WASHINGTON, BOSTON AND PINCHBROOK
Though the session of Congress had closed a month before, Captain Somers
was gratified to learn on his arrival that Senator Guilford and his
family were still in Washington, the distinguished gentleman having been
detained by important public business. As soon as he could make himself
presentable, he hastened to pay his respects to the Senator, and thank
him for his kindness. He was not at home. Emma received him with a warm
blush of pleasure on her fair cheeks. She had entirely recovered from the
effects of the accident; and her tribute of gratitude was so eloquently
poured forth, that the gallant young captain, who had hardly seen a young
lady before for two months, could not exactly tell whether he stood on
his head or his heels; for praise from those beautiful lips produced a
sensation of giddiness in the region of the brain.
Young men will be silly in spite of all we dignified old fogies can say
to convince them of the folly of being carried away by the witching arts
of pretty, graceful little creatures like Emma Guilford. Perhaps the
remembrance of the scene on the railroad was some excuse for him; and it
is entirely unnecessary to apologize for anything a beautiful girl may
do, especially if she be the daughter of a Senator. The young lady said a
great many pretty things, and the young gentleman a great many smart
ones, before she discovered that the captain was wounded in the arm,
though she had already remarked upon his pale face and rather attenuated
form.
He told her when and where he was wounded; and of course she wanted to
know all about his adventures in Secessia. He was as willing as Othello
to speak
"Of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents, by flood and field;
Of hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach;
Of being taken by the insolent foe."
All this to hear did Emma Guilford seriously incline. But he had hardly
commenced the story before the Senator himself entered the room.
"Ah! Captain Somers, I am delighted to see you!" said he with enthusiasm,
as he extended his hand, which our hero as warmly grasped.
"Thank you, sir. I have called to express my obligations to you for all
your kindness to me and to my friend. Major de Banyan wished to be kindly
remembered to you."
"I am happy to hear from the major; and as for the rest, I feel that I
have not yet begun to discharge my obligation to you. Why didn't you
write to me before?"
"I did not wish to burden you with any remembrance of such a humble
individual as myself."
"You are too modest by half, Captain Somers. I should not have known
anything about you if it hadn't been for General---- Well, no matter
who," laughed the Senator.
"Now, papa, you have cut short the most interesting story that ever was
told!" interposed Emma.
"The captain must begin again, then. Of course, you will make my house
your home while in the city."
"Thank you, sir. I left my servant at the hotel"
Senator Guilford insisted on sending for the servant and the baggage;
and, in half an hour, Alick was present to confirm the wonderful tale
which Somers told of his captivity in Petersburg, to which Emma and her
father listened with the most intense interest.
Very much to his surprise, Captain Somers found himself quite a lion in
Washington. He was introduced to Senators and Representatives; and on the
following evening actually took the President of the United States by the
hand, just as though he had been one of the patriarchs of Pinchbrook.
In spite of all these brilliant surroundings, Somers was anxious to get
home. He was too feeble to endure the excitement of the capital; and on
the third day after his arrival, he started for home. When he reached
Boston, by an unfortunate chance it was two hours before a train would
start for Pinchbrook. As he had spent two days with a Senator in
Washington, and shaken hands with the President, he deemed himself
qualified to call at No. -- Rutland Street, where the carriage soon set
him down.
Lilian Ashford was at home; and Captain Somers, who had faced a whole
rebel brigade, trembled and blushed in the presence of the maiden like
the veriest coward in the world. But it was some satisfaction to know
that the other party was similarly affected. The young hero could not
exactly explain how he felt. It was a different sensation from that which
had come over him in the presence of Emma Guilford. He experienced a
feeling of awe before her, but he could talk as fast as ever; while to
Lilian he stammered, couldn't remember anything, and made woful confusion
in his words and in his ideas.
When the ice was broken, he succeeded in telling her something about his
adventures in Virginia, and roused a very strong desire in her mind to
see the wonderful Major de Banyan. But his brief hour expired all too
soon; it faded in a moment, and seemed like a tale that was told.
"I wore your socks at the battles of Savage's Station, Glendale and White
Oak Swamp, Miss Ashford," said he; "and I shall keep them for future
service of the same kind. If I am killed in battle, I shall be found with
those socks on my feet."
"Oh, I hope you won't be killed!" exclaimed she with a shudder.
"Well, I hope not; but, as soon as I am able, I shall return to my duty."
"What a brave fellow you are! I shouldn't think you would dare to stand
up before the cannons, and the muskets, and the bayonets."
"When I feel like running away, I always think of my socks," said Somers.
But the carriage had come for him, and Alick stood at the door waiting
for his appearance. He took the little soft white hand in his own, and
readily promised, when she invited him, to call again soon and see her
grandmother, who was out of town that day. Of course, Somers was deeply
interested in that venerable lady, and actually looked forward with
intense pleasure to the anticipated visit.
He was driven to the railroad station, and reached Pinchbrook at "high
twelve," when the Pinchbrookers were just going to their dinners. Captain
Barney, as usual, was at the depot, and gave him a seaman's welcome home.
He insisted upon being driven to the cottage before dinner; and the old
shipmaster, finding that Captain Somers carried too many guns for him,
gracefully yielded the point.
"Bless my stars, if there ain't Thomas!" cried Mrs. Somers as she jumped
up from the dinner-table, and actually upset the teapot in the operation.
"How do you do, mother? How do you do, father?" exclaimed the young
captain as he shook hands with his father and Gran'ther Green, kissed his
mother, and hugged his sister.
"How pale you look, Thomas!" said his mother. "I declare, you are as thin
as a hatchet! How is your arm?"
"Better, mother; I shall be as good as new in a few days."
