CROWN POINT.
Never since the moment when Corporal 'Lige had promised to make a
soldier of him, had Isaac Rice been as happy as now.
He had atoned for the mistake made when they first set out on the
journey, although it was really none of his, and, in addition to having
prevented the news of what had been done at Ticonderoga from being
carried to Crown Point, had as prisoners three who could have made no
slight amount of trouble for the colonists.
Surely the old corporal would praise Nathan and himself, and he glowed
with pride as he thought of the report he could make on his return to
the fort.
"Of course Nathan Beman has as big a share in this work as I, and it is
his right; but I know it was not me who grew faint-hearted when we were
in the power of the enemy, an' there's a deal of satisfaction in that
thought."
On arriving at Sudbury, half an hour after having left his comrade,
Isaac made inquiries for Captain Baker's dwelling, and learned that had
Nathan's proposition been carried out, they would have been forced to
parade the prisoners through the entire settlement before coming upon
the house.
The captain was within sound of his wife's voice when Isaac finally
stood before the good woman asking to see her husband, and came up
quickly; but with a look of disappointment on his face when he saw his
visitor was only a boy.
"Is this Captain Remember Baker?" Corporal 'Lige's recruit asked, for he
was not minded any mistake should be made now that his work was so
nearly accomplished.
"Yes; what do you want?"
"I am come from Colonel Allen----"
"Where is he?" the captain asked eagerly.
"That I may not tell you until we are alone."
"Come into the house! Come in and refresh yourself, and you shall tell
me that with which you are charged while partaking of such food as my
wife can prepare quickly."
"It is not well for me to spend time in eating until after Nathan Beman
is relieved from his charge."
"What have you to do with that young Tory, if it is true that you come
from Ethan Allen?" and now the captain began to show signs of being
suspicious.
"I will tell the whole story, beginning with the capture of
Ticonderoga----"
"So the fort has been taken by our people!" Captain Baker cried joyously
as he clasped the messenger by the hand with such force as to make the
boy wince. "Tell me quickly! When was the work done?"
More than once before he had come to the story of his and Nathan's
adventures was Isaac interrupted by the eager soldier; but after a
certain time he succeeded in imparting all the information, and was
rewarded by hearing the captain say:
"You showed rare good sense in leaving the prisoners outside the
settlement, for while we in Sudbury are with the colonists in their task
of teaching the king a much-needed lesson, there are some who might have
tried to work mischief had you applied to them asking the location of my
dwelling. Wait here until I can summon a few of the Green Mountain Boys,
who have been awaiting word from Ethan Allen, and we'll soon relieve you
of the Tories."
Captain Baker ran out, not stopping for a reply, and while he was absent
his wife insisted on Isaac's eating such food as she had already
prepared, until it seemed to the boy that he would not need anything
more for twenty-four hours.
Then six men, each armed with a musket, arrived, and were ushered into
the house, and Isaac was called upon to tell once more of how
Ticonderoga had been captured, after which the party set out to find the
prisoners.
Corporal 'Lige's recruit acted the part of guide, and in less than an
hour the three Tories, having been given a liberal supply of cornbread,
were being marched back on the trail toward the captured fort.
Both Isaac and Nathan believed it was their duty to accompany the
prisoners; but Captain Baker insisted that they remain at his home in
order to gain the repose which was needed, promising that they should
arrive at Ticonderoga nearly as soon as if they had gone with the
company escorting the Tories.
Therefore it was the boys remained, well content with the work they had
performed, and not until the morning of the twelfth of May was the
return journey begun.
Then the wind was blowing gently from the southward, and Nathan said
mournfully:
"We have of a surety lost the chance of going to Crown Point, for the
hunter will be up and doing this morning, and is likely well on his way
by this time."
Overhearing his words the captain added:
"Ay, lad if he didn't get there yesterday, which I misdoubt, you may
count that he started before daybreak this morning; but you can have the
satisfaction of knowing that save for your work, his task might not be
so easy."
"Think you he can surprise the garrison?" Isaac asked.
"I see no reason why it should not be done, especially after your
capture of the Tories, for thus far Colonel Allen has succeeded in
keeping his movements a secret, at least from the people in this section
of the country, and why may you not say the same of Crown Point?"
To the surprise of the boys no less than twenty men were assembled in
front of Captain Baker's house by the time breakfast had been eaten, and
on making inquiry Isaac learned that these were all of the Green
Mountain Boys who had been ordered by their leader to rendezvous at
Sudbury until summoned elsewhere.
The company, under command of Captain Baker, took up the line of march
over an old trail through the woods, marching to a point on the shore of
the lake nearly two miles further down from where the boys had landed,
when they came from the fort.
There, snugly hidden in the thicket ready for just such an emergency as
had already come, were found four stout boats, each capable of carrying
not less than a dozen men, and after all were embarked and the little
fleet pushed off from the shore, it appeared quite formidable.
Each craft boasted of a sail, and with the wind from the southward there
was no need of labor at the oars, therefore this portion of the journey
promised to be most pleasant.
"This is different from what we expected when Master Wentworth marched
us in front of his musket," Isaac said in a tone of content, and his
comrade replied:
"We got out of a small hole in fine style."
It was when they were midway from the point of embarkation to Fort
Ticonderoga that young Beman cried excitedly, pointing toward that shore
which they had just quitted, where could be seen two small boats laden
with men who were pulling into a cove as if seeking shelter:
"It looks to me as if those fellows are wearing red coats!"
It was the first intimation Captain Baker had that there were others in
the immediate vicinity, and instantly he gave word for the boats to be
hauled around for the purpose of learning who these strangers were.
Hardly had this maneuver been executed when one of the men announced
positively that young Beman was right in his conjecture.
"They are most likely Britishers, who escaped from Ticonderoga, or have
come from Crown Point on their way to St. John in search of
reinforcements," Captain Baker cried excitedly, and orders were given
for the men to take to the oars.
Then ensued a chase which was quickly ended, owing to the precaution
taken by the Britishers themselves.
They had put into the cove hoping to escape detection, and it proved to
be a trap for them.
No sooner were the boats arrived off this place of refuge than Captain
Baker gave orders for them to be strung out in line, thus cutting off
all hope of escape by water, and in his own craft pulled near to where
the two boats, manned by seven soldiers, were drawn up as if prepared to
do battle.
It was soon evident they understood well the truth of the old adage that
"discretion is the better part of valor," for immediately Captain Baker
called upon them to surrender, they threw their arms into the bottom of
the boat in token of submission.
Nathan was most grievously disappointed. He had fancied there might be a
skirmish, or at least an exchange of shots, for until the morning when
Ticonderoga was taken so readily he had believed the king's soldiers to
be invincible, and even now he was not prepared to see them surrender to
a force little more than four times their number.
