the aid of Uncle Reuben and his ship In this
enterprise. Their success brings reward in several ways. The story is
very brightly written, and has many humorous touches.
By JOSEPH BOWES
The Aussie Crusaders
Illustrated by WAL PAGET.
Mr. Bowes' latest story, "The Aussie Crusaders," deals with the British
Campaign in Palestine. The hero is a young Australian officer, who,
having distinguished himself in the Gallipoli struggle, was given a
commission and quickly attained his majority. He is still, however,
"one of the boys" in spirit, and the story gives a pretty good idea of
the informal, friendly relations that existed between the officers and
men of the A.I.F. Major Smith is taken prisoner by a party of Bedouins
after the fight at Rafa, and on escaping from them, falls into the hands
of the Turks, from whom he also breaks free, obtaining possession of
papers giving valuable information about the enemy's strength and
movements. After rejoining his squadron, the Major takes part in the
great sweep that, starting with the attack on Gaza, culminated in the
fall of Jerusalem.
By WILLIAM J. MARX
For the Admiral
Illustrated in Colour by ARCHIBALD WEBB.
The brave Huguenot Admiral Coligny is one of the heroes of French
history. Edmond le Blanc, the son of a Huguenot gentleman, undertakes
to convey a secret letter of warning to Coligny, and the adventures he
meets with on the way lend to his accepting service in the Huguenot
army. He shares in the hard fighting that took place in the
neighbourhood of La Rochelle, does excellent work in scouting for the
Admiral, and is everywhere that danger calls, along with his friend
Roger Braund, a young Englishman who has come over to help the cause
with a band of free-lances.
This story won the L100 prize offered by the Bookman for the best story
for boys.
THE ROMANCE SERIES
The Romance of the King's Navy
By EDWARD FRASER. New Edition, with Illustrations in Colour by N.
SOTHEBY PITCHER.
"The Romance of the King's Navy" is intended to give boys of to-day an
idea of some of the notable events that have happened under the White
Ensign within the past few years. There is no other book of the kind in
existence. It begins with incidents afloat during the Crimean War, when
their grandfathers were boys themselves, and brings the story down to a
year or two ago, with the startling adventure at Spithead of Submarine
64. One chapter tells the exciting story of "How the Navy's V.C.'s have
been won," the deeds of the various heroes being brought all together
here in one connected narrative for the first time.
"Mr. Fraser knows his facts well, and has set them out in an extremely
interesting and attractive way."--_Westminster Gazette_.
The Romance of the King's Army
By A. B. TUCKER.
A companion volume to "The Romance of the King's Navy," telling again in
glowing language the most inspiring incidents in the glorious history of
our land forces. The charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman, the
capture of the Dargai heights, the saving of the guns at Maiwand, are a
few of the great stories of heroism and devotion that appear in this
stirring volume.
"We cannot toe highly commend this beautiful volume as a prize-book for
school-boys of all classes."--_School Guardian_.
The Romance of Every Day
By LILIAN QUILLER-COUCH.
Here is a bookful of romance and heroism; true stories of men, women,
and children in early centuries and modern times who took the
opportunities which came into their everyday lives and found themselves
heroes and heroines; civilians who, without beat of drum or smoke of
battle, without special training or words of encouragement, performed
deeds worthy to be written in letters of gold.
"These stories are bound to encourage and Inspire young readers to
perform heroic actions."--_Bristol Daily Mercury_.
The Romance of the Merchant Venturers
By E. E. SPEIGHT and R. MORTON NANCE.
Britain's Sea Story
By E. E. SPEIGHT and R. MORTON NANCE. New Edition, Illustrated in
Colour by H. SANDHAM.
These two books are full of true tales as exciting as any to be found in
the story books, and at every few pages there is a fine illustration, in
colour or black and white, of one of the stirring incidents described in
the text.
By MEREDITH FLETCHER
The Pretenders
With Coloured Illustrations by HAROLD C. EARNSHAW.
A tale of twin-brothers at Daneborough School, Tommy Durrant (the
narrator) has been a boarder for about a year, when Peter arrives upon
the scene as a day-boy. The latter's ill-health has prevented him
joining the school before, and, being a harum-scarum youngster, his
vagaries plunge Tommy into hot water straight away. The following week,
unaware of all the mischief he has made, the newcomer, who lives with an
aunt, urges his twin to change places one night for a spree. Tommy
rashly consents, and his experiences while pretending to be Peter prove
both unexpected and exciting.
"Mr. Meredith Fletcher is extremely happy in his delineation of school
life."--_People's Journal_.
The Complete Scout
Edited by MORLEY ADAMS, with numerous Illustrations and Diagrams.
This is a book intended primarily for boy scouts, but It also possesses
an Interest for all boys who like out-of-door amusements and scouting
games. It contains many articles by different writers on the various
pursuits and branches of study that scouts are more particularly
interested in, such as wood-craft, tracing, the weather, and so on, and
the book should form a sort of cyclopaedia for many thousands of boys
who hail Baden-Powell as Chief Scout.
By D. H. PARRY
Kit of the Carabineers
or, A Soldier of Maryborough's.
Illustrated in Colour by ARCHIBALD WEBB.
This story tells how Kit Dawnay comes under the notice of the Duke of
Marlborough while the latter is on a visit to Kit's uncle, Sir Jasper
Dawnay, an irritable, miserly old man, suspected, moreover with good
reason, of harbouring Jacobite plotters and of being himself favourable
to the cause of the exiled Stuarts.