"You look pale; but your face is as nateral as life," said Gran'ther
Green. "I don't know what we shall do with two cap'ns in the family."
"I think we can manage that, gran'ther," replied Somers, as he took the
place at the table which had been prepared for him.
* * * * *
We drop the curtain upon the scenes which followed; for our patient
reader can better imagine than we can describe them. Our hero was once
more within the hallowed precincts of home; all its sacred joys flowed in
upon his soul; and he thanked the good Father who had conducted him
through so many perils, and restored him to the hearts of the loved ones
who yearned for him in his absence. They were as grateful for his return
as he was--grateful that God had restored him at all; but doubly so that
he had come with his soul unstained by the vices of the camp and the
wickedness of the great world.
The health of Captain Somers did not permit his return to the army to
participate in those great battles before Washington in which his
regiment was reduced to a mere skeleton of its former self. But, while
the country was breathing slowly and fearfully before the terrors of
Lee's invasion of Maryland, there came to Pinchbrook a letter from the
gallant general of division--now in command of a _corps d'armée_--under
whom he had before served, containing an appointment on his staff. Though
still but partially restored to health, he hastened to accept his new
position, and started at once for the scene of strife.
His suffering country needed him; and he could not satisfy his sense of
duty, even with the reasonable excuse of a shattered physical frame. He
went, and his record was always honorable and noble in success and in
misfortune.
THE END
* * * * * *
A. L. BURT'S CATALOGUE OF BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
BY POPULAR WRITERS, 52-58 DUANE STREET, NEW YORK
BOOKS FOR BOYS.
Joe's Luck: A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo,
cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
The story is chock fall 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.
Tom the Bootblack; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo,
cloth, illustrated, 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. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. 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.
Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
$1.00.
Dan Mordaunt and his mother live 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. The child is kidnapped 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.
Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of
Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away and gets
a Job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large estate.
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,
a rich friend secures his rights and Tony is prosperous. A very
entertaining book.
The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00.
The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a
smart country lad. 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. A retired merchant in New York secures him the
situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend.
Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
$1.00.
Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village to
seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to
California. 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.
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
BOOKS FOR BOYS.
Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth,
illustrated, price $1.00.
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 who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter helps the lad to
gain success and fortune.
Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated,
price $1.00.
Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his mother
and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John Simpson's
factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts overland for
California. He meets with many adventures. The story is told in a way
which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many homes.
The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price
$1.00.
Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother and
sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad.
He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a young lady.
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 succeeds with tact and judgment and is well started on
the road to business prominence.
Mark Mason's Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of a Telegraph Boy. By
Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily won
his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many difficulties.
This story will please the very large class of boys who regard Mr. Alger
as a favorite author.
A Debt of Honor. The Story of Gerald Lane's Success in the Far West. By
Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and
disappointments which he passed through before he attained success, will
interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful
author.
Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts, and
many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are most
interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most
fascinating style.
The Castaways; or, On the Florida Reefs. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
illustrated, price $1.00.
This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea Queen
leaves 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.
The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and Jake the cook,
cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr. Otis is
a prime favorite.
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
BOOKS FOR BOYS.
Wrecked on Spider Island; or, How Ned Rogers Found the Treasure. By James
Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn a
livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there discovers a
wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount of treasure.
The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the voyage serve to make
as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious boy could desire.
The Search for the Silver City: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By James
Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00.
Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam yacht Day Dream
for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyed by fire, and then the
boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They hear of the wonderful Silver
City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, and with the help of a faithful
Indian ally carry off a number of the golden images from the temples.
Pursued with relentless vigor at last their escape is effected in an
astonishing manner. The story is so full of exciting incidents that the
reader is quite carried away with the novelty and realism of the
narrative.
A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth,
illustrated, price $1.00.
This is a sea tale, and 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. The boys discover a mysterious document which enables
them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on an island and at last
are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure to be fascinated with
this entertaining story.
The Treasure Finders: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By James Otis.
12mo, cloth, illustrated, 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 temples of an extinct race and discover three golden
images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest difficulty.
Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We doubt if there
ever was written a more entertaining story than "The Treasure Finders."
Jack, the Hunchback. A Story of the Coast of Maine, By James Otis. Price
$1.00.
This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth, on
the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. 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.
With Washington at Monmouth: A Story of Three Philadelphia Boys. By James
Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular and
frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British occupied
the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully
drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given shown
that the work has not been hastily done, or without considerable study.
The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are all of Mr. Otis'
works.
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
BOOKS FOR BOYS.
With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the Continental
Army. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated,
price $1.50.
Two lads from Portmouth, N. H., attempt to enlist in the Colonial Army,
and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting incidents
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 Jaffrays 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 textbooks has been forgotten.
At the Siege of Havana. Being the Experiences of Three Boys Serving under
Israel Putnam in 1762. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine
edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
"At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the island's history
when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the assistance given
by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. Israel Putnam.
The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as
telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas Vallet.
Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, in the
tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on
historical facts.
The Defense of Fort Henry. A Story of Wheeling Creek in 1777. By James
Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or
thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women who
founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The recital
of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can be
imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch and his
gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice of
blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers.
The Capture of the Laughing Mary. A Story of Three New York Boys in 1776.
By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, price $1.50.
"During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the
Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's
person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They do
some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an American
navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the work. Mr. Otis'
books are too well known to require any particular commendation to the
young."--Evening Post.
With Warren at Bunker Hill. A Story of the Siege of Boston. By James Otis.
12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.50.
"This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after the
doings at Lexington and Concord, with a description of home life in
Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, shows
Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the battle of Bunker
Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The three heroes, George
Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, incur the enmity of a young
Tory, who causes them many adventures the boys will like to read."
--Detroit Free Press.
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.