The prisoners readily answered the questions put by the captain.
They were from Crown Point, and having learned of the surrender of
Ticonderoga had been dispatched by the sergeant in command of the
garrison, for reinforcements.
They stated, in addition, that it was not believed those who had taken
Ticonderoga would push on to Crown Point immediately, consequently
plenty of time remained in which that post might be reinforced.
Therefore it was the sergeant in command had not hesitated to weaken his
small garrison by thus sending seven men on a mission which might more
readily have been accomplished by one.
"There is yet time for us to do Seth Warner a good turn," Captain Baker
cried sufficiently loud for all his men to hear. "It is more than likely
the garrison at Crown Point will hold out when the Green Mountain Boys
demand its surrender, believing reinforcements are, or speedily will be,
on the way. Now, instead of stopping at Ticonderoga, our plan is to push
directly on to the fort, and when it is known that we have captured the
messengers I reckon the fortification will be surrendered with but
little parley."
Although the captain had thus spoken as if making a suggestion, his men
understood that his words were little short of a command, and after
transferring the prisoners the fleet was gotten under way.
Thanks to the freshening wind the boats were soon making good time in
the race to overtake the force led by Seth Warner.
"And it is to be Crown Point for us, after all!" Nathan cried
exultantly, whereat, hearing the words, Captain Baker asked:
"What is your name, lad?"
"Nathan Beman from Shoreham."
"So? I knew your father was on the right side; but understood that you
and your mother were hardly to be trusted."
"I cannot say anything for mother; but since I have seen the king's
soldiers surrender so readily I am with the Green Mountain Boys and
those who share their opinions."
"When you are so nearly with them as to enlist, come to me, lad, and I
will give you a musket in the best company that can be found this side
of Cambridge."
Isaac looked at his new friend reproachfully, and the latter said with a
laugh:
"I know all you are thinking; but when I enlist, and it ain't certain
but that I shall do so soon if the people continue to hold out against
the king, I propose to set my name down for that company to which you
belong."
"Do so when we go back to the fort," Isaac cried gleefully, "and side by
side you and I will see many a brave adventure."
"But the trouble is we may see more than will be pleasing, though I
truly believe I shall enlist."
"And Corporal 'Lige shall teach us both a soldier's duty."
This proposition apparently did not meet with favor, for Nathan at once
changed the subject of the conversation by inquiring regarding the
probable condition of affairs at Crown Point, after which the boys
listened to the conversation of their companions as they spoke of
Lexington and Concord, and of what should be done to avenge the murders
committed there.
And now it came to pass that these two lads were most grievously
disappointed in their anticipations concerning the capture of the fort.
Probably each had in his mind the thought that he was to see somewhat of
war, more at least than had been witnessed at Ticonderoga; but it was
not to be.
As the little fleet approached the point, Warner and his men were just
disembarking.
Although Captain Baker's party was but a mile away at that time, when
they gained the shore the garrison had been surrendered without the
firing of a gun, and the booming of the cannon told that again were the
"imitation soldiers" successful in their efforts to teach his majesty a
lesson.
One hundred and fourteen cannon, of which sixty-one were fit for
service, were among the spoils on this morning, and after having made up
a list of such goods as were found in the fort, Seth Warner did the two
lads the great favor of sending them to Colonel Allen with the news of
the bloodless victory.
"Go you on ahead, lads," Captain Baker said when the boys had been
intrusted with the message. "I won't spoil a good fortune by seeming to
accompany you; but will linger here until you are well on the way, and
after having given Ethan Allen the best news he could possibly receive
at such a critical time, I very much question whether you may not ask
whatsoever you will from him."
Hurriedly the messengers departed in order that they might arrive well
in advance of Captain Baker's company, and when they were pulling down
the lake, Isaac said thoughtfully:
"You heard what Captain Baker said, that Colonel Allen might grant
anything we asked?"
"Yes, and I know what is in your mind this minute."
"Name it then."
"You think I am counting on asking him for money."
Isaac's face flushed and he made no reply.
"I might have done so a few days ago, but now I am coming around on the
same track with father, and say that the colonists do right in resisting
the king. If it so be he permits, I will enlist this day."
And Nathan Beman kept his promise, even going so far as to desire
Corporal 'Lige should stand sponsor for him when, the message having
been delivered, Colonel Allen thanked them again and again for the
cheering intelligence and asked what they would choose as their reward.
"Only the permission to enlist," Nathan said, and the colonel stared at
him in open-mouthed astonishment for several seconds, after which he
asked with a laugh:
"Are you not the same lad who so thirsted for money that he refused to
show the way into the fort unless first paid for his services?"
"Ay, sir; but I have come to think differently since then, and now I'm
going for a soldier, because it looks to me as if the colonists would
speedily worst the king."
"Whereas a few days ago it appeared to you that the boot was on the
other foot?"
"I did not think farmers could be turned into soldiers, sir."
"You may readily believe it now, lad, more especially since you have
seen how easy it is for one who was almost a royalist to become a good
American, and now I am speaking of yourself. Enlist wherever you will,
and I will take it upon myself to see that both you lads rise in the
service as rapidly as you shall deserve."
THE END.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS
For Young People
BY POPULAR WRITERS,
*97-99-101 Reade Street, New York.*
*Bonnie Prince Charlie*: A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. By G. A.
HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service. The
boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is arrested for aiding a Jacobite
agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches Paris, and
serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills his father's foe in a
duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the adventures of Prince
Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scotland.
"Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of 'Quentin Durward.' The lad's
journey across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, make up as good a
narrative of the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of treatment
and variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed himself."--_Spectator._
*With Clive in India*; or, the Beginnings of an Empire. By G. A. HENTY.
With 12 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in India and
the close of his career was critical and eventful in the extreme. At its
commencement the English were traders existing on sufferance of the
native princes. At its close they were masters of Bengal and of the
greater part of Southern India. The author has given a full and accurate
account of the events of that stirring time, and battles and sieges
follow each other in rapid succession, while he combines with his
narrative a tale of daring and adventure, which gives a lifelike
interest to the volume.
"He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital importance,
and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself
is deeply interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with the
volume."--_Scotsman._
*The Lion of the North*: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars of
Religion. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by JOHN
SCHOeNBERG. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story Mr. Henty gives the history of the first part of the
Thirty Years' War. The issue had its importance, which has extended to
the present day, as it established religious freedom in Germany. The
army of the chivalrous king of Sweden was largely composed of Scotchmen,
and among these was the hero of the story.