Kit, instructed by the Duke, Is able to frustrate a scheme for the
assassination of King William as he rides to Hampton Court, and the
King, in return for Kit's service, gives him a cornet's commission in
the King's Carabineers. He goes with the army to Flanders, takes part
in the siege of Liege; accompanies Marlborough on those famous forced
marches across Europe, whereby the great leader completely hoodwinked
the enemy; and is present at the battle of Blenheim, where he wins
distinction.
"The story bristles with dramatic incident, and the thrilling adventures
which overtake the young hero, Kit Dawnay, are enough to keep one
breathless with excitement."--_Bookman_.
By W. H. G. KINGSTON
Hurricane Hurry
Coloured Illustrations by ARCHIBALD WEBB.
This Is one of W. H. G. Kingston's best books in the sense that It has
an atmosphere of reality about it, and reads like the narrative of one
who has actually passed through all the experiences described; and this
is no mere illusion, for the author states in his preface that the
material from which the story was built up was put into his hands by a
well-known naval officer, who afterwards rose to the position of
admiral. Mr. Hurry enters the navy as midshipman a few years before the
outbreak of the American War of Independence, and during that war he
distinguishes himself both on land and sea.
Will Weatherhelm
Coloured Illustrations by ARCHIBALD WEBB.
A splendid tale of the sea, full of incident and adventure, and a
first-rate account of the sailor's life afloat in the days of the
press-gang and the old wooden walls. The author reveals his own ardent
love of the sea and all that pertains to it, and this story embodies a
true ideal of patriotic service.
By G. A. HENTY
In Times of Peril
A Story of India. Illustrated in Colour by T. C. DUGDALE.
Major Warrener and his children are stationed at Sandynugghur when news
arrives that the native troops at Meerut have mutinied and murdered all
the Europeans there and are marching upon Delhi. Almost immediately the
Major's house is attacked and his family flee for their lives. The
Major himself and some of his companions are taken prisoners, but only
for a short time, for his sons, Ned and Dick, disguising themselves as
Sepoys, are able to rescue them. The party after an anxious time fall
in with a body of English troops who are on the way to relieve Delhi.
Dick and Ned are in Cawnpore when the Europeans are attacked, but they
escape by swimming instead of trusting themselves in boats. They take
part in the storming of Delhi, which had been taken by the natives, and
in the relief of Lucknow. The end of the Mutiny finds the whole family
once more united.
Edited by HERBERT STRANG
Early Days in Canada
Pioneers in Canada
Early Days in Australia
Pioneers in Australia
Early Days in India
Duty and Danger in India
Each book contains eight plates in Colour.
The story of the discovery, conquest, settlement, and peaceful
development of the great countries which now form part of the British
Empire, is full of interest and romance. In this series of books the
story is told in a number of extracts from the writings of historians,
biographers, and travellers whose works are not easily accessible to the
general reader. Each volume is complete in itself and gives a vivid
picture of the progress of the particular country with which it deals.
BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
HERBERT STRANG'S LIBRARY
This is a new series of standard books for boys and girls, comprising
the great works of history, fiction, biography, travel, science, and
poetry with which every boy and girl should be familiar, edited by Mr.
HERBERT STRANG.
Each volume is prefaced by a short introduction, giving a biographical
account of the author, or such information concerning the book itself as
may be useful and interesting to young readers. Notes, maps, and plans
are given where necessary.
The text of the books, many of which were not written primarily for
children, is carefully edited both in regard to matters that are
inherently unsuitable for their reading, and to passages that do not
conform to modern standards of taste. In these and other respects the
Editor will exercise a wide discretion.
The Library Is illustrated with colour plates, reproduced by
three-colour process from designs by H. M. BROCK, JAMES DURDEN, A. WEBB,
and other well-known artists,
The following volumes are now ready:--
Adventures in the Rifle Brigade By Sir John Kincaid
Westward Ho! By Charles Kingsley
The Life of Wellington By W. H. Maxwell
The Boy's Country Book By William Howitt
Mungo Park's Travels
The Coral Island By R. M. Ballantyne
True Blue By W. H. G. Kingston
Little Women By Louisa Alcott
Good Wives By Louisa Alcott
Tales from Hans Andersen
Stories from Grimm
Tom Brown's Schooldays By Thomas Hughes
The Life of Nelson By Robert Southey
Quentin Durward By Sir Walter Scott
A Book of Golden Deeds By Charlotte M. Yonge
A Wonder Book By Nathaniel Hawthorne
What Katy Did By Susan Coolidge
What Katy Did at School By Susan Coolidge
What Katy Did Next By Susan Coolidge
Ivanhoe By Sir Walter Scott
Curiosities of Natural History By Frank Buckland
Captain Cook's Voyages
The Heroes By Charles Kingsley
Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe
Tales from Shakespeare By Charles and Mary Lamb
Peter the Whaler By W. H. G. Kingston
Queechy By Elizabeth Wetherell
The Wide Wide World By Elizabeth Wetherell
Tanglewood Tales By Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Life of Columbus By Washington Irving
Battles of the Peninsular War By Sir William Napier
Midshipman Easy By Captain Marryat
The Swiss Family Robinson By J. R. Wyss
Books for Girls
By CHRISTINA GOWANS WHYTE
Uncle Hilary's Nieces
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
Until the death of their father, the course of life of Uncle Hilary's
nieces had run smooth; but then the current of misfortune came upon
them, carried them, with their mother and brothers, to London, and
established them in a fiat. Here, under the guardianship of Uncle
Hilary, they enter into the spirit of their new situation; and when it
comes to a question of ways and means, prove that they have both courage
and resource. Thus Bertha secretly takes a position as stock-keeper to
a fashionable dressmaker; Milly tries to write, and has the satisfaction
of seeing her name in print; Edward takes up architecture and becomes
engrossed in the study of "cupboards and kitchen sinks"; while all the
rest contribute as well to the maintenance of the household as to the
interest of the story.
"We have seldom read a prettier story than ... 'Uncle Hilary's Nieces.'
... It is a daintily woven plot clothed in a style that has already
commended itself to many readers, and is bound to make more
friends."--_Daily News_.
The Five Macleods
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES DURDEN.
The modern Louisa Alcott! That is the title that critics In England and
America have bestowed on Miss Christina Gowans Whyte, whose "Story-Book
Girls" they declare to be the best girls' story since "Little Women."
Like the Leightons and the Howards, the Macleods are another of those
delightful families whose doings, as described by Miss Whyte, make such
entertaining reading. Each of the five Macleods possesses an
individuality of her own. Elspeth is the eldest--sixteen, with her hair
"very nearly up"--and her lovable nature makes her a favourite with
every one; she is followed, in point of age, by the would-be masterful
Winifred (otherwise Winks) and the independent Lil; while little Babs
and Dorothy bring up the rear.
"Altogether a most charming story for girls."--_Schoolmaster_.
Nina's Career
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
"Nina's Career" tells delightfully of a large family of girls and boys,
children of Sir Christopher Howard. Friends of the Howards are Nina
Wentworth, who lives with three aunts, and Gertrude Mannering. Gertrude
Is conscious of always missing in her life that which makes the lives of
the Howards so joyous and full. They may have "careers"; she must go to
Court and through the wearying treadmill of the rich girls. The Howards
get engaged, marry, go into hospitals, study in art schools; and in the
end Gertrude also achieves happiness.
"We have been so badly in need of writers for girls who shall be in
sympathy with the modern standard of intelligence, that we are grateful
for the advent of Miss Whyte, who has not inaptly been described as the
new Miss Alcott,"--_Outlook_.
The Story-Book Girls
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
This story won the L100 prize In the Bookman competition.
The Leightons are a charming family. There is Mabel, the beauty, her
nature, strength and sweetness mingled; and Jean, the downright, blunt,
uncompromising; and Elma, the sympathetic, who champions everybody, and
has a weakness for long words. And there is Cuthbert, too, the clever
brother. Cuthbert is responsible for a good deal, for he saves Adelaide
Maud from an accident, and brings the Story-Book Girls into the story.
Every girl who reads this book will become acquainted with some of the
realest, truest, best people in recent fiction.
"It is not too much to say that Miss Whyte has opened a new era in the
history of girls' literature.... The writing, distinguished in itself,
is enlivened by an all-pervading sense of humour."--_Manchester
Courier_.
By J. M. WHITFELD
Tom who was Rachel
A Story of Australian Life. Illustrated in Colour by N. TENISON.
This is a story of Colonial life by an author who is new to English
readers. In writing about Australia Miss Whitfeld is, in a very literal
sense, at home; and no one can read her book without coming to the
conclusion that she is equally so in drawing pen portraits of children.
Her work possesses all the vigour and freshness that one usually
associates with the Colonies, and at the same time preserves the best
traditions of Louisa Alcott In "Tom who was Rachel" the author has
described a large family of children living on an up-country station;
and the story presents a faithful picture of the everyday life of the
bush. Rachel (otherwise Miss Thompson, abbreviated to "Miss Tom,"
afterwards to "Tom") is the children's step-sister; and it Is her
Influence for good over the wilder elements in their nature that
provides the teal motive of a story for which all English boys and girls
will feel grateful.
Gladys and Jack
An Australian Story for Girls. Coloured Illustrations by N. TENISON.
Gladys and Jack are sister and brother, and, up to the point when the
story opens, they have been the best of friends. Then, however, certain
influences begin to work in the mind of Gladys, as the result of which a
coolness springs up between her and her brother. Gladys puts on a
superior air, and adopts a severely proper attitude towards Jack.
Gladys has been in society, has come to be regarded as a beauty, and has
been made a fuss of; consequently she becomes self-conscious. She goes
to spend a holiday up-country, and here, too, her icily-regular line of
conduct seems bound to bring her into conflict with her
free-and-easy-going cousins. After some trying experiences, Gladys
finds herself in a position which enables her, for the time being, to
forget her own troubles, and exert all her strength on behalf of the
rest. She comes worthily through the ordeal, earns the affection of her
cousins, and Jack rejoices in the recovery of a lost sister.
"We have a large number of characters all clearly differentiated, plenty
of incident, and much sparkling dialogue."--_Morning Post_.
The Colters
An Australian Story for Girls. Illustrated in Colour by GEORGE SOPER.
This book deals with a merry family of Australian boys and girls. There
are a good many of them, and to each one Miss Whitfeld has imparted a
distinct individuality. There is Hector, the eldest, manly and
straightforward, and Matt, the plain-spoken, his younger brother. Ruby,
quiet and gentle, with an aptitude for versifying, is well contrasted
with her headstrong, impulsive cousin Effie. The author seizes upon the
everyday occurrences of domestic life, turning them to good account; and
she draws a charming picture of a family, united in heart, while
differing very much in habit and temperament.