"The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history, and as boys may
be trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardly fail to be
profited."--_Times._
*The Dragon and the Raven*; or, The Days of King Alfred. By G. A. HENTY.
With full-page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND, R.I. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle between
Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid picture of
the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the ravages of
the sea-wolves. The hero, a young Saxon thane, takes part in all the
battles fought by King Alfred. He is driven from his home, takes to the
sea and resists the Danes on their own element, and being pursued by
them up the Seine, is present at the long and desperate siege of Paris.
"Treated in a manner most attractive to the boyish reader."--_Athenaeum._
*The Young Carthaginian*: A Story of the Times of Hannibal. By G. A.
HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND, R.I. 12mo,
cloth, price $1.00.
Boys reading the history of the Punic Wars have seldom a keen
appreciation of the merits of the contest. That it was at first a
struggle for empire, and afterward for existence on the part of
Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skillful general, that he
defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and Cannae, and all but
took Rome, represents pretty nearly the sum total of their knowledge. To
let them know more about this momentous struggle for the empire of the
world Mr. Henty has written this story, which not only gives in graphic
style a brilliant description of a most interesting period of history,
but is a tale of exciting adventure sure to secure the interest of the
reader.
"Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing stays the
interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream whose
current varies in direction, but never loses its force."--_Saturday
Review._
*In Freedom's Cause*: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G. A. HENTY. With
full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish War
of Independence. The extraordinary valor and personal prowess of Wallace
and Bruce rival the deeds of the mythical heroes of chivalry, and indeed
at one time Wallace was ranked with these legendary personages. The
researches of modern historians have shown, however, that he was a
living, breathing man--and a valiant champion. The hero of the tale
fought under both Wallace and Bruce, and while the strictest historical
accuracy has been maintained with respect to public events, the work is
full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild adventure.
"It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest and most
remarkable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a boy,
once he has begun it, will not willingly put on one side."--_The
Schoolmaster._
*With Lee in Virginia*: A Story of the American Civil War. By G. A.
HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
The story of a young Virginian planter, who, after bravely proving his
sympathy with the slaves of brutal masters, serves with no less courage
and enthusiasm under Lee and Jackson through the most exciting events of
the struggle. He has many hairbreadth escapes, is several times wounded
and twice taken prisoner; but his courage and readiness and, in two
cases, the devotion of a black servant and of a runaway slave whom he
had assisted, bring him safely through all difficulties.
"One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The
picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic
incidents are skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm of
the story."--_Standard._
*By England's Aid*; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-1604). By
G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE, and Maps.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The story of two English lads who go to Holland as pages in the service
of one of "the fighting Veres." After many adventures by sea and land,
one of the lads finds himself on board a Spanish ship at the time of the
defeat of the Armada, and escapes only to fall into the hands of the
Corsairs. He is successful in getting back to Spain under the protection
of a wealthy merchant and regains his native country after the capture
of Cadiz.
"It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring
incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the
scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its
attractiveness."--_Boston Gazette._
*By Right of Conquest*; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By G. A. HENTY. With
full-page Illustrations by W. S. STACEY, and Two Maps. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.50.
The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under the
magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightly ranked among the most
romantic and daring exploits in history. With this as the groundwork of
his story Mr. Henty has interwoven the adventures of an English youth,
Roger Hawkshaw, the sole survivor of the good ship Swan, which had
sailed from a Devon port to challenge the mercantile supremacy of the
Spaniards in the New World. He is beset by many perils among the
natives, but is saved by his own judgment and strength, and by the
devotion of an Aztec princess. At last by a ruse he obtains the
protection of the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico he succeeds in
regaining his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec bride.
"'By Right of Conquest' is the nearest approach to a
perfectly successful historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet
published."--_Academy._
*In the Reign of Terror*: The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. By G. A.
HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by J. SCHOeNBERG. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the chateau of
a French marquis, and after various adventures accompanies the family to
Paris at the crisis of the Revolution. Imprisonment and death reduce
their number, and the hero finds himself beset by perils with the three
young daughters of the house in his charge. After hairbreadth escapes
they reach Nantes. There the girls are condemned to death in the
coffin-ships, but are saved by the unfailing courage of their boy
protector.
"Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr.
Henty's record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and
peril they depict.... The story is one of Mr. Henty's best."--_Saturday
Review._
*With Wolfe in Canada*; or, The Winning of a Continent. By G. A. HENTY.
With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In the present volume Mr. Henty gives an account of the struggle between
Britain and France for supremacy in the North American continent. On the
issue of this war depended not only the destinies of North America, but
to a large extent those of the mother countries themselves. The fall of
Quebec decided that the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New
World; that Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the
nations of Europe; and that English and American commerce, the English
language, and English literature, should spread right round the globe.
"It is not only a lesson in history as instructively as it is
graphically told but also a deeply interesting and often thrilling tale
of adventure and peril by flood and field."--_Illustrated London News._
*True to the Old Flag*: A Tale of the American War of Independence. By
G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
In this story the author has gone to the accounts of officers who took
part in the conflict, and lads will find that in no war in which
American and British soldiers have been engaged did they behave with
greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of the book
being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures with the redskins
on the shores of Lake Huron, a story of exciting interest is interwoven
with the general narrative and carried through the book.
"Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British soldiers
during the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation. The son
of an American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the
hostile redskins in that very Huron country which has been endeared to
us by the exploits of Hawkeye and Chingachgook."--_The Times._
*The Lion of St. Mark*: A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth Century. By
G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor were put to
the severest tests. The hero displays a fine sense and manliness which
carry him safely through an atmosphere of intrigue, crime, and
bloodshed. He contributes largely to the victories of the Venetians at
Porto d'Anzo and Chioggia, and finally wins the band of the daughter of
one of the chief men of Venice.
"Every boy should read 'The Lion of St. Mark.' Mr. Henty has never
produced a story more delightful, more wholesome, or more
vivacious."--_Saturday Review._
*A Final Reckoning*: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. By G. A. HENTY.
With full-page Illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The hero, a young English lad after rather a stormy boyhood, emigrates
to Australia, and gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. A
few years of active work on the frontier, where he has many a brush with
both natives and bushrangers, gain him promotion to a captaincy, and he
eventually settles down to the peaceful life of a squatter.
"Mr. Henty has never published a more readable, a more carefully
constructed, or a better written story than this."--_Spectator._
*Under Drake's Flag*: A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A. HENTY. With
full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the supremacy
of the sea. The heroes sail as lads with Drake in the Pacific
expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. The historical
portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, but this will
perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of exciting adventure
through which the young heroes pass in the course of their voyages.