By ELSIE J. OXENHAM
Mistress Nanciebel
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
This is a story of the Restoration. Nanciebel's father, Sir John
Seymour, had so incurred the displeasure of King Charles by his
persistent opposition to the threatened war against the Dutch, that he
was sent out of the country. Nothing would dissuade Nanciebel from
accompanying him, so they sailed away together and were duly landed on a
desolate shore, which they afterwards discovered to be a part of Wales.
Here, by perseverance and much hard toil, John o' Peace made a new home
for his family, in which enterprise he owed not a little to the presence
and constant help of Nanciebel, who is the embodiment of youthful
optimism and womanly tenderness.
"A charming book for girls."--_Evening Standard_.
A NEW ALBUM FOR GIRLS
My Schooldays
An album in which girls can keep a record of their schooldays. In order
that the entries may be neat and methodical, certain pages have been
allotted to various different subjects, such as Addresses, Friends,
Books, Matches, Birthdays, Concerts, Holidays, Theatricals, Presents,
Prizes and Certificates, and so on. The album is beautifully decorated
throughout.
By MRS. HERBERT STRANG
The Girl Crusoes
A Story of Three Girls in the South Seas. With Colour Illustrations by
N. TENISON.
It is a common experience that young girls prefer stories written for
their brothers to those written for themselves. They have the same love
of adventure, the same admiration for brave and heroic deeds, as boys;
and in these days of women travellers and explorers there are countless
instances of women displaying a courage and endurance in all respects
equal to that of the other sex. Recognizing this, Mrs. Herbert Strang
has written a story of adventure in which three English girls of the
present day are the central figures, and in which the girl reader will
find as much excitement and amusement as any boy's book could furnish.
By WINIFRED M. LETTS
The Quest of the Blue Rose
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
After the death of her mother, Sylvia Sherwood has to make her own way
in the world as a telegraph clerk. The world she finds herself in is a
girls' hostel in a big northern city. For a while she can only see the
uncongenial side of her surroundings; but when she has made a friend and
found herself a niche, she begins to realise that though the Blue Rose
may not be for her finding, there are still wild roses in every hedge.
In the end, however, Sylvia, contented at last with her hard-working,
humdrum life, finds herself the successful writer of a book of
children's poems.
"Miss Letts has written a most entertaining work, which should become
very popular. The humour is never forced, and the pathetic scenes are
written with true feeling."--_School Guardian_.
Bridget of All Work
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
The scene of the greater part of this story is laid in Lancashire, and
the author has chosen her heroine from among those who know what it is
to feel the pinch of want and strive loyally to combat it. There is a
charm about Bridget Joy, moving about her kitchen, keeping a light heart
under the most depressing surroundings. Girl though she is, it is her
arm that encircles and protects those who should in other circumstances
have been her guardians, and her brave heart that enables the word Home
to retain its sweetness for those who are dependent on her.
"Miss Letts has written a story for which elder girls will be grateful,
so simple and winning is it; and we recognise in the author's work a
sense of character and sense of style which ought to ensure its
popularity."--_Globe_.
By ANGELA BRAZIL
A Terrible Tomboy
New Edition. With Coloured Illustrations by N. TENISON.
Peggy Vaughan, daughter of a country gentleman living on the Welsh
border, is much too high-spirited to avoid getting continually into
scrapes. She nearly gets drowned while birds'-nesting, scandalises the
over-prim daughters of rich up-starts by her carelessness in matters of
dress and etiquette, gets lost with her small brother while exploring
caves, smokes out wild bees, and acts generally more like a boy than a
girl. Naturally enough her father and school mistresses find her very
difficult to manage, but her good humour and kindness of heart make it
impossible to be angry with her for long. At the end of the story, when
the family have become too poor to remain any longer in their old home,
she makes a discovery which enables them to stay there.
By E. L. HAVERFIELD
The Happy Comrade
Illustrated by ALBERT MORROW.
Monica, the heroine of this story, is a wealthy girl who has never been
to school, but has formed a close home friendship with Penelope, a girl
somewhat older, upon whom she has been accustomed to lavish valuable
gifts, partly out of innate generosity, partly from love of
appreciation. Her affection for Penelope induces her to enter the same
school, expecting that the home relations will continue there. To her
chagrin, however, she finds that Penelope's high position as head
prefect prevents close intercourse, and in some bitterness of spirit she
allies herself with a set of girls who delight in lawlessness and engage
in mischievous and unruly pranks. She soon finds herself in serious
trouble; and the story shows how her better nature overcomes her
weaknesses, how she learns to despise the dishonourable conduct into
which her associates have lured her, and how the tribulation which she
has brought on herself leads ultimately to a firmer, purer friendship
for the girl whom she has all along admired and loved.
Sylvia's Victory
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
Owing to a change in the family fortunes, Sylvia Hughes is obliged to
attend a day school in a small seaside town where she has the misfortune
to make an enemy of the head girl, Phyllis Staunton-Taylor, who regards
Sylvia as one belonging to an inferior set to her own. One day during
the holidays Sylvia swims out and rescues Phyllis, who has got beyond
her depth; but even this fails to establish amity between them, and no
word of Sylvia's heroism gets abroad in the school. It is not until
after she has experienced many trials and heartburnings that Sylvia
learns the reason of Phyllis's apparent ingratitude, and friendship is
restored.
Audrey's Awakening
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES DURDEN.
As a result of a luxurious and conventional upbringing, Audrey is a girl
without ambitions, unsympathetic, and with a reputation for
exclusiveness. Therefore, when Paul Forbes becomes her step-brother,
and brings his free-and-easy notions into the Davidsons' old home, there
begins to be trouble. Audrey discovers that she has feelings, and the
results are not altogether pleasant. She takes a dislike to Paul at the
outset; and the young people have to get through deep waters and some
exciting times before things come right. Audrey's awakening is
thorough, if painful.
"Is far above the Average tale of school and home life."--_Aberdeen Free
Press_.
The Conquest of Claudia
Illustrated in Colour by JAMES BURDEN.
Meta and Claudia Austin are two motherless girls with a much-occupied
father. Their upbringing has therefore been left to a kindly governess,
whose departure to be married makes the first change in the girls'
lives. Having set their hearts upon going to school, they receive a new
governess resentfully. Claudia is a person of instincts, and it does
not take her long to discover that there is something mysterious about
Miss Strongitharm. A clue upon which the children stumble leads to the
notion that Miss Strongitharm is a Nihilist in hiding. That in spite of
various strange happenings they are quite wrong is to be expected, but
there is a genuine mystery about Miss Strongitharm which leads to some
unforeseen adventures.
"A convincing story of girl life."--_School Guardian_.
Dauntless Patty.
Illustrated in Colour by DUDLEY TENNANT.
Patricia Garnett, an Australian girl, comes over to England to complete
her education. She is unconventional and quite unused to English ways,
and soon finds herself the most unpopular girl in the school. Several
times she reveals her courage and high spirit, particularly in saving
the life of Kathleen Lane, a girl with whom she is on very bad terms.
All overtures of peace fail, however, for Patty feels that the other
girls have no real liking for her, and she refuses to be patronised.
Thus the feud is continued to the end of the term; and the climax of the
story is reached when, in a cave in the face of a cliff, in imminent
danger of being drowned, Patty and Kathleen for the first time
understand each other, and lay the foundations of a lifelong friendship.
"A thoroughly faithful and stimulating story of schoolgirl
life,"--_Schoolmaster_.
"The story is well told. Some of the incidents are dramatic, without
being unnatural; the interest is well sustained, and altogether the hook
is one of the best we have read."--_Glasgow Herald_.
By BRENDA GIRVIN
Jenny Wren
Illustrated by C. E. BROCK.
Jenny Ferguson, the only child of a retired admiral, is sent as wireless
decoder to a Scottish naval base. On her arrival she meets an old
friend of her childhood, Henry Corfield, who is apparently the skipper
of a fishing trawler. Jenny, ignorant of the real object of the man's
"trawling," calls him a slacker. In his turn, Corfield, who has a
lively recollection of Jenny's impulsive tongue, reminds her of her
nurse's saying, "Miss Jenny can never keep a secret," and says he will
not shield her should she fail to preserve secrecy in her work. After a
few days, Jenny finds that information is leaking out. Code books are
lost and mysteriously replaced, envelopes lapped. Corfield attributes
this leakage to Jenny's carelessness. In the nick of time Jenny has a
clue and tracks down the criminal. The breach between the two friends,
however, is a long time in healing, for Jenny does not learn till
towards the end of the book that "Skipper" Corfield, on his humble
little boat with her hidden guns, is one of the heroes of the war. The
story ends with the coming of peace.
The Girl Scout
Illustrated in Colour by N. TENISON.
This is the story of a patrol of Girl Scouts, and the service they
rendered their country. Colonel Norton announces that some silver cups,
which he values as souvenirs of the time when he could win races and
gymnastic competitions, have been stolen, and calls on the Boy Scouts to
catch the thief, promising, if they succeed, to furnish their club-room
in time for the reception of a neighbouring patrol. Aggie Phillips,
sister of the boys' leader, hears of this, and at once organises a
girls' patrol to help solve the mystery. In tracing the thief, the
girls manage to entrap two foreigners, who, in all kinds of disguises,
try to get hold of valuable papers in the hands of the Colonel.
Meanwhile the boys continually follow up the tracks left by the girls,
or are purposely misled by Aggie. The girls win the prize but arrange
to join forces with the boys.
By ANNA CHAPIN RAY
Teddy: Her Daughter
Illustrated in Colour by N. TENISON.
Many young readers have already made the acquaintance of Teddy in Miss
Anna Chapin Ray's previous story, "Teddy: Her Book." The heroine of the
present story is Teddy's daughter Betty--a young lady with a strong will
and decided opinions of her own. When she is first introduced to us she
is staying on a holiday at Quantuck, a secluded seaside retreat; and
Miss Ray describes the various members of this small summer community
with considerable humour. Among others is Mrs. Van Hicks, a lady of
great possessions but little culture, who seeks to put people under a
lasting obligation to her by making friends with them. On hearing that
a nephew of this estimable lady is about to arrive at Quantuck, Betty
makes up her mind beforehand to dislike him. At first she almost
succeeds, for, like herself, Percival has a temper, and can be "thorny"
at times. As they come to know each other better, however, a less
tempestuous state of things ensues, and eventually they cement a
friendship that is destined to carry them far.