"A book of adventure, where the hero meets with experience enough, one
would think, to turn his hair gray."--_Harper's Monthly Magazine._
*By Sheer Pluck*: A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. HENTY. With
full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details
of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. His hero,
after many exciting adventures in the interior, is detained a prisoner
by the king just before the outbreak of the war, but escapes, and
accompanies the English expedition on their march to Coomassie.
"Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. 'By
Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."--_Athenaeum._
*By Pike and Dyke*: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic By G. A.
HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by MAYNARD BROWN, and 4 Maps. 12mo,
cloth, price $1.00.
In this story Mr. Henty traces the adventures and brave deeds of an
English boy in the household of the ablest man of his age--William the
Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea-captain, enters the
service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is employed by him in many
dangerous and responsible missions, in the discharge of which he passes
through the great sieges of the time. He ultimately settles down as Sir
Edward Martin.
"Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the
book while the rest who only care for adventure will be students in
spite of them selves."--_St. James' Gazette._
*St. George for England*: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By G. A. HENTY.
With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than
that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the destruction of
the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death; the Jacquerie rising;
these are treated by the author in "St. George for England." The hero of
the story, although of good family, begins life as a London apprentice,
but after countless adventures and perils becomes by valor and good
conduct the squire, and at last the trusted friend of the Black Prince.
"Mr. Henty has developed for himself a type of historical novel for boys
which bids fair to supplement, on their behalf, the historical labors of
Sir Walter Scott in the land of fiction."--_The Standard._
*Captain's Kidd's Gold*: The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea
of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy
Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming
eyes--sinister-looking fellows who once on a time haunted the Spanish
Main, sneaking out from some hidden creek in their long, low schooner,
of picaroonish rake and sheer, to attack an unsuspecting trading
craft. There were many famous sea rovers in their day, but none more
celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Perhaps the most fascinating tale of all
is Mr. Fitts' true story of an adventurous American boy, who receives
from his dying father an ancient bit of vellum, which the latter
obtained in a curious way. The document bears obscure directions
purporting to locate a certain island in the Bahama group, and a
considerable treasure buried there by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of
this book, Paul Jones Garry, is an ambitious, persevering lad, of
salt-water New England ancestry, and his efforts to reach the island
and secure the money form one of the most absorbing tales for our
youth that has come from the press.
*Captain Bayley's Heir*: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. By G.
A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a
considerable property. The former falls into a trap laid by the latter,
and while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves England for
America. He works his passage before the mast, joins a small band of
hunters, crosses a tract of country infested with Indians to the
Californian gold diggings, and is successful both as digger and trader.
"Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; and the
humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, the Westminster
dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled."--_Christian
Leader._
*For Name and Fame*; or, Through Afghan Passes. By G. A. HENTY. With
full page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero, after
being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the
Malays, finds his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regiment proceeding
to join the army at the Afghan passes. He accompanies the force under
General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, carried
to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes part in the
final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan.
"The best feature of the book--apart from the interest of its scenes of
adventure--is its honest effort to do justice to the patriotism of the
Afghan people."--_Daily News._
*Captured by Apes*: The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal Trainer.
By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, $1.00.
The scene of this tale is laid on an island in the Malay Archipelago.
Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, of New York, sets
sail for Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. The
vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo and young Garland, the sole
survivor of the disaster, is cast ashore on a small island, and captured
by the apes that overrun the place. The lad discovers that the ruling
spirit of the monkey tribe is a gigantic and vicious baboon, whom he
identifies as Goliah, an animal at one time in his possession and with
whose instruction he had been especially diligent. The brute recognizes
him, and with a kind of malignant satisfaction puts his former master
through the same course of training he had himself experienced with a
faithfulness of detail which shows how astonishing is monkey
recollection. Very novel indeed is the way by which the young man
escapes death. Mr. Prentice has certainly worked a new vein on juvenile
fiction, and the ability with which he handles a difficult subject
stamps him as a writer of undoubted skill.
*The Bravest of the Brave*; or, With Peterborough in Spain. By G. A.
HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so completely
fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. This is
largely due to the fact that they were overshadowed by the glory and
successes of Marlborough. His career as general extended over little
more than a year, and yet, in that time, he showed a genius for warfare
which has never been surpassed.
"Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work--to
enforce the doctrine of courage and truth. Lads will read 'The Bravest
of the Brave' with pleasure and profit; of that we are quite
sure."--_Daily Telegraph._
*The Cat of Bubastes*: A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G. A. HENTY. With
full-page Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight into the
customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the Rebu nation, is
carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery. They become inmates of
the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high-priest, and are happy in his
service until the priest's son accidentally kills the sacred cat of
Bubastes. In an outburst of popular fury Ameres is killed, and it rests
with Jethro and Amuba to secure the escape of the high-priest's son and
daughter.
"The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred cat to
the perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skillfully
constructed and full of exciting adventures. It is admirably
illustrated."--_Saturday Review._
*With Washington at Monmouth*: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By
JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Three Philadelphia boys, Seth Graydon "whose mother conducted a
boarding-house which was patronized by the British officers;" Enoch
Ball, "son of that Mrs. Ball whose dancing school was situated on
Letitia Street," and little Jacob, son of "Chris, the Baker," serve as
the principal characters. The story is laid during the winter when Lord
Howe held possession of the city, and the lads aid the cause by
assisting the American spies who make regular and frequent visits from
Valley Forge. One reads here of home-life in the captive city when bread
was scarce among the people of the lower classes, and a reckless
prodigality shown by the British officers, who passed the winter in
feasting and merry-making while the members of the patriot army but a
few miles away were suffering from both cold and hunger. The story
abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully drawn, and the
glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given show that the work has
not been hastily done, or without considerable study.
*For the Temple*: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. HENTY. With
full-page Illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable and
attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the march of
the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of Jerusalem, form
the impressive and carefully studied historic setting to the figure of
the lad who passes from the vineyard to the service of Josephus, becomes
the leader of a guerrilla band of patriots, fights bravely for the
Temple, and after a brief term of slavery at Alexandria, returns to his
Galilean home with the favor of Titus.
"Mr. Henty's graphic prose pictures of the hopeless Jewish resistance to
Roman sway add another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the
world."--_Graphic._
*Facing Death*: or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of the Coal
Mines. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that a
lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise in
life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship to
carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the story
is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, generous, and though
"shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of
duty.
"The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there is much
reality in the characters. If any father, clergyman, or schoolmaster is
on the lookout for a good book to give as a present to a boy who is
worth his salt, this is the book we would recommend."--_Standard._
*Tom Temple's Career.* By Horatio Alger. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Tom Temple, a bright, self-reliant lad, by the death of his father
becomes a boarder at the home of Nathan Middleton, a penurious insurance
agent. Though well paid for keeping the boy, Nathan and his wife
endeavor to bring Master Tom in line with their parsimonious habits. The
lad ingeniously evades their efforts and revolutionizes the household.