By CHRISTINE CHAUNDLER
Pat's Third Term.
Illustrated by HAROLD EARNSHAW.
Pat Baxter is a turbulent, impulsive member of the Lower Fourth in a
famous Girls' School. She begins her Third Term by "cheeking" the Head
girl herself, thereby earning a good deal of hostility. She falls from
favour in other quarters as the story goes on, for though she has a
genius for getting into scrapes, she is too honest and honourable to
disavow her share in any plot, as many of her school-fellows do. Through
her disobeying a stringent rule, and going alone into the town, the
whole school, upper and lower, is put into quarantine, the result of
this isolation being that Rhoda, the Head girl, generally beloved in the
school, will have to "scratch" from a local tennis match, the winning of
which would have brought her her coveted tennis colours. The whole
school, in indignation, unknown to Rhoda, sends Pat to "Coventry." Pat
also becomes the object of a good deal of mean, unfair treatment from a
few of her form fellows, about which, in the end, Rhoda herself learns.
Horror-stricken at the treatment meted out, Rhoda puts Pat under her
special protection, and a deep friendship springs up between the two.
Pat finishes her third term by saving the life of her greatest enemy,
earning a special medal for bravery.
By MARY BRADFORD WHITING
A Daughter of the Empire
Illustrated by JOHN CAMPBELL.
Christina, a curiously vivid character, is suddenly thrown from the
backwoods of Australia into the family circle at Strafford Royal, where
Lady Stratford, her second cousin, reigns supreme. Lady Strafford
dislikes Christina from the first, patronises her and snubs her, and the
girl is thrown for sympathy and companionship into the society of Miss
Luscombe, a lovable woman whose home is on a neighbouring estate.
Christina finds herself continually faced by the stone wall of the
prejudices of Lady Strafford, who looks on all foreigners with suspicion
and her own family with placid pride, and is continually voicing her
determination that the War shall not be allowed in any way to upset the
even tenour of her life. Just how the War very successfully breaks in
on to Strafford Royal, sweeping away the heir, rendering halt and maim
the second son, is told in the course of the story. Christina's part in
the denouement is characteristically plucky and honourable, and in the
end she breaks down even Lady Stratford's dislike and mistrust. The
story is told with much charm and sympathy.
By L. B. WALFORD
A Sage Of Sixteen.
Illustrated by JAMES DURDEN.
Elma, the heroine of this story, is called a sage by her wealthy and
sophisticated relations in Park Lane, with whom she spends a
half-holiday every week, and who regard her as a very wise young person.
The rest of her time is passed at a small boarding-school, where, as
might be supposed, Elma's friends look upon her rather as an ordinary
healthy girl than as one possessing unusual wisdom. The story tells of
Elma's humble life at school, her occasional excursions into fashionable
society; the difficulties she experiences in her endeavour to reconcile
the two; and the way in which she eventually wins the hearts of those
around her in both walks of life.
By ANNIE MATHESON
A Day Book for Girls
Containing a quotation for each day of the year, arranged by ANNIE
MATHESON, with Colour Illustrations by C. E. BROCK.
Miss Annie Matheson is herself well known to many as a writer of hymns
and poetry of a high order. In "A Day Book for Girls" she has brought
together a large number of extracts both in poetry and prose, and so
arranged them that they furnish an inspiring and ennobling watchword for
each day of the year. Miss Matheson has spared no pains to secure
variety and comprehensiveness in her selection of quotations; her list
of authors ranges from Marcus Aurelius to Mr. Swinburne, and includes
many who are very little known to the general public.
Books for Children
A Book of Children's Verse
Selected and Edited by MABEL and LILIAN QUILLER-COUCH.
Illustrated in Colour by M. ETHELDREDA GRAY.
This is a splendid anthology of children's verse. In addition to the
old favourite poems, the volume contains many by modern authors, and
others not generally known. The work of selection has been carried out
with great care, and no effort has been spared to make the volume a
worthy and comprehensive introduction to English poetry. The book is
illustrated by a series of magnificent plates in colour.
By LUCAS MALET
Little Peter
A Christmas Morality for Children of any age. New Edition.
Illustrated in Colour by CHARLES E. BROCK.
This delightful little story Introduces to us a family dwelling upon the
outskirts of a vast pine forest in France. There are Master Lepage who,
as head of the household and a veteran of the wars, lays down the law
upon all sorts of questions, domestic and political; his meek wife
Susan; their two sons, Anthony and Paul; and Cincinnatus the cat--who
holds as many opinions and expresses them as freely as Master Lepage
himself; and--little Peter. Little meets, and all who read about him
will certainly make friends with _him_.
"It is quite an ideal gift book, and one that will always be
treasured."--_Globe_.
By CHRISTINA GOWANS WHYTE
The Adventures of Merrywink
Illustrated by M. V. WHEELHOUSE.
This story won the L100 prize in the Bookman competition for the best
story for children.
This story tells of a pretty little child who was born into Fairyland
with a gleaming star in his forehead. When his parents beheld this star
they were filled with gladness and fear, and they carried their little
Fairy baby, Merrywink, far away and hid him, because of two old
prophecies: the first, that a daughter should be born to the King and
Queen of Fairyland; the second that the King should rule over Fairyland
until a child appeared with a star in his forehead. Now, on the very
day that Merrywink was born, the little Princess arrived at the Palace;
and the King sent round messages to make sure that the child with the
gleaming star had not yet been seen in Fairyland. The story tells us
how Merrywink grew up to be brave and strong, and fearless and truthful.
By MRS. HENRY DE LA PASTURE
The Unlucky Family
New Edition with Coloured Illustrations by C. E. BROCK.
This is one of the most humorous children's books published in recent
years, and the many awkward dilemmas and diverting experiences which
ensue upon the Chubb family's unexpected rise in the social scale cannot
fail to delight young readers as well as their elders. In the matter of
showing the propensity for gelling into mischief these youngsters
establish a record, but their escapades are generally of a harmless
character and lead to nothing very serious.
"It is a clever and amusing talc, full of high spirits and good-natured
mischief which children not too seriously inclined will
enjoy."--_Scotsman_.
By M. I. A.
Sir Evelyn's Charge
New Edition, Illustrated in Colour.
"Sir Evelyn's Charge" is one of the most popular books for Sunday School
prizes published within recent years, and has already run into very many
editions. The object of the story is to show how the quiet, unconscious
influence exerted by a little child upon those around him may be
productive of lasting good. This new edition, with a. new cover and
colour plates, makes a very attractive gift-book.
THE PENDLETON SERIES
The Pendleton Twins
By E. M. JAMESON, Author of "The Pendletons," etc. With Coloured
Illustrations.
The adventures of the Pendleton Twins begin the very day they leave
home. The train is snowed up and they are many hours delayed. They
have a merry Christmas with plenty of fun and presents, and in the
middle of the night Bob gives chase to a burglar. Nora, who is very
sure-footed, goes off by herself one day and climbs the cliffs, thinking
that no one will be any the wiser until her return. But the twins and
Dan follow her unseen and are lost in a cave, where they find hidden
treasure, left by smugglers, buried in the ground. Len sprains his
ankle and they cannot return. Search parties set out from Cliffe, and
spend many hours before the twins are found by Nora, cold and tired and
frightened. But the holidays end very happily after all.
"Miss Jameson's books are written with such humour and lightness of
touch that they hold the young readers, and not only amuse but instruct
them."--_Dundee Courier_.
The Pendletons
By E. M. JAMESON.
New Edition. Illustrated in Colour.
"Young people will revel in this most Interesting and original story.
The five young Pendletons are much as other children in a large family,
varied in their ideas, quaint in their tastes, and wont to get into
mischief at every turn. They are withal devoted to one another and to
their home, and although often 'naughty,' are not by any means 'bad.'
The interest in the doings of these youngsters is remarkably well
sustained, and each chapter seems better than the last. With not a
single dull page from start to finish and with twelve charming
illustrations, the book makes an ideal reward for either boys or
girls."--_Schoolmaster_.
Peggy Pendleton's Plan
By E. M. JAMESON. New Edition. Illustrated in Colour by S. P. PEARSE.
To many young readers the Pendleton children are quite old friends, as
indeed they deserve to be, for they are so merry, so full of fun and
good spirits, that nobody can read about them without coming to love
them. In the opening chapter of this book the family meet together in
solemn conclave to discuss plans for the holidays, which have just
commenced. Every one of them has a favourite idea, but when the various
selections are put to the vote, it is Peggy Pendleton's plan that
carries the day. All the other children think it splendid. What that
plan was, and what strange adventures it led to, are here set forth.
The Book of Baby Beasts
By FLORENCE E. Dugdale. Illustrated in Colour by E. J. DETMOLD.
This book contains a series of simple little talks about baby animals,
both wild and domestic. Each chapter is accompanied by a charming
picture in colour by E. J. DETMOLD, whose work as an illustrator is well
known, and whose characteristic delicacy of colouring is faithfully
reproduced.
The Book of Baby Dogs
By CHARLES KABERRY. With nineteen plates in Colour by E. J. DETMOLD.
The Book of Baby Pets
By FLORENCE E. DUGDALE. Illustrated in Colour by E. J. DETMOLD.
"A valuable family possession, and one which admirably fulfils the role
of guide, counsellor and friend."--_Athenaeum_.
The Book of Baby Birds
By FLORENCE E. DUGDALE. Illustrated in Colour by E. J. DETMOLD.
"Simply irresistible."--_Observer_.
Queen Mab's Daughters
From the French of JEROME DOUCET. Illustrated by HENRY MORIN.
This book consists of twelve stories, each concerned with an episode in
the life of one of Queen Mab's daughters. These are very enterprising
and adventurous princesses, somewhat wilful, indeed; and their
activities, innocent though they are, often bring them into hot water.
They fall into the hands of witches and wizards, and are the means of
releasing from enchantment an equal number of princes who have been
changed into bears, eagles, monkeys, and other animals by the powers of
witchcraft. Their adventures are related with the charming daintiness
wherein French fabulists, from Perrault downwards, have excelled; and
the book is a decided acquisition to the store of fairy literature in
which all children delight.
By VIOLET BRADBY
The Capel Cousins
Illustrated in Colour in C. E. BROCK.
The children in the Capel family hear that a cousin from South America
is to live with them until his education is finished. On his arrival he
is found to be very frank and outspoken, accustomed to say just what he
thinks; and as his cousins are more reserved, the misunderstandings are
by no means few. In time, however, he becomes used to English ways, and
his good nature and cleverness win his cousins' admiration and
affection. Mrs. Bradby writes as one who knows children thoroughly, and
her pictures of home life are very charming.