As Tom is heir to $40,000, he is regarded as a person of some importance
until by an unfortunate combination of circumstances his fortune shrinks
to a few hundreds. He leaves Plympton village to seek work in New York,
whence he undertakes an important mission to California, around which
center the most exciting incidents of his young career. Some of his
adventures in the far west are so startling that the reader will
scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been reached. The
tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style, and is bound to
please the very large class of boys who regard this popular author as a
prime favorite.
*Maori and Settler*: A Story of the New Zealand War. By G. A. HENTY.
With full-page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The Renshaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of the war with
the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, courageous lad, is the
mainstay of the household. He has for his friend Mr. Atherton, a
botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and unfailing nerve and
humor. In the adventures among the Maoris, there are many breathless
moments in which the odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they
succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasant New
Zealand valleys.
"Brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting conversation, and
vivid pictures of colonial life."--_Schoolmaster._
*Julian Mortimer*: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune. By HARRY
CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Here is a story that will warm every boy's heart. There is mystery
enough to keep any lad's imagination wound up to the highest pitch. The
scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi River, in the days when
emigrants made their perilous way across the great plains to the land of
gold. One of the startling features of the book is the attack upon the
wagon train by a large party of Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon
nerve and pluck, a brave young American in every sense of the word. He
enlists and holds the reader's sympathy from the outset. Surrounded by
an unknown and constant peril, and assisted by the unswerving fidelity
of a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the most
happy results. Harry Castlemon has written many entertaining stories for
boys, and it would seem almost superfluous to say anything in his
praise, for the youth of America regard him as a favorite author.
"*Carrots*:" Just a Little Boy. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. With Illustrations
by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
"One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been our good
fortune to meet with for some time. Carrots and his sister are
delightful little beings, whom to read about is at once to become very
fond of."--_Examiner._
"A genuine children's book; we've seen 'em seize it, and read it
greedily. Children are first-rate critics, and thoroughly appreciate
Walter Crane's illustrations."--_Punch._
*Mopsa the Fairy.* By JEAN INGELOW. With Eight page Illustrations. 12mo,
cloth, price 75 cents.
"Mrs. Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living writers
for children, and 'Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind of
pre-emptive right to the love and gratitude of our young folks. It
requires genius to conceive a purely imaginary work which must of
necessity deal with the supernatural, without running into a mere riot
of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss Ingelow has and the story of
'Jack' is as careless and joyous, but as delicate as a picture of
childhood."--_Eclectic._
*A Jaunt Through Java*: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain.
By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The central interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures
of two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the
island of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where
the Royal Bengal tiger runs at large; where the rhinoceros and other
fierce beasts are to be met with at unexpected moments; it is but
natural that the heroes of this book should have a lively experience.
Hermon not only distinguishes himself by killing a full-grown tiger at
short range, but meets with the most startling adventure of the journey.
There is much in this narrative to instruct as well as entertain the
reader, and so deftly has Mr. Ellis used his material that there is not
a dull page in the book. The two heroes are brave, manly young fellows,
bubbling over with boyish independence. They cope with the many
difficulties that arise during the trip in a fearless way that is bound
to win the admiration of every lad who is so fortunate as to read their
adventures.
*Wrecked on Spider Island*; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By
JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A "down-east" plucky lad who ships as cabin boy, not from love of
adventure, but because it is the only course remaining by which he can
gain a livelihood. While in his bunk, seasick, Ned Rogers hears the
captain and mate discussing their plans for the willful wreck of the
brig in order to gain the insurance. Once it is known he is in
possession of the secret the captain maroons him on Spider Island,
explaining to the crew that the boy is afflicted with leprosy. While
thus involuntarily playing the part of a Crusoe, Ned discovers a wreck
submerged in the sand, and overhauling the timbers for the purpose of
gathering material with which to build a hut finds a considerable amount
of treasure. Raising the wreck; a voyage to Havana under sail; shipping
there a crew and running for Savannah; the attempt of the crew to seize
the little craft after learning of the treasure on board, and, as a
matter of course, the successful ending of the journey, all serve to
make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious boy could
desire.
*Geoff and Jim*: A Story of School Life. By ISMAY THORN. Illustrated by
A. G. WALKER. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
"This is a prettily told story of the life spent by two motherless
bairns at a small preparatory school. Both Geoff and Jim are very
lovable characters, only Jim is the more so; and the scrapes he sets
into and the trials he endures will, no doubt, interest a large circle
of young readers."--_Church Times._
"This is a capital children's story, the characters well portrayed, and
the book tastefully bound and well illustrated."--_Schoolmaster._
"The story can, be heartily recommended as a present for
boys."--_Standard._
*The Castaways*; or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
This tale smacks of the salt sea. It is just the kind of story that the
majority of boys yearn for. From the moment that the Sea Queen dispenses
with the services of the tug in lower New York bay till the breeze
leaves her becalmed off the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the
whistle of the wind through her rigging, the creak of her straining
cordage as she heels to the leeward, and feel her rise to the
snow-capped waves which her sharp bow cuts into twin streaks of foam.
Off Marquesas Keys she floats in a dead calm. Ben Clark, the hero of the
story, and Jake, the cook, spy a turtle asleep upon the glassy surface
of the water. They determine to capture him, and take a boat for that
purpose, and just as they succeed in catching him a thick fog cuts them
off from the vessel, and then their troubles begin. They take refuge on
board a drifting hulk, a storm arises and they are cast ashore upon a
low sandy key. Their adventures from this point cannot fail to charm the
reader. As a writer for young people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. His
style is captivating, and never for a moment does he allow the interest
to flag. In "The Castaways" he is at his best.
*Tom Thatcher's Fortune.* By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
Like all of Mr. Alger's heroes, Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious,
unselfish boy. He supports his mother and sister on meager wages earned
as a shoe-pegger in John Simpson's factory. The story begins with Tom's
discharge from the factory, because Mr. Simpson felt annoyed with the
lad for interrogating him too closely about his missing father. A few
days afterward Tom learns that which induces him to start overland for
California with the view of probing the family mystery. He meets with
many adventures. Ultimately he returns to his native village, bringing
consternation to the soul of John Simpson, who only escapes the
consequences of his villainy by making full restitution to the man whose
friendship he had betrayed. The story is told in that entertaining way
which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many homes.
*Birdie*: A Tale of Child Life. By H. L. CHILDE-PEMBERTON. Illustrated
by H. W. RAINEY. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
"The story is quaint and simple, but there is a freshness about it that
makes one hear again the ringing laugh and the cheery shout of children
at play which charmed his earlier years."--_New York Express._
*Popular Fairy Tales.* By the BROTHERS GRIMM. Profusely Illustrated,
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"From first to last, almost without exception, these stories are
delightful,"--_Athenaeum._
*With Lafayette at Yorktown*: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the
Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The two boys are from Portsmouth, N. H., and are introduced in August,
1781, when on the point of leaving home to enlist in Col. Scammell's
regiment, then stationed near New York City. Their method of traveling
is on horseback, and the author has given an interesting account of what
was expected from boys in the Colonial days. The lads, after no slight
amount of adventure, are sent as messengers--not soldiers--into the
south to find the troops under Lafayette. Once with that youthful
general they are given employment as spies, and enter the British camp,
bringing away valuable information. The pictures of camp-life are
carefully drawn, and the portrayal of Lafayette's character is
thoroughly well done. The story is wholesome in tone, as are all of Mr.
Otis' works. There is no lack of exciting incident which the youthful
reader craves, but it is healthful excitement brimming with facts which
every boy should be familiar with, and while the reader is following the
adventures of Ben Jaffreys and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of
historical lore which will remain in his memory long after that which he
has memorized from text-books has been forgotten.
*Lost in the Canon*: Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great Colorado. By
ALFRED R. CALHOUN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, and the
fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad dies before
he shall have reached his majority. The Vigilance Committee of Hurley's
Gulch arrest Sam's father and an associate for the crime of murder.
Their lives depend on the production of the receipt given for money
paid. This is in Sam's possession at the camp on the other side of the
canon. A messenger is dispatched to get it. He reaches the lad in the
midst of a fearful storm which floods the canon. His father's peril
urges Sam to action. A raft is built on which the boy and his friends
essay to cross the torrent. They fail to do so, and a desperate trip
down the stream ensues. How the party finally escape from the horrors of
their situation and Sam reaches Hurley's Gulch in the very nick of time,
is described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. Calhoun as a master of
his art.
*Jack*: A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. CRAWLEY-BOEVEY. With upward of
Thirty Illustrations by H. J. A. MILES. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
"The illustrations deserve particular mention, as they add largely to
the interest of this amusing volume for children. Jack falls asleep with
his mind full of the subject of the fishpond, and is very much surprised
presently to find himself an inhabitant of Waterworld, where he goes
though wonderful and edifying adventures. A handsome and pleasant
book."--_Literary World._
*Search for the Silver City*: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By JAMES
OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Two American lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam
yacht Day Dream for a short summer cruise to the tropics. Homeward bound
the yacht is destroyed by fire. All hands take to the boats, but during
the night the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They come across a
young American named Cummings, who entertains them with the story of the
wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians. Cummings proposes
with the aid of a faithful Indian ally to brave the perils of the swamp
and carry off a number of the golden images from the temples. Pursued
with relentless vigor for days their situation is desperate. At last
their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. Mr. Otis has built
his story on an historical foundation. It is so full of exciting
incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the novelty and
realism of the narrative.
*Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.* By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
Thrown upon his own resources Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely
determines to make a living for himself and his foster-sister Grace.
Going to New York he obtains a situation as cash boy in a dry goods
store. He renders a service to a wealthy old gentleman named Wharton,
who takes a fancy to the lad. Frank, after losing his place as cash boy,
is enticed by an enemy to a lonesome part of New Jersey and held a
prisoner. This move recoils upon the plotter, for it leads to a clue
that enables the lad to establish his real identity. Mr. Alger's stories
are not only unusually interesting, but they convey a useful lesson of
pluck and manly independence.
*Budd Boyd's Triumph*; or, the Boy Firm of Fox Island. By WILLIAM P.
CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett Bay,
and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. Owing to the
conviction of his father for forgery and theft, Budd Boyd is compelled
to leave his home and strike out for himself. Chance brings Budd in
contact with Judd Floyd. The two boys, being ambitious and clear
sighted, form a partnership to catch and sell fish. The scheme is
successfully launched, but the unexpected appearance on the scene of
Thomas Bagsley, the man whom Budd believes guilty of the crimes
attributed to his father, leads to several disagreeable complications
that nearly caused the lad's ruin. His pluck and good sense, however,
carry him through his troubles. In following the career of the boy firm
of Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful lesson--that
industry and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate success.
*The Errand Boy*; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart
country lad who at an early age was abandoned by his father. Philip was
brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named Brent. The death of Mrs.
Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent troubles. Accident
introduces him to the notice of a retired merchant in New York, who not
only secures him the situation of errand boy but thereafter stands as
his friend. An unexpected turn of fortune's wheel, however, brings
Philip and his father together. In "The Errand Boy" Philip Brent is
possessed of the same sterling qualities so conspicuous in all of the
previous creations of this delightful writer for our youth.
*The Slate Picker*: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. By
HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. There
are many thrilling situations, notably that of Ben Burton's leap into
the "lion's mouth"--the yawning shute in the breakers--to escape a
beating at the hands of the savage Spilkins, the overseer. Gracie Gordon
is a little angel in rags, Terence O'Dowd is a manly, sympathetic lad,
and Enoch Evans, the miner-poet, is a big-hearted, honest fellow, a true
friend to all whose burdens seem too heavy for them to bear. Ben Burton,
the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he advanced
step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the position of
chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company.
*A Runaway Brig*; or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
"A Runaway Brig" is a sea tale, pure and simple, and that's where it
strikes a boy's fancy. The reader can look out upon the wide shimmering
sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with
Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob
Brace, on the brig Bonita, which lands on one of the Bahama keys.
Finally three strangers steal the craft, leaving the rightful owners to
shift for themselves aboard a broken-down tug. The boys discover a
mysterious document which enables them to find a buried treasure, then a
storm comes on and the tug is stranded. At last a yacht comes in sight
and the party with the treasure is taken off the lonely key. The most
exacting youth is sure to be fascinated with this entertaining story.
*Fairy Tales and Stories.* By HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN. Profusely
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"If I were asked to select a child's library I should name these three
volumes 'English,' 'Celtic,' and 'Indian Fairy Tales,' with Grimm and
Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales."--_Independent._
*The Island Treasure*; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By FRANK H. CONVERSE.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Harry Darrel, an orphan, having received a nautical training on a
school-ship, is bent on going to sea with a boyish acquaintance named
Dan Plunket. A runaway horse changes his prospects. Harry saves Dr.