"The authoress shows a power of depicting a large family of delightful
and quite natural children which recalls the stories of Miss Yonge at
her brightest."--_Church Times_.
"A very pleasant, natural, and brightly written story "--_Lady_.
The Happy Families
Illustrated by LILIAN A. GOVEY.
Most children have probably played the game of "Happy Families," and it
Is possible that they have woven stories round the grotesque characters
that appear on the cards. This is what Mrs. Bradby has done in this
book, and she has imagined a little girl being suddenly transported to
Happy Family Land and finding herself beset on all hands by the Grits,
the Chips and the Boneses, and all the other members of this strange and
wonderful community.
By FLORENCE E. DUGDALE
(MRS. THOMAS HARDY)
In Lucy's Garden
Illustrated in Colour by J. CAMPBELL.
Miss Dugdale describes Lucy's garden from month to month, the plants
that grow there, the insects that visit it, and the imaginary beings
with which Lucy peoples it. During the first year Lucy is without any
companion to share her experiences, but at the beginning of the second
year, just when she begins to feel lonely, she makes the acquaintance of
a little boy, Peter, who is staying with his grandmother next door, and
who, too, has grown tired of playing by himself. They gladly arrange
that in future they will play together, as they like each other very
much. Little ones who have gardens of their own will enjoy reading
about Lucy's, especially when they know that she was capable of
understanding what the apple trees and leaves and roses had to tell her
about things in general and themselves in particular.
"A delightful 'Nature story' written in a charming vein of playful
fancy, and daintily illustrated."--_Lady_.
By TERTIA BENNETT
Gentleman Dash
Illustrated in Colour by P. H. JOWETT.
This is a book that will appeal to all lovers of animals. Gentleman
Dash Is a fine collie who lives at a big house with a number of other
dogs and cats. In spite of his handsome appearance, however, Dash
sometimes falls so far from dignity as to run away and steal meat from
butchers' shops. Then he is brought back and punished, and the other
four-footed members of the family come round and offer sympathy--which
is not pleasant. The relations that exist between the various dogs and
cats of the establishment are friendly on the whole, though not
invariably so. In the course of their conversations, the animals throw
fresh light on the problems of life as viewed from the kennel and the
yard.
By ALICE MASSIE
The Family's Jane
Illustrated in Colour by JOHN CAMPBELL.
This is the story of a little girl's search for her lost brothers and
sisters. At first Jane did not know that she had any brothers or
sisters, and she used to feel lonely. Then one day, quite by accident,
she discovered that such was indeed the case, although for some
unexplained reason they did not live at home and she had been kept in
ignorance of them. Then Jane set to work to reunite the dismembered
family. The fact that Jane was only eight, and some of the others were
quite grown up, with children of their own, did not turn her from her
purpose, and eventually her efforts had the happy issue which they well
deserved.
The Children's Bookcase
Edited by E. NESBIT
"The Children's Bookcase" is a new series of daintily illustrated hooks
for little folks, which is intended ultimately to include all that is
best in children's literature, whether old or new. The series is edited
by Mrs. E. Nesbit, author of "The Would-be Goods" and many other
well-known books for children; and particular care is given to binding,
get-up, and illustrations.
Mrs. Overtheway's Remembrances
By JULIANA HORATIA EWING.
A delightful little book of short stories in which "the little old lady"
who lives over the way relates incidents from her girlhood for the
amusement of a young friend.
The Little Duke.
By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE.
Sonny Sahib
By SARA JEANNETTE DUNCAN (Mrs. Everard Cotes).
A charming story of Anglo-Indian life.
The Water Babies.
By CHARLES KINGSLEY.
The Old Nursery Stories.
By E. NESBIT.
In this book Mrs. E. Nesbit relates the old stories of the Nursery--
"Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," etc.
Cap-o'-Yellow.
By AGNES GROZIER HERBERTSON.
A charming series of fairy stories by one of the very few modern writers
whose work compares with the classics of fairy-tale literature such as
Grimm and Perrault.
Granny's Wonderful Chair.
By FRANCES BROWNE.
The author of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" declared this book to be the best
fairy story ever written. Two generations of little readers have been
of the same opinion as Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett.
BY THE SAME AUTHOR
THE LOST EMPIRE. A Tale of the Battle of the Nile.
THE LOST COLUMN. A Tale of the Boxer Rebellion.
THE LOST ISLAND. A Tale of the Mysterious East.
THE SWORD OF FREEDOM. A Tale of the English Revolution.
THE SPY. A Tale of the Peninsular War.
THE RACE ROUND THE WORLD. A Tale of a New Motor Spirit.
THE PIRATE AEROPLANE. A Tale of Ancient Egypt.
IN ARMS FOR RUSSIA. A Tale of the Great War in Russia.
IN THE POWER OF THE PIGMIES. A Tale of the Great Forest.
ON SECRET SERVICE. A Story of Zeppelins.
A MOTOR SCOUT IN FLANDERS. A Tale of the Fall of Antwerp.
ACROSS THE CAMEROONS. A Tale of the Great War in West Africa.
SUBMARINE U93. A Tale of the Great War at Sea.
THE MYSTERY OF AH JIM. A Tale of the Sea.
THE FIRE-GODS. A Tale of the Congo.
THE SCARLET HAND. A Chinese Story.