Gregg from drowning and the doctor presents his preserver with a bit of
property known as Gregg's Island, and makes the lad sailing-master of
his sloop yacht. A piratical hoard is supposed to be hidden somewhere on
the island. After much search and many thwarted plans, at last Dan
discovers the treasure and is the means of finding Harry's father. Mr.
Converse's stories possess a charm of their own which is appreciated by
lads who delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt water.
*The Boy Explorers*: The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. By HARRY
PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel from San Francisco to
Alaska to join their father in search of their uncle, who, it is
believed, was captured and detained by the inhabitants of a place called
the "Heart of Alaska." On their arrival at Sitka the boys with an Indian
guide set off across the mountains. The trip is fraught with perils that
test the lads' courage to the utmost. Reaching the Yukon River they
build a raft and float down the stream, entering the Mysterious River,
from which they barely escape with their lives, only to be captured by
natives of the Heart of Alaska. All through their exciting adventures
the lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolution,
and their experience makes one of the most interesting tales ever
written.
*The Treasure Finders*: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By JAMES OTIS.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's
indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The
boys eagerly explore the dismantled temples of an extinct race and
discover three golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the
greatest difficulty; by taking advantage of a festive gathering they
seize a canoe and fly down the river. Eventually they reach safety with
their golden prizes. Mr. Otis is the prince of story tellers, for he
handles his material with consummate skill. We doubt if he has ever
written a more entertaining story than "The Treasure Finders."
*Household Fairy Tales.* By the BROTHERS GRIMM. Profusely Illustrated,
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages this
work ranks second to none."--_Daily Graphic._
*Dan the Newsboy.* By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The reader is introduced to Dan Mordaunt and his mother living in a poor
tenement, and the lad is pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling
papers in the streets of New York. A little heiress of six years is
confided to the care of the Mordaunts. At the same time the lad obtains
a position in a wholesale house. He soon demonstrates how valuable he is
to the firm by detecting the bookkeeper in a bold attempt to rob his
employers. The child is kidnaped and Dan tracks the child to the house
where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little
heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities that
she adopts him as her heir, and the conclusion of the book leaves the
hero on the high road to every earthly desire.
*Tony the Hero*: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By HORATIO ALGER,
JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal, shiftless and lazy, spending his time
tramping about the country. After much abuse Tony runs away and gets a
job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large estate in
England, and certain persons find it necessary to produce proof of the
lad's death. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws him
down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him,
and by a brave act makes a rich friend, with whom he goes to England,
where he secures his rights and is prosperous. The fact that Mr. Alger
is the author of this entertaining book will at once recommend it to all
juvenile readers.
*A Young Hero*; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from the
Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred Sheldon,
the hero of this story and a friend of the old ladies, undertakes to
discover the thieves and have them arrested. After much time spent in
detective work, he succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning
the reward for its restoration. During the narrative a circus comes to
town and a thrilling account of the escape of the lion from its cage,
with its recapture, is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every
boy will be glad to read this delightful book.
*The Days of Bruce*: A Story from Scottish History. By GRACE AGUILAR.
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"There is a delightful freshness, sincerity and vivacity about all of
Grace Aguilar's stories which cannot fail to win the interest and
admiration of every lover of good reading."--_Boston Beacon._
*Tom the Bootblack*; or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the bootblack. He was not at all
ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better
himself. His guardian, old Jacob Morton, died, leaving him a small sum
of money and a written confession that Tom, instead of being of humble
origin, was the son and heir of a deceased Western merchant, and had
been defrauded out of his just rights by an unscrupulous uncle. The lad
started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. But three years passed
away before he obtained his first clue. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did not
hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and
Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable fortune.
This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
*Captured by Zulus*: A story of Trapping in Africa. By HARRY PRENTICE.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob
Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa, for the purpose of obtaining a
supply of zoological curiosities. By stratagem the Zulus capture Dick
and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads
escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They
are pursued, and after a rough experience the boys eventually rejoin the
expedition and take part in several wild animal hunts. The Zulus finally
give up pursuit and the expedition arrives at the coast without further
trouble. Mr. Prentice has a delightful method of blending fact with
fiction. He tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure specimens on
their native stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very
entertaining reading.
*Tom the Ready*; or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder--the gate of the
poorhouse--to wealth and the governorship of his native State. Thomas
Seacomb begins life with a purpose. While yet a schoolboy he conceives
and presents to the world the germ of the Overland Express Co. At the
very outset of his career jealousy and craft seek to blast his promising
future. Later he sets out to obtain a charter for a railroad line in
connection with the express business. Now he realizes what it is to
match himself against capital. Yet he wins and the railroad is built.
Only an uncommon nature like Tom's could successfully oppose such a
combine. How he manages to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a
masterful way that thrills the reader and holds his attention and
sympathy to the end.
*Roy Gilbert's Search*: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. CHIPMAN.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges with
two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam launch. The
three boys leave Erie on the launch and visit many points of interest on
the lakes. Soon afterward the lad is conspicuous in the rescue of an
elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later on the cruise
of the launch is brought to a disastrous termination and the boys
narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly, self-reliant boy,
whose adventures will be followed with interest.
*The Young Scout*; The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By EDWARD S.
ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most
terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a
tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid.
The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point.
Ambitious to distinguish himself so as to win well-deserved promotion,
the young man takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and on
more than one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. The story
naturally abounds in thrilling situations, and being historically
correct, it is reasonable to believe it will find great favor with the
boys. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now
before the public.
*Adrift in the Wilds*: The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By EDWARD
S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00.
Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence, cousins and schoolmates, accompanied
by a lively Irishman called O'Rooney, are en route for San Francisco.
Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys and
their companion reach the shore with several of the passengers. While
O'Rooney and the lads are absent inspecting the neighborhood O'Rooney
has an exciting experience and young Brandon becomes separated from his
party. He is captured by hostile Indians, but is rescued by an Indian
whom the lads had assisted. This is a very entertaining narrative of
Southern California in the days immediately preceding the construction
of the Pacific railroads. Mr. Ellis seems to be particularly happy in
this line of fiction, and the present story is fully as entertaining as
anything he has ever written.
*The Red Fairy Book.* Edited by ANDREW LANG. Profusely Illustrated,
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"A gift-book that will charm any child, and all older folk who have been
fortunate enough to retain their taste for the old nursery
stories."--_Literary World._
*The Boy Cruisers*; or, Paddling in Florida. By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE.
12mo, cloth, price, $1.00.
Boys who like an admixture of sport and adventure will find this book
just to their taste. We promise them they will not go to sleep over the
rattling experiences of Andrew George and Roland Carter, who start on a
canoe trip along the Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their
first adventure is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next
they run into a gale in the Gulf and have a lively experience while it
lasts. After that they have a lively time with alligators and divers
varieties of the finny tribe. Andrew gets into trouble with a band of
Seminole Indians and gets away without having his scalp raised. After
this there is no lack of fun till they reach their destination. That Mr.
Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys is apparent at a glance,
and lads who are in search of a rare treat will do well to read this
entertaining story.
*Guy Harris*: The Runaway. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great Lakes.
His head became filled with quixotic notions of going West to hunt
grizzlies, in fact, Indians. He is persuaded to go to sea, and gets a
glimpse of the rough side of life in a sailor's boarding house. He ships
on a vessel and for five months leads a hard life. He deserts his ship
at San Francisco and starts out to become a backwoodsman, but rough
experiences soon cure him of all desire to be a hunter. At St. Louis he
becomes a clerk and for a time he yields to the temptations of a great
city. The book will not only interest boys generally on account of its
graphic style, but will put many facts before their eyes in a new light.
This is one of Castlemon's most attractive stories.
*The Train Boy.* By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and
sister by selling books and papers on one of the trains running between
Chicago and Milwaukee. He detects a young man named Luke Denton in the
act of picking the pocket of a young lady, and also incurs the enmity of
his brother Stephen, a worthless follow. Luke and Stephen plot to ruin
Paul, but their plans are frustrated. In a railway accident many
passengers are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago
merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his employ. Paul is sent
to manage a mine in Custer City and executes his commission with tact
and judgment and is well started on the road to business prominence.
This is one of Mr. Alger's most attractive stories and is sure to please
all readers.
*Joe's Luck*: A Boy's Adventures in California. By HORATIO ALGER, JR.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Without a doubt Joe Mason was a lucky boy, but he deserved the golden
chances that fell to his lot, for he had the pluck and ambition to push
himself to the front. Joe had but one dollar in the world when he stood
despondently on the California Mail Steamship Co.'s dock in New York
watching the preparations incident to the departure of the steamer. The
same dollar was still Joe's entire capital when he landed in the
bustling town of tents and one-story cabins--the San Francisco of '51,
and inside of the week the boy was proprietor of a small restaurant
earning a comfortable profit. The story is chock full of stirring
incidents, while the amusing situations are furnished by Joshua
Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles
himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never
writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly one of his best.
*Three Bright Girls*: A Story of Chance and Mischance. By ANNIE E.
ARMSTRONG. With full page Illustrations by W. PARKINSON. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
By a sudden turn of fortune's wheel the three heroines of this story are
brought down from a household of lavish comfort to meet the incessant
cares and worries of those who have to eke out a very limited income.
And the charm of the story lies in the cheery helpfulness of spirit
developed in the girls by their changed circumstances; while the author
finds a pleasant ending to all their happy makeshifts.
"The story is charmingly told, and the book can be warmly recommended as
a present for girls."--_Standard._
*Giannetta*: A Girl's Story of Herself. By ROSA MULHOLLAND. With
full-page Illustrations by LOCKHART BOGLE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The daughter of a gentleman, who had married a poor Swiss girl, was
stolen as an infant by some of her mother's relatives. The child having
died, they afterward for the sake of gain substitute another child for
it, and the changeling, after becoming a clever modeler of clay images,
is suddenly transferred to the position of a rich heiress. She develops
into a good and accomplished woman, and though the imposture of her
early friends is finally discovered, she has gained too much love and
devotion to be really a sufferer by the surrender of her estates.
"Extremely well told and full of interest. Giannetta is a true
heroine--warm-hearted, self-sacrificing, and, as all good women nowadays
are, largely touched with enthusiasm of humanity. The illustrations are
unusually good. One of the most attractive gift books of the
season."--_The Academy._
*Margery Merton's Girlhood.* By ALICE CORKRAN. With full-page
Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo. cloth, price $1.00.
The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her
father--an officer in India--to the care of an elderly aunt residing
near Paris. The accounts of the various persons who have an after
influence on the story, the school companions of Margery, the sisters of
the Conventual College of Art, the professor, and the peasantry of
Fontainebleau, are singularly vivid. There is a subtle attraction about
the book which will make it a great favorite with thoughtful girls.
"Another book for girls we can warmly commend. There is a delightful
piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young English girl who
studies painting in Paris."--_Saturday Review._
*Under False Colors*: A Story from Two Girls' Lives. By SARAH DOUDNEY.
With full-page Illustrations by G. G. KILBURNE. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
A story which has in it so strong a dramatic element that it will
attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The incidents of the
plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a deceptive freak, are
exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the narrative is sustained
from beginning to end.
"Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned stories--pure
in style, original in conception, and with skillfully wrought out plots;
but we have seen nothing equal in dramatic energy to this
book."--_Christian Leader._
*Down the Snow Stairs*; or, From Good-night to Good-morning. By ALICE
CORKRAN. With Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price 75
cents.
This is a remarkable story: full of vivid fancy and quaint originality.
In its most fantastic imaginings it carries with it a sense of reality,
and derives a singular attraction from that combination of simplicity,
originality, and subtle humor, which is so much appreciated by lively
and thoughtful children. Children of a larger growth will also be deeply
interested in Kitty's strange journey, and her wonderful experiences.
"Among all the Christmas volumes which the year has brought to our
table this one stands out _facile princeps_--a gem of the first water,
bearing upon every one of its pages the signet mark of genius.... All
is told with such simplicity and perfect naturalness that the dream
appears to be a solid reality. It is indeed a Little Pilgrim's
Progress."--_Christian Leader._
*The Tapestry Room*: A Child's Romance. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated
by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
"Mrs. Molesworth is a charming painter of the nature and ways of
children; and she has done good service in giving us this charming
juvenile which will delight the young people."--_Athenaeum_, London.
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
List of changes from the printed edition (in parentheses the original
text):
p. 23: "completely" for "comletely" (comletely emptied)
p. 24: "soldier's" for "soldiers'" (would-be soldiers' throad)
p. 26: "surprised" for "suprised" (I shouldn't be suprised)
p. 81: added missing closing quote (fightin', the corporal began)
p. 118: "measured" for "measred" (he measred his patriotism)
p. 130: "questioned" for "qestioned" (he qestioned Isaac)
p. 163: "edge" for "ege" (to the water's ege)
p. 166: "the" for "he" (so did he startled redcoats)
p. 222: "young" for "Young" (about," Young Beman said)
p. 227: "it" for "is" (is is but proper)
p. 4' (ads): "." for ":" (Schoenberg: 12mo)
p. 10' (ads): "." for ":" (Schoenberg: 12mo)
p. 13' (ads): "Canon" for Canon (Lost in the Canon)